C36 AMG, C43 AMG (W202) 1995 - 2000

C43 maintenance

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old May 2, 2011 | 04:12 PM
  #1  
503C43 ////AMG's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,437
Likes: 43
From: PDX
1999 C43, 2008 P30 E63, 2014 SQ5, 2024 Model Y Performance
C43 maintenance

Just talked with the dealership about the scheduled maintenance of the C43, listed below are the AMG recommended maintenance intervals:

Every 2 Years:
Brake fluid flush/change

Every 3 years:
Engine coolant flush/change

Every 5 years:
Fuel filter replacement
Spark Plug replacement
Transmission service
Rear differential service

I have completed all of the above except the brake fluid and rear differential fluid. I am replacing the brake fluid within the next 2 weeks and I have scheduled the rear differential fluid replacement next week. Rear differential service is $110 at my local MB dealer.

Piece of mind knowing that my next service (beside oil change) isn't due for almost 2 years, I like to keep my baby in the best condition possible
Reply
Old May 2, 2011 | 06:31 PM
  #2  
LawRens's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 1
From: Norcal
43
Did you DIY the spark plug change? I'm going to change out my car's this weekend. Finally get rid of random misfire on cylinder #5 LOL
Reply
Old May 2, 2011 | 06:49 PM
  #3  
hoontastic's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 341
Likes: 0
From: Portland, OR
99 c43 / 99 ml430
I did on my ml430 and it was no biggie except the plugs next to the firewall. I will be doing ml c43 plugs within a few thousand miles. The ml felt like it got a mild chiptune after I did it.
Reply
Old May 2, 2011 | 09:09 PM
  #4  
v0ac's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
C43 AMG & E55 AMG
the car is now 12 years old +++
you need to do most of all this every 1-2 years easy lol.
Reply
Old May 2, 2011 | 11:14 PM
  #5  
hoontastic's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 341
Likes: 0
From: Portland, OR
99 c43 / 99 ml430
I like you enthusiasm for your c43 but usage is a factor not just time.
Reply
Old May 4, 2011 | 05:58 AM
  #6  
yamadjs08's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
500hp+ IS300
All of that service can be done quite easily at home if you have a decent set of tools, and if you are somewhat mechanically inclined. Then you will begin to appreciate your rare AMG even more knowing that you yourself serviced it.

Plus you will have loads of extra cash to buy lots of parts with!
Reply
Old May 5, 2011 | 12:34 AM
  #7  
MarcusF's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,784
Likes: 84
From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
For those who are doing their own maintenance, this list may help.
Note: Your fuel filter appears to last a year longer than it does on a CLK.
Reply
Old May 5, 2011 | 12:38 AM
  #8  
503C43 ////AMG's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,437
Likes: 43
From: PDX
1999 C43, 2008 P30 E63, 2014 SQ5, 2024 Model Y Performance
Originally Posted by MarcusF
For those who are doing their own maintenance, this list may help.
Note: Your fuel filter appears to last a year longer than it does on a CLK.
NICE LIST!
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old May 5, 2011 | 02:17 AM
  #9  
DuaneC63's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,601
Likes: 10
From: San Diego/San Francisco
AMG GLC63. Audi R8
Maintenance is the key to a long and happy life.
Reply
Old May 5, 2011 | 02:20 AM
  #10  
hoontastic's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 341
Likes: 0
From: Portland, OR
99 c43 / 99 ml430
thats why i do hot yoga
Reply
Old May 8, 2011 | 02:17 PM
  #11  
503C43 ////AMG's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,437
Likes: 43
From: PDX
1999 C43, 2008 P30 E63, 2014 SQ5, 2024 Model Y Performance
I went through and made a list of all preventative maintenance and repair I have done on my C43:

