C43 AMG to buy or not to buy

[DRBC43AMG]

Hi All,
My first post. Have sights on a 1999 C43 AMG with 201'000km on the clock approx 125'000 miles. Metallic grey with black interior and apart from a scape on the right side front bumper the car looks clean and totally rust free. Sold by a MB dealer who probably could put a x month guarantee. Have not got to drive the car or look inside as yesterday was Sunday and the place was closed. Apart from the tyres which will need changing in the near future have some life left in them.
Should I go ahead and buy or not? My daily driver 1998 W202 C240T has a bit less distance on the clock (105'000 miles) but has been totally free of major problems and I will be keeping it for the moment, so I am inclined to take the jump.
Convince me or should I run away?? Talk to me pleasssssse

 

[Howard]

Have a drive first , and get it inspected before parting with any money ...

C43's have a reputation ( some may say unjustified ) for gearbox failure which is expensive to put right.

AMG specific parts are expensive ( pads / discs etc ) ...

Remember as well that there are 16 plugs in it . Find out what service it is due next ( B services are expensive , A's are much less so ) ...

Check all the arches closely , w202's and 208's rust badly , i would be surprised if there is no rust . Check the service history , if it is all main dealer if there is any rust later you may be able to claim under the Mobilo 30 year warranty.

One thing is for sure , when you drive it , you will be hooked.

 

[chiefski26]

lovely cars buy it

 

[DRBC43AMG]

I have an itch starting so as to put my hand on my wallet...
Thanks for the comment

 

[mickl]

go for it! you've be hooked the first time you press the loud pedal

 

[Gridlock]

Are they even legal in Switzerland?

Go for it, you won't be disappointed - but find a good 'un.

If you're serious about the grey one, ask for the rear bumper to be dropped off to check for rust where it meets the arches - this is where mine is starting to concern me.

 

[BaldGuy]

V8........ Buy!!

 

[andy27168]

Hi,
My advice if you want it buy it you won,t regret it.
Though i will say get them to change the gearbox fluid and filter before you agree to have it, regardless on whether they say it is sealed for life or not, insist on it.

 

[buccal]

V8........ Buy!!

+1, every drive becomes an experience

 

[timk]

C43's are lovely cars, and good value considering the performance and equipment levels. However, don't kid yourself that it will be cheap to run! You might be lucky if you get a good 'un but just make sure you have enough spare cash lying around to fix it if it goes wrong.

 

[chiefski26]

i disagree had these for years never had a big bill,had current one three years and spent £2k on it this includes new brake discs/pads all around, gearbox oil/filter,steering damper,all servicing bills included at mercedes,new air mass,4 x new f1 eagle tyres,air filters,brake fluid change,wipers etc its done 45k miles with a fmbsh.

 

[d w124]

C43's are lovely cars, and good value considering the performance and equipment levels. However, don't kid yourself that it will be cheap to run! You might be lucky if you get a good 'un but just make sure you have enough spare cash lying around to fix it if it goes wrong.

Tim:Eevry car has a soft spots mate,you`re talking like the man is going to spend his income

 

[DRBC43AMG]

Very much road legal in Switzerland, however need to be careful with radars. Lots of roads without radar and men in blue if you take roads that are off the beaten tracks. Thanks

 

[timk]

i disagree had these for years never had a big bill,had current one three years and spent £2k on it this includes new brake discs/pads all around, gearbox oil/filter,steering damper,all servicing bills included at mercedes,new air mass,4 x new f1 eagle tyres,air filters,brake fluid change,wipers etc its done 45k miles with a fmbsh.

I can only talk from personal experience - you've got a low miler which has cost you less to run than my higher mileage car. They can cost big bucks if something like a gearbox goes, as I know only too well.. I may have been unlucky in that respect but I think the OP was probably looking for a range of opinions, good and bad. My view remains that they are great cars, and I'll forgive it the £3k it's cost me in 6 months of ownership, it still puts a smile on my face and is unlike anything else of the same vintage. A good one with a cast iron warranty is always going to be a tempting prospect, but go into it with your eyes open - things can go wrong!

 

[DRBC43AMG]

To follow up with last weeks thread, I got to check out the car and drive the C43. What an amazing surprise. Great power, smooth box changes and what sound... That V8 really talks business, growls like a big cat waking up. Not knowing the amount of pedal to get the thing moving, spins the wheels for a while. Great fun, until you glimpse at the speedometer. Yikes, better slow down before getting noticed. I signed on the doted line and look forward on getting the car after a full service and technical inspection (like the MOT) which is necessary to obtain the authorization to drive on the road. The car will also get new brakes and I insisted on getting the gearbox oil and filter changed. Engine turns over like a well oiled machine. Apart from one or two very small scuff marks on the edge of the front rims, the car is perfect inside, outside and underneath. Did however see THIS which will need some attention very soon. Checked everywhere for rust and all is clean as a whistle. So what do the "specialists" and co C43 owners think?

 

[andy27168]

Hi,
Glad you like the car though i would be concerned what the side skirt is hiding as that rust blister appears to have spread from behind it.

 

[DRBC43AMG]

Picked up my C43 AMG yesterday afternoon. Drove back home and after supper went for a small hoon with the missus. Very NICE :bannana: Works great and will do some detailing this weekend. I'll also try the ECU reset trick to see how things go after that. Some rust bubbles which will be sorted in the next couple of weeks. Will post some photos asap.

 

[C43AMG]

Congratulations and enjoy

 

[Alps]

lovely cars, keep it maintained well and you will be one happy owner!

 

[Adam230K]

+1, every drive becomes an experience

That comment is so true

And congratulations on the C43! Its a great car