maxbhp

Hello everyone, I just wanted to introduce myself. My wife drove our white 98 C43 from 08 until 2011 until our second kid was born and we ended up swapping it out for a Ford Flex. Now we're expecting kid number 4 and swapped the Flex for an Odyssey since we have four car seats (including a booster). My wife always missed the C43 so to cheer her up and give her an alternative to the minivan I scooped up this 99 C43.

It is extremely clean with only 42k miles. The prior owner was an enthusiast that kept it in mint condition and I have all of the service records. He also kept it 100 percent stock which I don't think I can do.

Their are a couple little things that I need to sort out though. Part of the headliner on the sunroof is sagging a little and will need to be re-glued. Also, my headlight switch does not turn and stop at the regular solid positions it should be on. I can turn the headlights on but it doesn't stop in a designated position when turning them on.

My foglights also will not stay on because the headlight switch will not stay in the out-pulled position...it will simply spring back to the off position. The foglights themselves will stay on while I hold the switch out physically, but will go off as soon as I let go of the switch. Does this mean I need to swap out the whole motor behind the switch? If that's the case, does anyone know how to get this done?

I am also planning a few mods off the bat. I want to swap out the grill for an avantgarde style one and I did this to our prior C43 6 yrs ago and not only I don't remember where I got it from but also I remember it would not allow the plastic tab to open the engine to come out from between the grill slats. Does anyone recommend where/which brand/ which seller on ebay to purchase one from for best quality and best fit?

As you can see from the pics below the wheel gap is comparable to a brodozer pickup truck. I have enough cars with stiff and back breaking suspensions and would like to avoid that on this car. I would like to keep the ride as soft/stock as possible and am looking to remove some of the wheel gap. I've read the changing the spring pads alone won't accomplish much, and not looking to go the full coilover setup. I have read reviews on H&R's, eibachs, vogtland, etc and am wondering what is recommended for a slight drop, keeping in mind I'd rather not change out the shocks unless needed. If springs/shocks combo will lower and soften ride I would probably go that way. Again, not looking to upgrade to 18 in monoblocks at this time, keeping the stock 17s.

Sorry for the long post and look forward to being a productive member of this forum.

eFifty5AMG

Wow, very fine example of a well-kept C43. & only 42k miles.. Sweet!
Also, I went from the stock suspension to the Euro springs & Bilstein Sports. Provides a modest drop, but maintains the factory element. It's by no means scraping the ground or slammed, but definitely closes up the tire gap. The Bilsteins are quite stiff, but this setup tightened up the car around corners without being too harsh. I'm pretty sure you could use the stock shocks with these springs..others know for sure?

siideways

Nice find! Was this the one that was recently listed on Ebay up in the Bay Area?

mickey13

Beautiful car. Congrats on the two key fobs LOL. Slap on the vogtland and koni, you'll get to adjust them to the softest setting. I don't have them but that's my understanding, someone else can chime in here.

maxbhp

It was the SF car. I ended up talking to the seller on the side and we agreed upon a number. He then ended the ebay with a buy it now so we could finalize our deal. Drove it down from SF to OC last week. Car cruises at 120 mph fine...(we found a closed course with no limit on our way down ). The guy I bought it from had it for only a couple months before he picked up a new e63 wagon. His plan was to use this car for when he goes on surfing trips but realized it was too nice for that and let it go. He instead grabbed an old 4 runner.

siideways

Do you mind sharing what you paid for her? The guy in LA who just bought his from a Dallas dealer with the same exact miles (42K) said he paid $12,500 shipped.

Sulaco

Fantastic, clean specimen! Very happy to have you aboard.

I'm also very happy to hear all these stories of late; people chasing down these cars. They are an unknown, instant classic. Of course, I'm biased.

hookah

Man, such a clean example. The previous owner is a forum member, I would say go with H&R with Bilstein sports, to me its the perfect ride. Not too harsh but sporty, but I would go with the thicker pads if you don't want it super low.

mbsickness

Awesome find. Congrats.

maxbhp

Thanks guys. I've owned a lot of fast cars but I never missed any the way I missed out C43. The way it pulls from 80mph and up is exhilarating.

Do you know the screen name of the former owner? I'd love to get in contact with him.

MBCLK60

Absolutely awesome car - congrats! Most likely one of the last 'perfect' C43's left.

I was trying to buy this car a few weeks ago...but I had just literally picked-up a 2000 C43 from Canada (US Spec) with the 55 motor/transmission swap and I didn't move quick enough on this one. I wanted this 1999 you purchased just to have a nice, clean stock car put away.

Great seller too.

svt ricco

If you want to lower it just a bit, I still have my stock euro springs. Let me know... You can see my car from stock to its current look at club202. Same username, just search the gallery.

maxbhp

Have searched around and only seem to be able to find pics of your car lowered as is. I'm sure it's sue to my incompetence, however would you be able to direct me towards or post pics of that set up. Interested in purchasing your euro springs.

Btw, which avantgarde grill are you running, car looks great?

svt ricco

If you go to club202, search for my username svt Ricco over there. You'll see the progress from stock to current condition. Use the search button , makes it easier