C43 New Owner
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Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Buckinghamshire, UK
E36 AMG W210 /// C43 AMG W202
C43 New Owner
Just a very quick initial post to thank everyone on the forum who has been so supportive and helpful in my quest for a C43. Unfortunately couldn't find a wagon version but settled upon a very tidy saloon.
All I can say is everyone who said you would have a permanent smile whilst driving was telling the truth... I thought my W210 E36 was quick but the V8 coupled with the C43's smaller chassis is a revelation. The funny thing was I only realised after driving it last night that I've had it set in Winter mode, flicking to "S" brings on a whole new level of performance... most amazing of all is the sound. Has to be one of the most pleasing sounds man has ever created!!
I will hopefully post some pics soon but just wanted to thank everyone for your help to date... first recommended job is the gearbox oil change and then I can really see what its like!
Nath
All I can say is everyone who said you would have a permanent smile whilst driving was telling the truth... I thought my W210 E36 was quick but the V8 coupled with the C43's smaller chassis is a revelation. The funny thing was I only realised after driving it last night that I've had it set in Winter mode, flicking to "S" brings on a whole new level of performance... most amazing of all is the sound. Has to be one of the most pleasing sounds man has ever created!!
I will hopefully post some pics soon but just wanted to thank everyone for your help to date... first recommended job is the gearbox oil change and then I can really see what its like!
Nath
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 674
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From: USA
1999 C43
Dude tell me about that WINTER "W" mode. I found out that I have been driving on that mode for few weeks, I was wondering what was going on. Makes a big difference.
Just a very quick initial post to thank everyone on the forum who has been so supportive and helpful in my quest for a C43. Unfortunately couldn't find a wagon version but settled upon a very tidy saloon.
All I can say is everyone who said you would have a permanent smile whilst driving was telling the truth... I thought my W210 E36 was quick but the V8 coupled with the C43's smaller chassis is a revelation. The funny thing was I only realised after driving it last night that I've had it set in Winter mode, flicking to "S" brings on a whole new level of performance... most amazing of all is the sound. Has to be one of the most pleasing sounds man has ever created!!
I will hopefully post some pics soon but just wanted to thank everyone for your help to date... first recommended job is the gearbox oil change and then I can really see what its like!
Nath
All I can say is everyone who said you would have a permanent smile whilst driving was telling the truth... I thought my W210 E36 was quick but the V8 coupled with the C43's smaller chassis is a revelation. The funny thing was I only realised after driving it last night that I've had it set in Winter mode, flicking to "S" brings on a whole new level of performance... most amazing of all is the sound. Has to be one of the most pleasing sounds man has ever created!!
I will hopefully post some pics soon but just wanted to thank everyone for your help to date... first recommended job is the gearbox oil change and then I can really see what its like!
Nath
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 63
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From: Buckinghamshire, UK
E36 AMG W210 /// C43 AMG W202
I've also found that "W" mode makes the car generally more sluggish throughout the gear range, even when reversing. The immediate gear pick up is noticeably different.
Nath
Nath
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Monument, CO
95 Bronco w/351 V8 & 2003 Mustang MACH 1
The winter mode is to help reduce wheel spin when driving in snowy and/or icy conditions. I've driven my C36 in the snow once or twice and then bought a 4X$ for the winter so the paint doesn't get chewed up by the sand used here during the winter.
Thread Starter
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From: Buckinghamshire, UK
E36 AMG W210 /// C43 AMG W202
Sounds like a sensible set up... I just got rid of my Range Rover and have to say if any of you guys have seen the flooding here in the UK you'd realise what an initial oversight I thought that move was.
What was even more gutting is I picked up the C43 and drove back in convey with my brother in the E36 when we came onto some back roads we encountered some unwatnted flooding... not a nice feeling driving your shiny silver toys through dirty flood water, especially when the water is well above the door line! Thank god for Merc body seals!
Nath
What was even more gutting is I picked up the C43 and drove back in convey with my brother in the E36 when we came onto some back roads we encountered some unwatnted flooding... not a nice feeling driving your shiny silver toys through dirty flood water, especially when the water is well above the door line! Thank god for Merc body seals!
Nath
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Newbie
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 11
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From: Pittsburgh PA
Ride Height
Nath,
Great car-what a pair.
If you could would you please measure from the wheel centerline to the wheel lip.
the US cars are all over the map(the ones I have looked at) and I think you have the perfect euro ride height.
Thanks in advance.
Scott
Great car-what a pair.
If you could would you please measure from the wheel centerline to the wheel lip.
the US cars are all over the map(the ones I have looked at) and I think you have the perfect euro ride height.
Thanks in advance.
Scott
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From: Sydney, Australia
190D 2.5 (x2), 190E 2.6, W202 C240,W202 C43 (C55), W210 E55, W212 E250CDI
In W mode it starts in second gear and reduces the sensitivity of the throttle. Very useful if it is raining!
One thing many of you may not know is that there is actually 2 reverse gears. in W mode the reverse gear is equivilent of somewhere between 2nd and 3rd.........that why smaller engine cars have trouble reversing uphill when in W mode.
I bet alot of you are going to try this out now.....
