E55Power

Background:

I worked for the money for my car, and wont' have much to spare for repairs
I won't drive much more than 5-8k miles/year
I have a few questions on the C43---

-How much mileage is too much?
-would 120k on the clock scare you?
-I heard about the tranny needing to be replaced? $5k? Is this always needed? Is it that expensive? When is it needed, if so.
-Is the C43 expensive to maintain. I don't have much extra money, and can't afford outrageous repairs every other week.

hangup

I drive about 6k/year myself.
What also matters is how much racing you are going to do

probably. unless you are OK with working on it yourself. otherwise it may get expensive IMHO.

It's tough to say. some people are lucky and their trannies last forever, others have problems early on. unless it's having problems you don't need to replace it. one can argue the cost would be somewhere between 2 and 6K depending on who works on it, what needs to be done, etc. basically 5K makes you REALLY uncomfortable (trust me, 5K is a lot of money and it makes everybody uncomfortable, but i mean, really, really uncomfortable, like would you have to go hungry for a while, or something) then i wouldn't buy a C43 or any other expensive ride.

In general, i believe it is expensive. for example, if you hit a pothole and you are not lucky, you are out of 400 bucks at least (tire + rim). i hit one 10 days after i bought the car. had to get a new rim and four new tires (two tires blew up). i'm lucky i didn't have to fix suspension.
again, if you do some basic stuff yourself you could save a bunch of money.
some stuff always breaks (depending on climate) like AC. i had to change ac condenser, recharge the AC, etc.
it wasn't too bad in terms of money but i did it myself. brakes is another example. if you need rotors - pay up. if you don't and you do it yourself it will only be marginally more than your average camry.
but when you need those breaks you will thank AMG . . . trust me, i needed them once, if not for those i'd have no AMG anymore and would probably be injured if not dead. most of the time you drive notice and don't notice how good those brakes are.
i do oil changes at the dealer for about 130. it's kind of a rape but it lasts longer than your average camry so it's not too bad. i just do it so they'd tell me if something else needs to be done. then i decide if it's worth my time doing myself. I let them do the fuel filter for 130 bucks because i thought i might get messy. but the air filters i did myself because it's easy and really cheap. they wanted 160 bucks for those or something like that ))

problem is, once you have a nice ride you don't want to let just anybody to screw around with it, you've got something to lose there
so it's either the dealer for 100 bucks and hour or yourself or someone you trust. i don't trust anyone including myself so it's to the forums, WIS, etc and then decisions, decisions . . . so far it has been OK, no major work was needed, my tranny shifts great too, no work has been done on it. but . . . i've only got 60K on the thing and i don't beat on it . . . well . . . i do feed some speed to the ride every once in a while, but no wheelies, no donuts, no racing, no modding . . . just getting from point A to point B. quickly

NitrogenBalance

Read my post on "1st major problem"

Not to scare you.....but it happened. Had I been a little more cautious about buying I would have been ok.

However, in order for me to see the problem I would have had to get the car on a lift and start taking things apart. Blind issue......until the garage.

My issue is strange and may be covered by recall though.

If not I'm looking at around $800.00 within the first two weeks of ownership. + the $300 I paid to have the oil/brake/coolant fluid done.

It is a high performance vehicle and a not-average fun car. It's not a convertable miata like the guy next door bought as a "sports car" :p

Don't! buy this car for a daily driver. Yes its built with perfection but things are expensive and things do fail. I have a 88' Chevy 2500 monster truck, that is the most reliable thing I own for a winter/back up vehicle. This truck has lived through 3 previous cars and has never had a problem since. It will live throught this one too.

Ex. Front brakes on the truck- $200.00 installed....
Ex. Front breakes on the C43- probably $1000.00 installed.....

Just make sure you know what CAN happen.

Do I still love the car.....YES!...it's a friggin' sick ride!! ....and I still want.

VAamg

Hey, I just got my C43 on Saturday. I was like you, worried, about how much nickeling and diming the car could do. Mine has 72k on the clock Saturday, 73 now, but I don't intend to drive her like that all the time. i have a company car, so i am lucky, if somethin breaks and I need a month to save up to fix, I am with a car and a free one at that.

So far so good on mine, (knock wood) as the tranny feels strong, the engine purr like a kitten, and the brakes are still pretty new. I am taking it in to MB on Thursday to have them to a 200 point inspection the dealer does for any car they put on their lot. $225 to have this done, $250 if I let them change the oil, and it should hopefully put me at a good peace of mind all is well, or let me know any problems before they blow up in my face.

