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My C43 after 1 year

cjab98

Active Member
Joined
Dec 15, 2006
Messages
285
Location
CH
Car
G55 AMG and Ghibli 2.8GT
I've had my C43 for just over a year now so here's a quick post to celebrate it!

I first got it in May 07. I'd been thinking of changing cars for several months before then, as I had two cars but wanted to replace both with something that could fill both roles (a Peugeot 306 for every day use and a Porsche 944 S2 for the weekend). I always fancied having something with a V8 too, so a C43 just seemed to tick all boxes.
Thats when I picked up a 2000 C43 AMG Estate in Silver metallic with 79,000 miles and a car that appeared to be in very good condition. It came with huge amounts of history, with over £5000 worth of receipts for the past 4 years!

In June I took the car on a road trip to the Alps with a few mates (4 of us in 2 cars, the other being a Seat Ibiza). The car was an absolut pleasure to drive on the long motorway stretch through France, Cruise control, air con and the seats with lumbar support made the drive very relaxing and got there feeling as if I'd only driven for a couple of hours! The next few days were spent in the French Alps, going over several cols. Despite having a heavy car full of camping gear, it felt very agile and very well poised going up and down alpine passes with little body roll, no understeer and huge amounts of grip! And the sound of the V8 to acompany it made for a fantastic road trip!:D

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In September the car went on its 2nd European trip, to the Nurburgring this time. I'd been there a few times before in the 944, but never in a barge. Again the car behaved faultlessly and although not as nippy as an out and out sports cars, it went very well for a 5 seater estate!

First black point then came when I parked my car over a kerb in work's car park and ripped off the front bumper when backing out:( . The kerb wasn't particularly high, I just didn't realise how low the front overhang is. Verdict was a new AMG bumper required, and they're not cheap...

February got the car serviced by Parkham's Garage as suggested by a few members on this forum. He spent 8 hours on a Saturday going over the car, doing everything required for the B service and more! Also got the gearbox oil changed as suggested by many people on here as they are prone to breaking. Overall he was very complimentary of it and seemed very impressed by the condition of the car after 8 years!

Next event for the car was a driver training day. This was run on an airfield with nothing to hit so not much danger for the car. It allowed me to drive the car and get it into situations where I lose it and helps understand what to do and how to react when the car loses grip. Very handy to know (although I hope not to ever need it), and also showed just how much grip this car has! Compared to other cars on the training day, I had to enter corners at very high speeds before the car would lose grip!

Last event I've done with it to date was a track day at Curborough. This was just a short track, with only 1 car allowed on the track at once, so no risk of crashing into anyone else. Again great fun to drive, although even with ESP off, it does interfere a bit but I guess that will make the rear tyres last a lot longer!

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Next plans for the car are to get some of the rust spots treated. The car's going in for some rust repair in June to get all 4 arches, 2 doors and the bootlid done...
As for events, nothing planned yet but expecting to go back to the Nurbuirgring again! And maybe try to make a MBClub meet this year.

So far its probably been the best car I've owned! The power, acceleration and noise is fantastic, it is very easy and comfortable to drive on a long run, but also fun to drive when I want to have a play:D . Running costs are a bit high (£540 for a service, £240 for 2 new Michelin Pilot Sport tyres and approx £700 for a new bumper sprayed and fitted), but very similar to my old 944.
 
Very nice writeup. The C43 is an awesome car, even more awesome for you, being able to thrash alot of cars with an estate!

More photos of the beast would be nice.
 
Great post.
Although, hate to say this but before I read it, I could tell from the last photo that the bumper has been off the car. It doesn't seem to be sitting well compared to the rear bumper
 
You've got good eyes Dinnie! The bumper hanging a bit low on that side was due to some numpty who backed into me at Tesco's car park a few weeks ago. I was on the horn but that didnt stop him from continuing to back out. He just barely tapped it with the back of his bumper touching mine. Nothing's broken or dented, but I guess something has moved a bit, I just need to take a good look and see it anything needs tightening.

Anyways, quick update, went to Goodwood Breakfast Club this morning as they had a show with loads of Supercars on. The C43 as usual ate the miles down there and back in comfort abd without any problems, making a very relaxing drive.
Then popped into Mercedes Benz world on the way back. I'd never been there before, its a fantastic place! Got to sit in loads of shiny new cars, and now I realy want a C63!! I was impressed at how well built it felt, the seating specially was very good and seats seem to be very supportive.

Tomorrow the car should be going into the bodyshop to get a few rust spots sorted and some rust protection behind the arches to hopefully stop it coming back too soon.

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