Ahoooo

The MB dealership is two minutes from my house. I was looking over cars and there, my a miracle, is a brand new sliver C32 for $53k. The sales person said someone had waited 18 months for this build and they just cancelled because of stock market.

They also had the new 2002 CL 600 V12 right there which uses 6 cylinders and then the other 6 kick in when you need the extra power. They wanted $128k for that one.

First impression behind the wheel is a BORING ride compared to the M5 I drove a few weeks ago. See:
http://www.acura-cl.com/forums/showt...threadid=50729

I was in middle lane at a red light and pickup on the right tried to beat me out but no chance. I put pedal to floor, let the rubber rip, and flew rather nicely but with no real speed sensation. C32 did not have the neck snapping torque that the M5 displayed. Steering was tight and precise with small turning radius.

I only had about two miles on Route 95 before exit and heavy traffic so no place to open it way up so I played with Speed Shift. The engine did sound louder when downshifting and letting the Revs get up there but still no Killer sound like M5.

Maybe only being gone 20 minutes for the test drive was unfair but there just seemed to be something missing in the C32. My heart was just not thumping and I was just not in a daze like after the M5 test drive.

Likes:
Love MB Tele Aid (similar to GM Onstar) with automatic stolen vehicle tracking. C32 security has an angle sensor so if they try and put it on a flat bed the alarm goes off (is called towaway protection). "WHY CAN'T WE HAVE THESE FEATURES ON THE CL-S!"
349 hp gives you 0-60 in 4.7 (same as M3 & M5)
AMG-enhanced 5 speed auto with SpeedShift was the quietest and smoothest auto I've ever seen. Supposed to be even quicker than a Manual shift. Speedshift was quicker than our Sport Shift.
Safety features galore in entire car, 10 air bags, plus doors guaranteed to open in an accident.
No oil dip stick, computer tells you when it is low.
Telescopic steering wheel was nice.
Multifunction display in speedometer face has about six pages you go through with button on steering wheel - getting some great info about car.

Dislikes:
Wheels, Stereo, No Lumbar support in a $53k car (it is an option), idle sound was not as mean sounding as M5, No tan leather offered in AMG package (I thought CL-S interior and seat comfort was better), V6 needs Supercharger where E55 uses a V8 (rather have a V8), exterior styling does not stand out enough (no quad exhaust) or nice wheels, six CD changer in the huge glove compartment.

NOVAwhiteTypeS

hmm nice car. but the c32 and m5 is two totally diff cars.

4pumpedCL

I think I may cruise down the the BMW dealership and see if they're take me seriously enough to drive an M5 or M3.

Ahoooo

Hey 4pumpedCL:

I found that I spent 60 minutes just going over the features of the M5 and did not ask once to take it out. I waited for the salesman to ask me.
For the C32, I spent about 45 minutes going over the features and car and then asked can we go for a ride. He let me drive it right off the lot where the BMW salesman needed to drive it off the lot for me. I also mentioned that I was in the research phase and was looking to spend $xxxxx dollars but did not say when.

pgatour1

Bring the CL down, The rims and the lowering job will def. convince them. Go to Chapman BMW, But if you want to drive a SLK32AMG or CLK32AMG call me I know everyone at Schumucer (SP) they love us over there because of Tom, they gave us $7K off the S500 and Chrome AMG wheels free.

4pumpedCL

maybe if I borrow one of your 10 rolex watches they'll let me drive one.

pgatour1

HAHAHAH oh man thanks, that's gonna turn this post from a CLK post to a FLAME Anthony post. Focker hahah.

Nah I think the Rims on your car should be sufficent enough, Maybe if you bring your friend

4thGSi

Just to tell you I witness new C32 AMG in action at the 01 Battle of the Imports in Chicago. This dude's car was stock and run consistent of 13.7 1/4 mile, and he also beat TT supra(13.8or13.9).. Oh yea what does the new M3 run on 1/4 mile?

JRock

S500? Damn no wonder you can afford rolexes, money boy.

pgatour1

The new M3 and the SLK32AMG were both tested the same. flat to low 13s

astro

the c32 is not an M5 competitor...they aren't in the same class...the M3 is more in line with it tho...
still nice car, if that's you thing

Beltfed

Before my oldman bought his S500 (I foolishly talked him into it).....I went to the MB dealer to drive it, car was only out for like a month. At the time I rolled up in my Subaru 2.5RS (had a friend with me), drove right up to the front.

We went into to the dealer, sat in an S430....secretary came over right away to ask if we needed anything, I said "yes, I would like to drive an S500."

So a saleslady came over and introduced herself, asked for my license-we took a 20 minute ride in a new S500.

In my experience, I have never been ignored at a car dealer (whether I drive up in a $19k Subaru or a $75k Viper)....I find that at the high line stores, they ask you right away if you need assistance (unless its a busy weekend, I don't expect to be helped right away)- I find its a combination of 2 things, mainly good service and also a litttle of "letting you know that their watching (just in case your some kind of loser)."