watchknut

I am new to the forum. I have always admired the C43 and think that I might purchase 1 in the near future. Are there any specific things that I should look for? Any service that needs to have been done at specific intervals? Common costly problems?

I am looking at a 1999 C43 with 77.5K and service records for the last 40K. The car just had new front breaks, plugs, fluids and tires. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Matt

watchknut@hotmail.com

C43AMG

Get the tranny "flushed", crank position sensor , MAS - mass air sensor , are the top 3 things I would be prepared to change out...at that mileage.

Vardar

I hope you get one, it is a dream ride. I personally got trans. flushed, changed spark plugs when i bought mine. I had it for awhile, and no serious problems so far. Either i am lucky, or i am lucky

Mr Nu

Hi Matt

When I got mine the first thing I did was get the gearbox flushed, gearbox filter and gasket changed and had the garage inspect old filter and gearbox sump for any tell tale metal filings from the gearbox.

Mine had 83K on it and had never had the fluid in the gearbox changed so I was very nervous but thankfully all was well (touching wood).

On a side note, I would also recommend having the rear prop rubber checked as they can start to wear (mine needs replacing) and have a good look at the rubber brake lines. Neither are expensive jobs, but you definitely dont want either splitting when you're driving down the road!

Good luck with your search, they are amazing cars that really do leave a silly grin on your face!

Nath

watchknut

Guys,

Thank for the advice. I went and looked at it tonight and it is a beast! I am having it checked out by a dealer tomorrow. According to the owner it has a new crank postion sensor, filters, fluids, gearbox oil change, plugs, front rotors, pads and rear pads in the last year. The cats were replaced under warranty a few years back--most of the records for the big ticket items are at the dealership. It comes with with the 18" rims and tutone interior that needs to be thoroughly cleaned.

He is asking $12.5 and I can probably get it for $12k--it has 79K on it. Carfax shows one accident on the rear quarter panel that was repainted, but matched perfectly. It has 1 door ding and a few scratches, but it appears to be in pretty good shape. I figure if the stealership comes back clean I will make an offer.

Thanks for the help.

Matt

StapleGun

Does not sound like a bad deal, most of my compadres, notably C43AMG, has noted the biggest issue (Trans). Obtain all those service copies from the dealer so you can assemble a nice records book for your car. Welcome aboard and happy motoring, may your 'new' C43 provide many years of untroubled fun!

ECTurboGSX

Not a bad deal at all. Just realize that the dealer is going to overplay some things because they want to cover their back if something goes wrong and they also may miss something (especially if it is so obvious that you don't even think about it). PPI's are good, but they aren't signed in blood. Like StapleGun said, get a good collection of service records. Also, make sure to tell the dealer about the accident so that they can look over that area.

watchknut

Thanks for the advice. I will be on the dealer's rump for checking out everything as they are charging $275 for the inspection and claimed to check it bumper to bumper and do a road test. It is the same dealership where all the warranty work was done, so I'll be able to get the records.

I'll let you know this evening what I find out. As everyone has stated, better to pay for the inspection in the beginning to make sure there are not major headaches in the future.

MSD

C43AMG

One other thing that has been overlooked.Check to make sure the Harmonic balancer has been replaced under the service recall.This recall was issused about 18 months ago.If your dealer plays dumb about it- claiming there isn't any recall campaign - PM me and I'll e-mail you a copy of the PDF.

watchknut

I got a fairly clean bill of health from the dealer. Other than a thorough detail job they said the following:

Ball joints need attention in future
new rear tires
slight oil leak
missing hood emblem

They did confirm that it has fresh fulids, tuneup, brakes all around, air filters and everything else functions fine. They said it was a nice car and I asked how much work does it need--they replied $2-3K worth, of course that is at the dealership, so I am sure when I take it to my friend's Merc tech it will be a better story. Thanks for all of the help and when I get it, hopefully on Sat, I will post some pics.

watchknut

I just got the fax from the dealer and this is what they said:

transfer case leak
cooling system -45 degrees
a/c blowing at 40% vent temp
oil leak at the pressure port and valve covers
front ball joints
rear tires need replacing
Benz emblem missing off engine cover
new wiper blades on headlights
rims slightly bent, fog light out

any thoughts would be great, sorry for the numerous posts.

watchknut

Got it today, so I am now part of the club. I'll take some pics later.

StapleGun

Get the transfer case leak fixed and those ball joints - those are tough to do yourself. Also, " oil leak at the pressure port and valve covers," if nothing else tell them to get you the gaskets.

85Cosworth

I am confused as to where a transfer case would be on a C43. It is not a AWD or 4WD vehicle.

watchknut

Here are some pics from a ride in the country today. Have yet to have it detailed, so they aren't that good.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-...4/IMG_5116.jpg
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-...4/IMG_5121.jpg
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-...4/IMG_5117.jpg
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-...4/IMG_5118.jpg

Vardar

I am very happy for you. I have the twin brother except the headlight wipers. It looks like windows are tinted. Mine were too(previous owner), however I got a ticket for it, and removed them. It costed me $150 for removal. Drives like dream isn't it?


Drive safely!!

watchknut

Window tint is coming off tomorrow for $130! No way it will pass in DC where they make you take factory tint off--too bad because it looks cool, but I am don't want the headache.