2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

AMG C32 Sedan

3.2L V6 Cylinder Gasoline Fuel Supercharged

Automatic

WDBRF65J63F409677

Rear Wheel Drive

Gasoline

Power Windows

TITLE IN HAND, Ready to go! 2 sets of keys, Fresh tires !!!!!!!!!-No Reserve-!!!!!!!!!! VehicleModel year2003MakeMercedes-BenzModelC32 AMGStyleC32 AMG 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl S/C 5A)Base MSRP: $50,545DrivetrainDrive typeRWDEngine typeV6Displacement (cc/cu-in)3.2Horsepower (hp @ rpm)349 @ 6,100Torque (lb-ft @ rpm)332 @ 4,400Transmission type5-speed automaticChassisSuspension, frontIndependent three-link with coil springsSuspension, rearIndependent multilink with geometry for antiliftSteering typeRack-and-pinion with power assistTire size, front245/40ZR17Tire size, rear245/40ZR17Brakes, frontAMG-enhanced four-wheel discTrack Test Results0-45 mph (sec.)3.70-60 mph (sec.)5.40-75 mph (sec.)7.61/4-mile (sec. @ mph)13.8 @ 105.4Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.)3060-0 mph (ft.)118Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph)67.4Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g)35.3Sound level @ idle (dB)51@ Full throttle (dB)74@ 70 mph cruise (dB)77Test Driver Ratings & CommentsAcceleration commentsWe got our best number on the second attempt with the traction control switched off while trying to use a torque-brake start. We could not get the transmission to stall because just above 2,100 rpm, the passenger side tire started to spin so that the tranmission never did stall. We decided to get the rpm up to 1,500 which was the point at which you could hear the supercharger come up on boost and then back off 100 rpm and try to soft-launch it. Even with a softer launch we were not able to get the times as well as when we spun the tires noticably coming off the line on the second run. The transmission shifted just above red line with solid, crisp shifts but did not allow manual shifting, as it would just shift for you ignoring your desires to shift at a higher rpm. Still with shifting this good, who needs a manual shifter? Our only disappointment was not matching Mercedes' published times.Braking ratingExcellentBraking commentsOur shortest braking distance came on the fifth run, and it took until the sixth run for the number to increase, showing that not only was fade not an issue, but that the brakes worked better after repeated use. Under braking, you would get a very slight rumble noise from the ABS system accompanied by a slight vibration in the steering wheel and pedal, but nothing to cause concern. We experienced no noticable nose dive, which in turn contributed to the arrow-straight stablity, and excellent overall system feel.Handling ratingExcellentHandling commentsWe had nothing but praise for the C32 AMG on our handling course. Notes included statements like "excellent balance, no body roll, awesome tire stick and an excellent rack-and-pinion steering system." The steering showed the difference between the C32 and the SLK32, which proved that the SLK32 could really use the upgrade to this type of steering. The torque-enhanced supercharged engine was able to take full advantage of the wonderful chassis balance, which in turn allowed us to use a very controlled point-and-squeeze technique for driving the car through the cones. This car produced some of the fastest times through the cones we have ever generated. Who would have ever thought that a Mercedes-Benz could have equal or better balance than a BMW M3? It does! — Neil G. Chirico