c43lurker

Hi, i'm considering buying a C43 sometime in the next month or two. any issues i should be concerned about with these cars. I've read on this forum about the tranny issues. How common is it? Do people end up junking the car for parts when they go? Kind of sensitive to the tranny issue since we had to trade in my wifes 01 Acura due to tranny problems... (btw.. avoid any Honda 5 speed 2001-03 Automatic transmissions)

Hoping to spend $8k or less.

C43AMG

"Search" is your friend.There are numerous threads about 1st time "buyers" and "seekers" seeking the same advice.

NitrogenBalance

I wouldn't jump at the cheapest as it may need the most in repairs..look for a clean one with a good history and pay the extra couple grand or so. It may be worth it.

If it were me I'd save a little more and look for an 00' C43

C43AMG

With about only 22 of the 25 still on the road waiting for one of those to pop up for sale might might be like a Snickers commercial........not going anywhere for a while ?

appatula

If your looking for something that is not prone to tranny problems, the 1995-1996 C36's are the better route (they are fitted with the legendary 500E's 4spd gearbox) C36/C43 1997 and up have the 5 speeds that have been causing people some problems. Although if you do go for the elder 4 speed C36 make sure it has gotten a wiring harness replacement.

TunerPlayground

how bad are the cost of repairs if our trannies do go out?

appatula

From what I have read the mechanical aspects of the transmission are fine it is the electronic issues that are problem (Someone please fill me in if I'm mistaken). No clue on costs, but either way the tranny issues will run you alot more headache and $$ in the long run if you do wind up with a bad one. I would rather much prefer dealing with a wiring harness, its cheaper and you can DIY.

C43AMG

$3-$4k ........less if you have/know a independent.

v0ac

c43 tranny will never fail if you change oil & filters on a regular basis.
stop saying they cause problem when you don't take care of it

BenzMaster19

Don't the electrical connectors leak oil and then the oil ruins the computer?? Or something like that anyways....

MarcusF

The connector leak can be proactively fixed with a $2 o-ring upgrade. The new style o-ring is (supposedly) a one time fix. Based on posts in the W208 section, the fix looks like a DIY job. I had mine done by the dealer when they were doing some other work.

edemac8

Happened to me twice in 6 months...pain in the A**