RIMS (when I got the car the after market rims on my car didn't have the correct offset)
TIRES (when I got the car the tires sucked BIG TIME)
HID LIGHTS (when I got the car the head lights (stock halogen) sucked BIG TIME)
CRYSTAL FOGS (when I got the car the fog lights (stock halogen) sucked BIG TIME)
HID FOGS
FOG LIGHT WIRING HARNESS R/L (when I got the car the harnesses for the fogs were DESTROYED on both driver and passenger side)
MAF (when I got the car the MAF was in DESPERATE need of replacement)
VALVE COVERS RESEALED (when I got the car the valve covers were leaking oil (TINY amount but I could smell the oil burning)
PLUGS (when I got the car the plugs were in DESPERATE need of replacement)
WIRES (when I got the car the wires were in DESPERATE need of replacement)
SERP BELT (the belt was make a squeaking noise that bothered me so I changed the belt)
FUEL FILTER (had it changed during the B service)
POWER STEERING PUMP (it was starting to make the old power steering pump bearing "whirr" so I changed it)
TRANNY SERVICED (one of the first things I did when I got the car as I am DEATHLY afraid of having the old "C43 tranny issue")
BUMPER BRACKET (my bumper was not aligned very well when I got the car and then was made worse when a neighbor gave my front bumper a "love tap". Just replaced it)
SPRINGS (replaced for better performance as well as a more aggressive stance)
SPRING PADS (used the largest possible to aid in proper alignment)
SHOCKS (replaced as my car had 117K and the shocks were due for replacement)
ALL FRONT CONTROL ARMS (replaced to refresh the feeling of my vehicle as well as preventative maintenance)
ALL REAR CONTROL ARMS (replaced to refresh the feeling of my vehicle as well as preventative maintenance)
DRAG LINK (replaced to refresh the feeling of my vehicle as well as preventative maintenance)
BALL JOINTS
(replaced to refresh the feeling of my vehicle as well as preventative maintenance)
STEERING DAMPER (replaced to refresh the feeling of my vehicle as well as preventative maintenance)
SWAY BAR BUSHINGS (replaced to refresh the feeling of my vehicle as well as preventative maintenance)
SWAY BAR LINKS (replaced to refresh the feeling of my vehicle as well as preventative maintenance)
REAR SUB FRAME BUSHINGS (replaced to refresh the feeling of my vehicle as well as preventative maintenance)
IDLER ARM BUSHING (replaced to refresh the feeling of my vehicle as well as preventative maintenance)
FLEX DISC FRONT/REAR (front disc was cracking and rear was close)
CENTER SUPPORT BEARING (center support bearing was SHOT, needed to be replaced when I bought the vehicle)

The majority of this was done by choice rather than need but it definitely brings piece of mind as I will admit I like to drive my vehicle hard but at the same time I like to pamper my vehicle and keep all of the maintenance up to date.

Last edited by 503C43 ////AMG; May 8, 2011 at 02:20 PM.
Reply
Old May 14, 2012 | 12:48 PM
  #12  
illmaticnyc's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
1999 C43 AMG
Originally Posted by 503C43 ////AMG
I went through and made a list of all preventative maintenance and repair I have done on my C43:

RIMS (when I got the car the after market rims on my car didn't have the correct offset)
TIRES (when I got the car the tires sucked BIG TIME)
HID LIGHTS (when I got the car the head lights (stock halogen) sucked BIG TIME)
CRYSTAL FOGS (when I got the car the fog lights (stock halogen) sucked BIG TIME)
HID FOGS
FOG LIGHT WIRING HARNESS R/L (when I got the car the harnesses for the fogs were DESTROYED on both driver and passenger side)
MAF (when I got the car the MAF was in DESPERATE need of replacement)
VALVE COVERS RESEALED (when I got the car the valve covers were leaking oil (TINY amount but I could smell the oil burning)
PLUGS (when I got the car the plugs were in DESPERATE need of replacement)
WIRES (when I got the car the wires were in DESPERATE need of replacement)
SERP BELT (the belt was make a squeaking noise that bothered me so I changed the belt)
FUEL FILTER (had it changed during the B service)
POWER STEERING PUMP (it was starting to make the old power steering pump bearing "whirr" so I changed it)
TRANNY SERVICED (one of the first things I did when I got the car as I am DEATHLY afraid of having the old "C43 tranny issue")
BUMPER BRACKET (my bumper was not aligned very well when I got the car and then was made worse when a neighbor gave my front bumper a "love tap". Just replaced it)
SPRINGS (replaced for better performance as well as a more aggressive stance)
SPRING PADS (used the largest possible to aid in proper alignment)
SHOCKS (replaced as my car had 117K and the shocks were due for replacement)
ALL FRONT CONTROL ARMS (replaced to refresh the feeling of my vehicle as well as preventative maintenance)
ALL REAR CONTROL ARMS (replaced to refresh the feeling of my vehicle as well as preventative maintenance)
DRAG LINK (replaced to refresh the feeling of my vehicle as well as preventative maintenance)
BALL JOINTS
(replaced to refresh the feeling of my vehicle as well as preventative maintenance)
STEERING DAMPER (replaced to refresh the feeling of my vehicle as well as preventative maintenance)
SWAY BAR BUSHINGS (replaced to refresh the feeling of my vehicle as well as preventative maintenance)
SWAY BAR LINKS (replaced to refresh the feeling of my vehicle as well as preventative maintenance)
REAR SUB FRAME BUSHINGS (replaced to refresh the feeling of my vehicle as well as preventative maintenance)
IDLER ARM BUSHING (replaced to refresh the feeling of my vehicle as well as preventative maintenance)
FLEX DISC FRONT/REAR (front disc was cracking and rear was close)
CENTER SUPPORT BEARING (center support bearing was SHOT, needed to be replaced when I bought the vehicle)

The majority of this was done by choice rather than need but it definitely brings piece of mind as I will admit I like to drive my vehicle hard but at the same time I like to pamper my vehicle and keep all of the maintenance up to date.
this is a GREAT list..tks for sharing. did you get all MB parts? how much was all this? id like to do the same. how do i know if i need new springs?
Reply
Old May 14, 2012 | 01:28 PM
  #13  
KJI3jflarryfe93's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 0
Likes: 36
about sparkplugs?

when i changed my plugs my car had only covered 45000 miles.
that was in 2007, now it is 2012 and my car has covered approx 63000 miles
that's only 18000 miles i drove with new plugs.

should i change them or not?
my car is not a daily driver, plugs is kinda costly to change if i haven't been driving very much with my car?

what could happen if i don't change them every 5 years??
Reply
Old May 14, 2012 | 04:05 PM
  #14  
DuaneC63's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,601
Likes: 10
From: San Diego/San Francisco
AMG GLC63. Audi R8
Originally Posted by 503C43 ////AMG
I went through and made a list of all preventative maintenance and repair I have done on my C43:

