Wow - Watch out for a MB C32 "AMG" - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

skstx · 9th March 2004, 09:14

Hey guys - I had a brief "run in" today with a Benz C32 AMG....this car was fast! I don't know much about the MB's (other than their heavily advertised E55 Monster), but it must have had something special under the hood! It took off like a rocket. I did not really try to race him, but if I had, I'm not sure I would have won this one.

Ahmed · 9th March 2004, 09:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by skstx

Hey guys - I had a brief "run in" today with a Benz C32 AMG....this car was fast! I don't know much about the MB's (other than their heavily advertised E55 Monster), but it must have had something special under the hood! It took off like a rocket. I did not really try to race him, but if I had, I'm not sure I would have won this one.

The C32's performance is quite similar to that of an M3. So had you tried to race him, he would have probably pulled away the first 100 meters, but then the V8 would have simply reeled him in up through the gears!

M5Phil · 9th March 2004, 16:52

I use to have a C32, they are quick although only quick on a straight
line, in addition on the highway the M5 walks it. On the other hand, I have
smoked M3's with it before.

TexasM5 · 9th March 2004, 22:19

I also have had a relatively easy time walking away from a C32 at highway speeds. It is, however, a nice, quick car.

TexasM5

M5Kid · 10th March 2004, 02:19

In stock form the M5 would walk away from a C32 in the straights and twisties. But the C32 can be modified by Renntech, Evosport, etc. with new ECU and pulleys and put out around 390+ hp. Maybe somebody from Evosport can jump in here about their packages for the C32?

Bottom line, a "Stage 1" C32 will pull on an M5.

-Travis

M Cinco · 10th March 2004, 02:26

The c32 has a supercharged v6 making 349hp i forget the torque rating but its fast as you know.

MEnthusiast · 10th March 2004, 04:05

I had a C32 get the jump on me while I was driving the Z8. I was in my own world and I noticed him coming and then going by very fast. I needed quite a bit of road to catch him and then we hit traffic.... yes, its a fast car.

Brother Methias · 10th March 2004, 08:27

last time i drove one i could scare myself when i floored it.. i can't say i've been able to do that in the m5 ( i know, so scientific..) I'm hoping to get that feeling from the m5 after installing the 3.45 diff.

Ahmed · 10th March 2004, 16:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by MEnthusiast

I had a C32 get the jump on me while I was driving the Z8. I was in my own world and I noticed him coming and then going by very fast. I needed quite a bit of road to catch him and then we hit traffic.... yes, its a fast car.

Any idea as to what the result may be racing the Z8 with an M5? I was told by someone that the would have an upper hand at top end speed!

MEnthusiast · 10th March 2004, 19:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ahmed

Any idea as to what the result may be racing the Z8 with an M5? I was told by someone that the would have an upper hand at top end speed!

Heres how I see it shake out- comparing stock car to stock car.

Z8: Pros:
* Lighter
* Shorter shifter
* Better steering feeling and weighting

Cons:
* CDV- affects shifting
* open differential- makes putting the power down more tricky than in the M5
* run flat tires- not as grippy as "regular" tires.
* Extremely un aerodynamic

M5: Pros
* No CDV
* regular tires
* M Variable Limited Slip Differential
* Heavier- more weight to keep the rear tires planted.
* Relatively aerodynamic

Cons:
* Heavier
* Longer throw shifter
* Steering not as percise feeling

Thoughts- if its stock to stock- Ill bet the M5 will win out in a straight line over most any distance. In a short distance race the M5 has better tires and the LSD going for it. It has weight against it. Over a longer distance, it has those advantages for the start and better aerodynamics for the higher speeds. In The corners, the Z8 is hurt by its open differential and run flat tires.

Yet, I think BMW has the Z8 doing the 'Ring in better times than the M5. One question to ask is- are they using regular tires or the OEM run flats. I would guess its regular tires.

I love the Z8- but its not raw performance- theres a lot of romantacism in there- mixed in with the relative ease of owning a BMW. (and I should say the performance that is there is more than enough for me)

The mods I see the most people doing to the Z8 are:
1- the tires for obvious reasons
2- the CDV- check out Dave Zeckhausen's website for more info.
3- engine software
4- suspension mods (sway bars, etc)
5- exhaust- make it LOUDER!
6- more extreme engine tuning (blowers, etc)

I have done #2 and I will do #1 soon. I may look into #4 but thats it.

The short version of the Z8 story is that the Z8 started out life not as a die hard performance vehicle- but some of the enthusiasts inside the company got their wish to drop the S62 engine from the M5 into it. However, the standard BMW compromises are in the Z8 that are not in the M5: CDV, open differential, tires. I dont think BMW was wrong to think the Z8 customer wouldnt drive it quite as hard as a M car, but I think with all that power, they should have given a LSD. I can understand the run flats- as there is no room for a spare and you dont want stories running in the news papers on how the most expensive BMW leaves its well-heeled owners stranded because of a nail in the road....