C43 vs my CLK430
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Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Valley Forge, Pa.
'99 CLK430
C43 vs my CLK430
First of all let me say that I really enjoy my CLK430. It's a blast to drive and feels awesome at highway cruising........ie 90+ mph. 
Being that I'm a newbie here I found myself looking into AMG models for more details. I'd never really seen a C43 on the road and knew nothing about them. It seems there is a strong feeling about this car and has peaked my interest to know more.
What I am looking for is some serious points of interest from C43 owners. I know that the power is up 25-30 hp & torque about equal but what else can you guys tell me. Am I thinking about a lateral move from my CLK430 to a C43 or am I stepping up a level?
( I'd love to get my hands on a CLK55 but it not in the budget right now.)
Thanks,
Bruce
Being that I'm a newbie here I found myself looking into AMG models for more details. I'd never really seen a C43 on the road and knew nothing about them. It seems there is a strong feeling about this car and has peaked my interest to know more.
What I am looking for is some serious points of interest from C43 owners. I know that the power is up 25-30 hp & torque about equal but what else can you guys tell me. Am I thinking about a lateral move from my CLK430 to a C43 or am I stepping up a level?
( I'd love to get my hands on a CLK55 but it not in the budget right now.)
Thanks,
Bruce
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From: NorCal - SF
Mercedes-Benz
If I remember correctly, the 4.3L engine in the CLK430 and C43 are basically the same. The C43 has the advantage of the AMG airbox, some ECU tweaking, and I believe some lighter weight engine internals. The C43 uses the same front brakes as the 208 CLK55 and 210 E55 and aren't cheap to replace. You also get the benefit of the multicontour seats in the C43. Power and performance wise, the move is a bit lateral. But, heck, it IS an AMG and IS more rare than a CLK430. If you need 4 doors and the ability to seat 5 vs. 4, it is a good move.
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09 335i 03 CLK55 AMG
If I remember correctly, the 4.3L engine in the CLK430 and C43 are basically the same. The C43 has the advantage of the AMG airbox, some ECU tweaking, and I believe some lighter weight engine internals. The C43 uses the same front brakes as the 208 CLK55 and 210 E55 and aren't cheap to replace. You also get the benefit of the multicontour seats in the C43. Power and performance wise, the move is a bit lateral. But, heck, it IS an AMG and IS more rare than a CLK430. If you need 4 doors and the ability to seat 5 vs. 4, it is a good move.
Agreed.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 72
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From: Valley Forge, Pa.
'99 CLK430
It does seem somewhat lateral to me but there is something about this car that has me looking harder at it.
Does anyone with a C43 live near Philadelphia?
I'd really like to see one in person and not feel like I'm wasting a "sellers" time.
Does anyone with a C43 live near Philadelphia?
I'd really like to see one in person and not feel like I'm wasting a "sellers" time.
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Southern California
2017 W205 C43 AMG
If I remember correctly, the 4.3L engine in the CLK430 and C43 are basically the same. The C43 has the advantage of the AMG airbox, some ECU tweaking, and I believe some lighter weight engine internals. The C43 uses the same front brakes as the 208 CLK55 and 210 E55 and aren't cheap to replace. You also get the benefit of the multicontour seats in the C43. Power and performance wise, the move is a bit lateral. But, heck, it IS an AMG and IS more rare than a CLK430. If you need 4 doors and the ability to seat 5 vs. 4, it is a good move.
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From: City with Tall buildings!
C43/55,2k11 Volvo S60 T6AWD,2k Audi B5 S4,95 Eagle Talon Tsi AWD 500+awhp
I'd keep the CLK430 and drop a 5.0L or preferably a 5.5L motor in it b4 I'd swap the CLK430 for a C43. I like the interior and the lines of the CLK430 better. I'd only trade it in for a CLK55 if you could afford it or do like me and install a 5.5L motor and you won't need to ever think of purchasing a CLK55.
PS only thing you'd need is an ECU which I get for cheap from MB.
PS only thing you'd need is an ECU which I get for cheap from MB.
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From: North Carolina
98 Black C43 , 12’ ML 350 Blutec
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From: USA
1999 C43
that sounds like a frankenstein car
I'd keep the CLK430 and drop a 5.0L or preferably a 5.5L motor in it b4 I'd swap the CLK430 for a C43. I like the interior and the lines of the CLK430 better. I'd only trade it in for a CLK55 if you could afford it or do like me and install a 5.5L motor and you won't need to ever think of purchasing a CLK55.
PS only thing you'd need is an ECU which I get for cheap from MB.
PS only thing you'd need is an ECU which I get for cheap from MB.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: City with Tall buildings!
C43/55,2k11 Volvo S60 T6AWD,2k Audi B5 S4,95 Eagle Talon Tsi AWD 500+awhp
What's Frankenstein about it ,please explain?
It's still a W208 with a M113 V8 whether it be a 4.3,5.0,5.5L,CLK! You take off the 430 badge,500 badge or the 55 badge you have a what? C-L-K!!!!!Frankenstein THIS!!!
Last edited by ProjectC55; Aug 18, 2007 at 05:37 PM.
Super Member
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From: USA
1999 C43
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,475
Likes: 5
From: City with Tall buildings!
C43/55,2k11 Volvo S60 T6AWD,2k Audi B5 S4,95 Eagle Talon Tsi AWD 500+awhp
How old RU?
At least add something of content for once in awhile here instead of looking to stir up things like an immature child! And pm'ing me stupidness like some dumb E-thug!
E-thuggin's for kids!
At least add something of content for once in awhile here instead of looking to stir up things like an immature child! And pm'ing me stupidness like some dumb E-thug!
E-thuggin's for kids!
Last edited by ProjectC55; Aug 19, 2007 at 06:19 AM.