My advice from a newbie owner is to really talk to the guy a lot about his maintenance habits. My car's last owner put a ton of miles on her in two years, but as a result, he replaced the rotors, had the tranny serviced, and was a former MB employee so he got everything done that needed to be done. Also, if you search around, you can find a car, probably not with more than 100k, that is covered under Starmark. Mine is until 1/07, that is HUGE peace of mind.

All that aside, this car is a blast to drive. Like anyone, the drive home was littered with stoplights on a rural highway, so I tried out the jump the line on the car, it is impressive, but this car really shines on the road. First time you accelerate on the exit or on ramp and keep the power to it through the entire loop of the ramp, you are set. This car will not let go of the road and there is power to spare. 50-80 time is amazing.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you get the car, send pics, and we'll chat as the newest owners in the room.

Jeff

E55Power

Thanks for the replies -greatly appreciated.
I suppose I should give some more background --
I'm 15 (soon 16) and have been saving for a while (I pay for 1/2 the price of the car, so, If I got a c43, I won't have much income, so, I won't have much money to pour into the car).
I'm used to driving my mom's Cayenne Turbo, so I want something that's still nice, got some good power, but is practical nonetheless.
I dont' rely on this for transportation THAT heavily -- worst comes to worst, I'll just get a ride from my mom, or someone.
My driving style is moderately aggresive. I'm not an insane driver at all. I don't/won't race.
I've seen two C43's I've really liked so far.
1. 120k miles Silver/black $12k
2. 79k miles black/black $15k.

My goal is to have $6k (or a $12k car) by next summer.
Is the C36 noticeably cheaper?

Chappy

Congrats on considering a C43 for your first car. My first car was a 1973 VW Superbeetle (about 50hp I think) with a top speed of 70mph. Still, I managed to get punted from my parent's auto policy after 18 months due to several speeding tickets

That was over 20 years ago.

Needless to say, I learned fast that paying for my own insurance was damned expensive and changed my driving habits accordingly. Had I been blessed with a C43 from early on, I'm not sure I'd have the discipline to keep my right foot out of it :v

If you get a ticket or two, the repairs/maintenance will be the least of your concerns.

Good luck

ProjectC55

Change the tranny fluid right away if it has not been done.Mobil 1 ATF or Amsoil.I chng mine very very often.Just in case!


Also the Maf's tend to go.They range from 150.00 to 225.00 depending on where u get them from.It's a maintenance item!

I think the brakes would cost that much if you need new rotors all around.I do my own brakes anyway!Saves tons or $$$$.

C43AMG

While you're at it....recall on the harmonic balancer - call local dealer for free replacement!

StapleGun

Thanks for info on Harmonic, next project on list. To remain somewhat on topic, I flushed tranny and replaced with Mobil One synthetic.

ProjectC55

My tranny is next as well.Will look into getting ti flushed.They get the TQ converter also right?

C43AMG

Yes , that machine is like a laxative for your tranny - cleans it out real good.

StapleGun

Try to supervise the job, when the techs removed the oil lines...the ATF looked like two-week old coffee. I had the job done at 73K...I would have done it sooner if it was my car at the time. I purchased it San Antonio and drove it from there. I would replace the fluid every year or every 40K miles...screw MB and the 100K fluid replacement. Yep, the whole point of the flush is to get the torque converter as well. The Wynn's flush machine replaces the ATF fluid one for one.

steve s

any mb would be expensive if u don't do it urself. labor and parts at dealers cost an arm and a leg. if u are a weekend mechanic, then many of the little things can be done, like brakes, fluids... if not, find urself a local mb specialist that offers good prices.

StapleGun

The tranny flush is NOT a DIY unless you have $1500 for the Wynn's machine - you ain't getting the fluid outta the torque converter otherwise. Most of the problems I have repeatedly encountered on the C43 are easy fixes. The brakes (front and rear), MAF (mass airr flow sensor), steering wheel removal, air filters, and oil changes are cake. Of course if you aren't too mechanically-inclined, and as Steve stated, you better find a reasonable shop and/or mechanic

E55Power

Well, I officially really want the C43. Thanks for the responses.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1998-...QQcmdZViewItem
UGH! I am literally Kicking myself right now, that car is like....my dream! If I had $15k, I would buy that IN A HEARTBEAT.

steve s

hehe...forgot about the tranny fluid. thinking of brake fluid, coolants.. engine oil

VAamg

A word from my experience today. I took my C43 in this morning to MB to get them to do the check over they do before putting a car on the lot to sell. They just called and said they were putting together a somewhat lengthy list of problems that need to be repaired, including a few leaky spots on the tranny. Luckily, I think at least some of this is going to be covered by my Starmark, but it appears I have a few bucks out of pocket in my very near future. Looks like the stereo refit is out for awhile.

