280MBCruiser

Hi guys, first post here I'm going to look at a Mercedes tomorrow and would like some advice on it. It's a 1999 C280 AMG, but whenever I google around I can't find anything about this car with the AMG package. It has the AMG logo on the speedo, AMG wheels, and just looks sporty all around (I own a 1995 regular C280, so I've compared the style of the two). It's also lower than my 95, even with factory springs. Can anyone give me some insight into what else is added with the AMG in this car? More powerful engine? Anything else? Thanks so much!

buzzk1ll

Get VIN from the seller if you haven't bought it yet. MBWorld has e VIN decoder in the tools drop down scroll up if needed.

See what they say. I have never heard of an AMG pckg offered on the w202 other than it being an AMG C43.

Good luck.

280MBCruiser

Thanks Buzzkill, I was thinking the same. I don't think he's pulling one over on me by changing everything to AMG like the speedo, wheels, exhaust, and ride height (he's a 70-something year old man who bought it brand new). However, I do know that it's not a C43 as it has a V6 whereas the C43 has a V8. I'm quite confused... Maybe this 99 C280 isn't a W202? I assumed it was as it looks like my 95 which is definitely a W202. I think I'll end up calling him for the VIN before I make the trek to go look at it (I didn't get the chance to today as something came up). Thanks for your help!!

vinceC

There was no such thing as a separate AMG "package" for the W202. There was a "Sport" package for the regular W202, but it was quite different from the AMG models. The AMG cars, which were the C36 with the M104 inline 6 followed by the C43 with the M113 V-8 were distinct models. The only way this car could have an AMG cluster and wheels is if somebody replaced the original parts. As for looking lowered, the facelift cars (1998-2000) have different bumpers and plastic rocker covers that make them look a bit lower without actually being lower. My son's 1999 C43 sits about the same as my 2000 C280.
One possibility with the IC. The pixels fail in the facelift clusters. Perhaps the cluster was replaced with a used unit. As for the AMG monoblock wheels, I don't like them with the regular W202 shocks. The monoblocks are heavy (!!) and the regular shocks have a tough time dealing with the added unsprung weight.

mbsickness

I am assuming you are in the states. I have seen the AMG body kit added to some W202's outside the states as a dealer option. That being said there are good deals to be had on used AMG parts and this person could have made a few upgrades. Updating a C280 to look like an AMG car isn't too tough. Also him labeling the car as a C280 AMG speaks volumes to me in he knows what AMG stands for and wants to differentiate the car from your run of the mill C280. Like vinceC said there was never and official AMG package for the C280. I personally have a C280 that has a few AMG parts from a C36 such as the body kit, wheels, brakes, exhaust, etc.... So my guess is this owner did the same.

280MBCruiser

Thanks guys. And mbsickness, I'm actually in Canada and the Benz is a local Canadian car. I think your suggestion that this was probably a dealer option makes the most sense as scouring Google turns up nothing. For this guy to upgrade a stock C280 and make everything AMG by himself would be crazy expensive, and he's selling it for under $5grand (quite low mileage too, and it's a clean title). The way it's priced right now, I could probably get him down to $4grand. Keeping in mind that the AMG package was probably a dealer add-on, is this a good deal or not?