One thing many of you may not know is that there is actually 2 reverse gears. in W mode the reverse gear is equivilent of somewhere between 2nd and 3rd.........that why smaller engine cars have trouble reversing uphill when in W mode.
I bet alot of you are going to try this out now.....
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98 C43, 15 Alfa 4C LE, 18 Tesla Model 3 DM Perf, 08 Duc S1000, 02 Duc 998, 98 Duc 748, 01 Miata
In W mode it starts in second gear and reduces the sensitivity of the throttle. Very useful if it is raining!
One thing many of you may not know is that there is actually 2 reverse gears. in W mode the reverse gear is equivilent of somewhere between 2nd and 3rd.........that why smaller engine cars have trouble reversing uphill when in W mode.
I bet alot of you are going to try this out now.....
One thing many of you may not know is that there is actually 2 reverse gears. in W mode the reverse gear is equivilent of somewhere between 2nd and 3rd.........that why smaller engine cars have trouble reversing uphill when in W mode.
I bet alot of you are going to try this out now.....
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 63
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From: Buckinghamshire, UK
E36 AMG W210 /// C43 AMG W202
Thanks for all your great responses! So pleased with the car and it is such a black and white difference to the E36.
Looking forward to actively contributing on this forum now!
Best wishes
Nath
Looking forward to actively contributing on this forum now!
Best wishes
Nath
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 674
Likes: 0
From: USA
1999 C43
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Buckinghamshire, UK
E36 AMG W210 /// C43 AMG W202
Hi Vardar
In answer to your question the W210 E36 was the forefather to the E50 and then the E55 here in Europe. In essence AMG took an Avant Garde spec 1997 E Class and slotted in the straight six from the C36, as well as their other magical touches to the brakes, suspension, aerodynamics etc. So it stands very closely to the E55 in terms of specification, but has a straight six howl compared to the thunderous V8. Beautiful car to drive... but does have a jekyl and hyde personality whereby on part throttle it drifts along effortless and you have no idea of the hidden performance, but once kick down is experienced its off like a hot rod.
The exact production figures are difficult to obtain, but it is roughly 180 cars produced in total by Affalterbach. The orginal bill for mine was £63K back in 1997 which was(is) one hell of a lot of money!
On a side note; I am also aware that on the E Class shape before the W210, they made an even rarer E36 which had only 24 right hand drive versions made.
Hope the above is of interest!
Nath
In answer to your question the W210 E36 was the forefather to the E50 and then the E55 here in Europe. In essence AMG took an Avant Garde spec 1997 E Class and slotted in the straight six from the C36, as well as their other magical touches to the brakes, suspension, aerodynamics etc. So it stands very closely to the E55 in terms of specification, but has a straight six howl compared to the thunderous V8. Beautiful car to drive... but does have a jekyl and hyde personality whereby on part throttle it drifts along effortless and you have no idea of the hidden performance, but once kick down is experienced its off like a hot rod.
The exact production figures are difficult to obtain, but it is roughly 180 cars produced in total by Affalterbach. The orginal bill for mine was £63K back in 1997 which was(is) one hell of a lot of money!
On a side note; I am also aware that on the E Class shape before the W210, they made an even rarer E36 which had only 24 right hand drive versions made.
Hope the above is of interest!
Nath
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 674
Likes: 0
From: USA
1999 C43
Thank you kindly 
Hi Vardar
In answer to your question the W210 E36 was the forefather to the E50 and then the E55 here in Europe. In essence AMG took an Avant Garde spec 1997 E Class and slotted in the straight six from the C36, as well as their other magical touches to the brakes, suspension, aerodynamics etc. So it stands very closely to the E55 in terms of specification, but has a straight six howl compared to the thunderous V8. Beautiful car to drive... but does have a jekyl and hyde personality whereby on part throttle it drifts along effortless and you have no idea of the hidden performance, but once kick down is experienced its off like a hot rod.
The exact production figures are difficult to obtain, but it is roughly 180 cars produced in total by Affalterbach. The orginal bill for mine was £63K back in 1997 which was(is) one hell of a lot of money!
On a side note; I am also aware that on the E Class shape before the W210, they made an even rarer E36 which had only 24 right hand drive versions made.
Hope the above is of interest!
Nath
In answer to your question the W210 E36 was the forefather to the E50 and then the E55 here in Europe. In essence AMG took an Avant Garde spec 1997 E Class and slotted in the straight six from the C36, as well as their other magical touches to the brakes, suspension, aerodynamics etc. So it stands very closely to the E55 in terms of specification, but has a straight six howl compared to the thunderous V8. Beautiful car to drive... but does have a jekyl and hyde personality whereby on part throttle it drifts along effortless and you have no idea of the hidden performance, but once kick down is experienced its off like a hot rod.
The exact production figures are difficult to obtain, but it is roughly 180 cars produced in total by Affalterbach. The orginal bill for mine was £63K back in 1997 which was(is) one hell of a lot of money!
On a side note; I am also aware that on the E Class shape before the W210, they made an even rarer E36 which had only 24 right hand drive versions made.
Hope the above is of interest!
Nath