RIMS (when I got the car the after market rims on my car didn't have the correct offset)
TIRES (when I got the car the tires sucked BIG TIME)
HID LIGHTS (when I got the car the head lights (stock halogen) sucked BIG TIME)
CRYSTAL FOGS (when I got the car the fog lights (stock halogen) sucked BIG TIME)
HID FOGS
FOG LIGHT WIRING HARNESS R/L (when I got the car the harnesses for the fogs were DESTROYED on both driver and passenger side)
MAF (when I got the car the MAF was in DESPERATE need of replacement)
VALVE COVERS RESEALED (when I got the car the valve covers were leaking oil (TINY amount but I could smell the oil burning)
PLUGS (when I got the car the plugs were in DESPERATE need of replacement)
WIRES (when I got the car the wires were in DESPERATE need of replacement)
SERP BELT (the belt was make a squeaking noise that bothered me so I changed the belt)
FUEL FILTER (had it changed during the B service)
POWER STEERING PUMP (it was starting to make the old power steering pump bearing "whirr" so I changed it)
TRANNY SERVICED (one of the first things I did when I got the car as I am DEATHLY afraid of having the old "C43 tranny issue")
BUMPER BRACKET (my bumper was not aligned very well when I got the car and then was made worse when a neighbor gave my front bumper a "love tap". Just replaced it)
SPRINGS (replaced for better performance as well as a more aggressive stance)
SPRING PADS (used the largest possible to aid in proper alignment)
SHOCKS (replaced as my car had 117K and the shocks were due for replacement)
ALL FRONT CONTROL ARMS (replaced to refresh the feeling of my vehicle as well as preventative maintenance)
ALL REAR CONTROL ARMS (replaced to refresh the feeling of my vehicle as well as preventative maintenance)
DRAG LINK (replaced to refresh the feeling of my vehicle as well as preventative maintenance)
BALL JOINTS (replaced to refresh the feeling of my vehicle as well as preventative maintenance)
STEERING DAMPER (replaced to refresh the feeling of my vehicle as well as preventative maintenance)
SWAY BAR BUSHINGS (replaced to refresh the feeling of my vehicle as well as preventative maintenance)
SWAY BAR LINKS (replaced to refresh the feeling of my vehicle as well as preventative maintenance)
REAR SUB FRAME BUSHINGS (replaced to refresh the feeling of my vehicle as well as preventative maintenance)
IDLER ARM BUSHING (replaced to refresh the feeling of my vehicle as well as preventative maintenance)
FLEX DISC FRONT/REAR (front disc was cracking and rear was close)
CENTER SUPPORT BEARING (center support bearing was SHOT, needed to be replaced when I bought the vehicle)

The majority of this was done by choice rather than need but it definitely brings piece of mind as I will admit I like to drive my vehicle hard but at the same time I like to pamper my vehicle and keep all of the maintenance up to date.
It's nice to see someone taking proper care of this classic AMG.
Reply
Old May 14, 2012 | 05:58 PM
  #15  
503C43 ////AMG's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,437
Likes: 43
From: PDX
1999 C43, 2008 P30 E63, 2014 SQ5, 2024 Model Y Performance
Originally Posted by illmaticnyc
this is a GREAT list..tks for sharing. did you get all MB parts? how much was all this? id like to do the same. how do i know if i need new springs?
I tried to stay OEM as much as possible unless there was a product that was clearly superior or a better fit for the direction I was taking (i.e. bilstein sports for my Vogtland springs, etc...) The total cost was around $3500 for parts and I had a shop install everything for around $1300 for a grand total of $4800. I would be surprised if you needed new springs, most likely you need new shocks if they haven't been replaced.


Originally Posted by kowalski
about sparkplugs?

when i changed my plugs my car had only covered 45000 miles.
that was in 2007, now it is 2012 and my car has covered approx 63000 miles
that's only 18000 miles i drove with new plugs.

should i change them or not?
my car is not a daily driver, plugs is kinda costly to change if i haven't been driving very much with my car?

what could happen if i don't change them every 5 years??
I would change them just for piece of mind but I am CRAZY like that (just look at what I did with my suspension)
Reply
Old May 15, 2012 | 12:30 AM
  #16  
DRBC43AMG's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,889
Likes: 322
From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
Get those plugs changed asap!
Reply
Old May 15, 2012 | 06:04 PM
  #17  
Benzonline's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Canada
99 C43 ///AMG
This is a GREAT thread!

Looks like I am on top (+previous owner did stuff at MB like the plugs)

However one did not mention Engine Mounts! Lately, I noticed (mostly when cold) a chattering vibration especially when I get to the first stoplight when pulled out by my house. It never done this before and when I had my C230K w202 it did the similar thing when engine mounts were at fault.

Looks like I have to do those and the fuel filter soon.
Reply
Old May 16, 2012 | 11:54 AM
  #18  
JohnnyRock's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 435
Likes: 8
From: Mizzou
1998 C43 AMG
@503,
Can you get most of these items at online sources like autohausaz ?
Reply
Old Jun 24, 2012 | 12:42 AM
  #19  
dls55amg's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
2003s55amg
to 503c43 ,sounds like we purchased the same car,
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:19 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE