xlr8tin

I have a 1999 C230K. But I want something else. What would you guys say would be better....A 98, 99 C43....C36...01 Audi S4....or an 99-01 M3? I am looking for something with good accel. handling, the usual. Or would you sugest something else?

NitrogenBalance

I went from a 99'C230 to a 98' C43. I kinda liked the C230 so it was natural to completly love the C43. It's a good transistion upgrade especially if you have gotten familiar with your C230. Similar characteristics only on steroids.

The brakes are sick. The V8 suits the car very well.

It's alot faster than most think or know.

davis449

I would love to have a C 43, but I think if it really came down to it, I would get an M3 for the handling.

Sauceboy01

My Uncle has a C43 i drive one in a while. That thing has some good power.

Effortless Accelleration. As stated above, the V8 suits the car very well. As well as it sounds amazing!

abuimad

c43 definetly its got tons of power and its a benz, and since you already own a 202 then ur familiar with how they work and how to maintain it

NitrogenBalance

Forgot to mention the sound. The other night I decided that my favorite way to rip this car is on this two lane two mile ramp off of my highway. It has roof high Jersey Barriers on each side so the sound is awesome. I punch it from 60 all the way to 130ish and it pulls and screams the whole way. It sounds so nasty. I plan on making mine a little louder after some suspension and engine mods over the winter.

Back to your question I promise it sounds better than the Audi or the BMW. Thats a given, the rest is apples and oranges.

xlr8tin

So if I go with a 98 0r 99 C43...how hard would it be to upgrade one? what could be done? I realize there is no supercharger on a C43. Is this so expensive that maybe I should go with something cheaper to upgrade?

Thanks again, in advance....Gregg

abuimad

a couple of ppl replaced the c43 engine with a w210 e55 5.4 litre AMG engine...thats the mod to look out for, but its not cheap but the results are amazing

NitrogenBalance

If your comparing same year M3 and S4 then the C43 already makes about 50+hp on both of those. I think the M3 and S4 are around 250hp for 98' 99'. The mods available for the C43 are not cheap. The audi and bmw do have alot more mods available at much less cost. Something to think about though is how much you would have to mod one of those cars to make an extra 50hp. Even with the mods being cheaper it would cost a good amount to make that power difference. At that point you would have spent more $ when the C43 would have already made that power in stock form. Big power mods that promise are expensive on anything like BMW, MERC, or AUDI.

I'm having a kleeman ECU done over winter with a few small things like evosport pullies, greenfilters, and probably delete secondary cats or something for a little more growl. Thats about $1200ish for all of that. I will have dynos done after and I would expect about 10-20hp with those. An HPS gen 1 system supercharger has been a thought but I'm still on the fence with their reputation.

xlr8tin

And how much for a HPS gen 1 system supercharger?

NitrogenBalance

They have stopped production on the gen 1 systems from what I was told. I have been offered a couple kits anywhere from $3400 to $3700. Thats probably what you can expect to pay. HPS still has some available. The system is very simple so repairs and the mechanics of the system are not too crazy. Also, if it breaks your engine is probably ok as the S/C is external. The gen II system replaces the intake manifold and has an intercooler built in I believe. If the Gen II breaks then things are probably bad. The gen II is much more complex and it is what you hear most HPS horror stories about. It also would make more power though.

There are a couple of cars(C43's) on here in the past that had the Gen I system and reported no problems. I think you'll gain about 100hp or a tiny bit more with the Gen I on a C43. You would probably make around 400-425hp with a gen I system on a C43. I think cooling issues was the only comment on those, considering the C43 has no room in the engine bay already it doesn't surprise me.

Living in ME though, I wouldn't worry too much about hot weather I'm in NH.

C43AMG

About $4,000.00

SoCalCLK

I had the 01 Audi S4, it was a fun and quick car. Here's the breakdown:

Pros:
1. Great engine and acceleration
2. Clean lines and nice body kit
3. Oil cooler, built in intercoolers
4. Easy and cheap to upgrade, especially with chips
5. Nice interior

Cons:
1. Handling needs modifcations
2. Shares the same platform as 2000+ Passat
3. Top-end power not so good.

MikeL

TURBO UPGRADE B5 S4's are beasts if you're willing to spend the $$$. ECU upgrade does give a noticable gain in power, but if you turbo upgrade the S4 is untouchable.

I am also assuming you are talking about the 240 hp S52 E36 M3. They were made from 95-99. 01 is the E46 M3 with 333hp. Ive driven all of them in stock forms and supercharged/turbo'd etc. versions. They are all very different and unique in their own ways. It all comes down to personal preference.

xlr8tin

Are there other Bimmers in this price range that can compete with these cars?

NitrogenBalance

I get the feeling this thread is doing nothing to help you as I can tell your still on the fence over each vehicle.

I really suggest finding some of these models and driving them. As you can already tell, each car is great and everyone has a favorite. They are all great no matter which one you finde. DRIVE A FEW!!!

If you ever swing through southern NH your more than welcome to check out my C43 and if the roads are dry I'll be sure to show you it's highlights.

xlr8tin

Well, I've been researching these models online for a little while now, and that is exactly what I figured....that I'd have to try them out for myself. Although now that there's snow on the ground it could cause problems. But I will definately try. How close are you to Portsmouth, NH?

xlr8tin

I've got another car that I forgot. I think it is a sweet car, but may not be what I'm looking for. What do all of you think? A 1998-2000 Jag XJR, with 370 hp? Can anyone tell me pros and cons with this one?

Thanks!!

shadowgriffen

that car is much too heavy, nice car nonetheless, but heavy.

PJmak

I would pay $3000-$4000 for a 100hp upgrade on this car any day, especially when you said its a low risk upgrade, yea I know that I could get way higher numbers in a japanese import with that money but *** it, I dont want that

sorry for bumping a probably old thread but Im buying a c43 soon and Im looking for mods\upgrades ahead of time

tractorcrusher

M3 will be the most "fun" to drive, compared to anything else stock (guaranteed)... The 2.7TT in the B5 S4 has a lot of potential and is fairly easy to mod using APR parts...

I haven't driven any AMG W202 so I can't offer any opinion on that one.

I think the M3 will be most expensive to maintain, then the Benz, then the Audi.

thebenzbar

+1

Here's my 2 cents... my '98 M3 (e36) is a blast to drive especially in the twisties... it's easy to toss around on the road and it's like a go-kart on rails when compared to my ’01 E55 (W210). The AMG has gobs of tire-melting torque & great power to deal with.. all wrapped in an elegant tuxedo. On the other hand, the M3 is a hands down amusement park-like fun to drive. At the end of the day, if I had to live with just one – it has to be the AMG. So I’m sure either a C43 will have you grinning daily too, but IMO the M3 comes a close second to the W202 AMGs. I like B5 S4s but MB and BMW is still ahead for my personal preferences. You really can't go wrong if you get a nice, clean, & well-maintained AMG like the C43 you mentioned.