I will post a list of the problems, costs, and repair times if anyone is interested in knowing what can/does go wrong and how much a dealer will charge to fix. I pick her up in about an hour or so.

On a slightly seperate note, has anyone replaced a front fog light? One of mine was cracked when I bought it, the previous owner had a replacement but it doesn't appear to be any easy thing to get to to swap out. Any tips?

StapleGun

Jeff, You need to remove the center piece of the bumper portion and then you can access the foglights. Not too tough, but you'll need small 8mm or 10mm box end wrench - don't remember off hand. The lens is retained by three clips and I have replaced them before. Just so you know, you CAN obtain the lens alone. I bought mine through www.sunmotorcars.com in PA. Ask for Chris, tell him Frank in FL sent ya ($16 a piece). Go to the website, there's a toll free number there as well. Here's the part numbers for the fog light lenses. Any other help, you have my email Jeff.

LEFT A 170 826 09 90
RIGHT A 170 826 10 90

These guys have the lenses too www.autohausaz.com

VAamg

Thanks Frank, I already have the fog light assembly that the previous owner included when I bought the car. Of course, I am quickly learning there were a ton of problems with this car that he had that were not disclosed to me, so I am feeling a little less sure on my purchase. Is that I get for being such a trusting guy I guess.

ProjectC55

Are they minor maintenance issues that only a stealership would find or are there some major drivetrain or engine problems?

StapleGun

Hey Jeff, What issues is the dealership bringing up and quoting you? They might be trying to just make some money of of you...they don't call 'em stealerships for nothing you know? The car is still under warranty with Starmark correct?

VAamg

No, I think my dealership is pretty good. The things they wanted to fix not under warranty were the fuel filter, air filter, door checks, resevoir (see water dripping thread) and missing bumper insert. All legit things, I think.

What I am upset about is the maintenance records on the car were pulled and the previous owner never replaced the fuel filter or air filter (despite 73k). Also, i asked him point blank about tranny problems like 5 times and he said he had never had an issue, yet, the records indicate it has been taken in three times for leaks (as is the main reason I took it in yesterday, it is leaking again) and once because the fluid was so low it wouldn't shift out of third. Then I also find out that the entire engine was dissassembled at around 58k because the pistons were burnt out and the engine was using massive oil. They have been rebuilt, but you would think he would have mentioned that. Lastly, there were just a lot of little issues like window switches and door switches not working that have been fixed in the past. The real only saving grace is at least is appears everything was fixed in the past and is covered until 1/07.

Has anyone else had the leaking transmission at the shifter cable problem? Apparently this has happened at least 4 times on this car. Maybe my dealership will get it right when they fix on Wednesday. Thank God for the warranty.

Jeff

StapleGun

Hmmm...I'm really glad you have the warranty for the transmission leaks. The fuel filter, air filter, and H20 reservoir are ALL DIY and are very easy. I think "linuxfoo" quoted $45 for cost of the reservoir bottle. You can find a Bosch fuel filter on ebay for $40 and is easy to replace, it's under a plastic cover next to differential (PAX side). I would stay from the K&N air filters...that has been covered extensively on this forum, and the oil from them may or may not cause MAF (Mass Air Flow sensor) issues, get OEM - just for your 411. Keep us posted though, we're ALL here to help. One issue you might want to look into is the motor mounts. Mine were replaced under warranty before I purchased the vehicle and I know others here have had that issue.

StapleGun

Jeff,
Just so you know...if you ever disconnect the battery....the window "express" feature will have to be reprogrammed, so to speak, along with the sunroof. Just so you know and don't think there's a problem.

VAamg

Thanks for the advice. I was planning on teaching myself how to do the air filter. I heard (read) someone in hear before say the fuel filter was a messy job and not being all that mechanically inclinded, I might let MB do that while they are doing the warranty work next week.

They said they checked the engine mounts during the inspection I just had done.

As for reprogramming the windows, are the directions for that in the manual? I am probably having a new stereo put in next week and that will require disconnecting the battery.

Anyone know any good places to get OEM air filter? The labor for the dealer doing it is not the problem, it is the $156 for the filter.