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C43 AMG Convertible

MA1601

New Member
Joined
Oct 20, 2019
Messages
3
Location
West Midlands
Car
BMW 435i
Hello all

New to the forum and currently own a 2014 BMW 435i M Sport convertible. Had the car for almost 2 years and absolutely love it but feeling a change. I’ve found a love for convertibles so that’s one thing that will be staying the same.

I’ve been drawn to the C43. I intend to test drive one in the coming weeks but I thought it would be a good idea to ask on here. It would be great if those who have had experience with it could chime in with their opinions especially those who have come from the equivalent BMWs. Appreciate comments on the handling, powerplant, fuel economy and any must have options. Also is there any issues I should be aware of?

This would be my first Mercedes Benz so forgive me if I come across as a bit of a noob!

Many thanks.
 
C43 saloon here. Goes like a bat out of hell when in S or S+. That’s my opinion having moved from a string of 6cyl 3.0 litre cars including a series of BM’s and Mercs.

I've been driving it a year now and have got used to the performance.

Am now getting a slowly increasing itch to go full AMG with a E63s. However, it’s a totally different price point.

Main thing I would say is that one of my main concerns buying this (impulse purchase while visiting the dealer) was fuel consumption.

it’s a bit more. I now only use super unleaded. Totally used to the fuel outlay now and I’d say it’s a minor issue.
 
If your budget will stretch to it, I would look at the E53 too. It’s a superb engine and the interior is on a different level to the C. If you need back seats then there is a lot more room in the E class too.
 
Thanks guys. Couple of things I’m looking forward to, added security of AWD especially in the snow, and the V6 and how it compares to the N55. I’m expecting the C43 to be a tad quicker but outright speed doesn’t matter much to me anymore, it’s more of the soundtrack and occasion with the roof down.

Things I’m split on, the interior and the soft top but minor things really.

Expecting fuel economy to be slightly worse than the BM but a few MPG difference doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things I guess.

Unfortunately my budget doesn’t let me stretch to E53 or the full fat AMGs - but the C43 should be plentiful I reckon.
 
No experience in owning but I did test drive a c43 and 205 c63 before buying a 204 c63, and tested an M4 since

C43 and the M4 were soul-less, more so the M4 as at least the C43 sounded like it had a bit of poke. However nothing compared to the proper AMG’s, the sound, brute force. Try a 63 out too

Back then I didn’t like the look of the 205’s, but now I’d love a coupe facelift
 
I've had my C43 saloon for a month or so, came from a Focus ST so totally different beast for me! I absolutely love it, it's a lovely, comfortable, effortless drive, but jam your foot to the floor and it'll rush forwards at an almost alarming rate chomping at the bit.

I was also attracted by the AWD, especially as its fixed 69/31 rear biased, so you still get the rear wheel drive experience to a degree, like slinging it off a roundabout and feeling a nice bit of oversteer. It also has a 'slippery' driving mode, which reduces the level of power produced, so you don't have to feather the accelerator the car does it for you.

If you want a good soundtrack I'd recommend the AMG sports exhaust, this has valves that open in Sport modes to give a much deeper growl, and there's a button to turn it on manually in other modes. I have it on all the time, makes me smile constantly.

I"d also recommend buying one with the Premium Plus Pack, this gives you the panoramic sunroof which makes the car feel airier, the mechanism on this is beautiful and a joy to watch. You'll also get the bigger central screen and a few other bits and bobs.

For me the handling is great, especially with the suspension in Sport or Sport+. In comfort mode it's a very comfortable, almost floaty ride and it feels quite heavy on sharp corners with a fair amount of understeer. When you tighten it up with the button or Sport modes it feels better than my Focus which was a foot shorter.

Fuel economy is something you need to forget about when buying a car like this. My engine is still far from run in so MPG will improve, but I'm averaging 22 around town, 28ish on longer journeys .I don't think about it too much and just fill it up when it gets empty. If you worry about it then that will remove a lot of enjoyment.
 
Forgot to mention the intelligent headlight system you get with the PPP, it's worth the cost just for that :)
 
Cheers Germgh0st! I’m after a cab, not many for sale to be honest.

Any C43 cab owners on here?
 

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