Power loss (bogging) on C43 AMG
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
1999 MB C43 AMG
Power loss (bogging) on C43 AMG
Hey guys,
I’m new to the forum, just registerd. I live in Boston MA and I recently bought a 1999 C43 AMG. The car has 133k miles and I have all the history of it. Very clean car owned by a passionate before. My friend who sold it to me spent $4k on the car before selling it to me back in February. He changed all the A/C system, changed all the spark plugs, spark plug wires, new battery, retuned the engine, changed tires etc.
That was back in February but now I have some trouble with the car and it’s worrying me. The car is seriously bogging under acceleration, like I have no power after 3,000 rpms. Then, around 4,500 / 5,000 the car starts accelerating smoothly again but is still really low on power. I took the car to MB to get a diagnostic and they told me that I had to change the cat converters and the exhaust muffler for around $7,000 !!!!
I then took it to an (awesome) mechanic, European Car Doctors, and the guy told me to first use Techron 3 times. Put it in when empty fuel tank, refuel and then drive. Repeat it 3 times and then come back to him if nothing changed…
I’m not a specialist on mechanic stuff but I really want my car to run properly as it is my daily driver. Did smbd had a similar issue or have any suggestion?
Thanks for the answers.
Arnaud.
I’m new to the forum, just registerd. I live in Boston MA and I recently bought a 1999 C43 AMG. The car has 133k miles and I have all the history of it. Very clean car owned by a passionate before. My friend who sold it to me spent $4k on the car before selling it to me back in February. He changed all the A/C system, changed all the spark plugs, spark plug wires, new battery, retuned the engine, changed tires etc.
That was back in February but now I have some trouble with the car and it’s worrying me. The car is seriously bogging under acceleration, like I have no power after 3,000 rpms. Then, around 4,500 / 5,000 the car starts accelerating smoothly again but is still really low on power. I took the car to MB to get a diagnostic and they told me that I had to change the cat converters and the exhaust muffler for around $7,000 !!!!
I then took it to an (awesome) mechanic, European Car Doctors, and the guy told me to first use Techron 3 times. Put it in when empty fuel tank, refuel and then drive. Repeat it 3 times and then come back to him if nothing changed…
I’m not a specialist on mechanic stuff but I really want my car to run properly as it is my daily driver. Did smbd had a similar issue or have any suggestion?
Thanks for the answers.
Arnaud.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,437
Likes: 43
From: PDX
1999 C43, 2008 P30 E63, 2014 SQ5, 2024 Model Y Performance
Any codes??? I was quoted around $4000 to replace the stock AMG exhaust system but you could definitely replace it with after market parts for WAY cheaper and get more power.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,784
Likes: 84
From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
Take it to a good muffler shop. They’ll pull the O2 sensors and install pressure gauges. The gauges will show abnormal pressure levels. That’s assuming they aren’t rattling. If they rattle, they can be tossed without testing. The dealer wants $7K because they use factory parts. Metal core Magnaflow cats will outflow the factory parts for less than 15 cents on the dollar.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,761
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
98 Black C43 , 12’ ML 350 Blutec
While you're having all this looked at , take a look at the basics - when was the last time the fuel filter was changed? When was the MAS - mass air sensor changed out ? A bad mass air sensor doesn't always throw codes.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,890
Likes: 323
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)
That's true, those are two items worth looking at before checking other more expensive items.... 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,339
Likes: 11
From: Gulf Coast but not Florida
GLK350, SL63 AMG
It is a good idea to try the Techron first. There has been a lot of dodgy gas since the change over to the summer formula. It a lot cheaper than throwing parts at the car. Use shell 93 gas and I bet the problem goes away. I had similar problems with my 55 that I can only attribute to changeover gas on a recent road trip. I used an off brand in NJ uugh
but I had no choice. I live thek idea of changing the fuel filter even if it was just changed if there is junk in it it's toast.
Where are European car doctors. Sound savvy.
but I had no choice. I live thek idea of changing the fuel filter even if it was just changed if there is junk in it it's toast.Where are European car doctors. Sound savvy.
Hey guys,
I’m new to the forum, just registerd. I live in Boston MA and I recently bought a 1999 C43 AMG. The car has 133k miles and I have all the history of it. Very clean car owned by a passionate before. My friend who sold it to me spent $4k on the car before selling it to me back in February. He changed all the A/C system, changed all the spark plugs, spark plug wires, new battery, retuned the engine, changed tires etc.
That was back in February but now I have some trouble with the car and it’s worrying me. The car is seriously bogging under acceleration, like I have no power after 3,000 rpms. Then, around 4,500 / 5,000 the car starts accelerating smoothly again but is still really low on power. I took the car to MB to get a diagnostic and they told me that I had to change the cat converters and the exhaust muffler for around $7,000 !!!!
I then took it to an (awesome) mechanic, European Car Doctors, and the guy told me to first use Techron 3 times. Put it in when empty fuel tank, refuel and then drive. Repeat it 3 times and then come back to him if nothing changed…
I’m not a specialist on mechanic stuff but I really want my car to run properly as it is my daily driver. Did smbd had a similar issue or have any suggestion?
Thanks for the answers.
Arnaud.
I’m new to the forum, just registerd. I live in Boston MA and I recently bought a 1999 C43 AMG. The car has 133k miles and I have all the history of it. Very clean car owned by a passionate before. My friend who sold it to me spent $4k on the car before selling it to me back in February. He changed all the A/C system, changed all the spark plugs, spark plug wires, new battery, retuned the engine, changed tires etc.
That was back in February but now I have some trouble with the car and it’s worrying me. The car is seriously bogging under acceleration, like I have no power after 3,000 rpms. Then, around 4,500 / 5,000 the car starts accelerating smoothly again but is still really low on power. I took the car to MB to get a diagnostic and they told me that I had to change the cat converters and the exhaust muffler for around $7,000 !!!!
I then took it to an (awesome) mechanic, European Car Doctors, and the guy told me to first use Techron 3 times. Put it in when empty fuel tank, refuel and then drive. Repeat it 3 times and then come back to him if nothing changed…
I’m not a specialist on mechanic stuff but I really want my car to run properly as it is my daily driver. Did smbd had a similar issue or have any suggestion?
Thanks for the answers.
Arnaud.
Last edited by grane; Jul 6, 2011 at 08:29 AM.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
1999 MB C43 AMG
Thanks guys for all the tips. My mechanic told me to change my gas too and use only Shell VPower 93. I already used Techron 2 times and shifted to Shell 93, and I clearly see a difference, even if all the power is not back yet. the car bogging issue has diminished significantly. I'll do it a last time as my mechanic told me and then I guess I'll start with checking the MAS and fuel filter.
I guess I'll ultimately have to change to the cat converters later. My mechanic also told me about changing them but he wanted to take a step by step approach to avoid throwing money at it for nothing.
@eundaddy: The tranny shifts perfectly, very smoothly and I didn't hear or feel anything weird coming from there. I might have a look at it but later I guess.
@grane: European Car Doctors are located in Boston, 61 Brookline avenue next to Kenmore. Just check their reviews on yelp, pretty impressive.
Thanks again for the advices !
I guess I'll ultimately have to change to the cat converters later. My mechanic also told me about changing them but he wanted to take a step by step approach to avoid throwing money at it for nothing.
@eundaddy: The tranny shifts perfectly, very smoothly and I didn't hear or feel anything weird coming from there. I might have a look at it but later I guess.
@grane: European Car Doctors are located in Boston, 61 Brookline avenue next to Kenmore. Just check their reviews on yelp, pretty impressive.
Thanks again for the advices !
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 40
From: Bay Area, CA
98 C43, 15 Alfa 4C LE, 18 Tesla Model 3 DM Perf, 08 Duc S1000, 02 Duc 998, 98 Duc 748, 01 Miata
You'll feel symptoms similar to this before the MAS ever throws a code. If it feels stronger at partial throttle than at full throttle, that is the main symptom I had before mine threw a code.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,437
Likes: 43
From: PDX
1999 C43, 2008 P30 E63, 2014 SQ5, 2024 Model Y Performance
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 40
From: Bay Area, CA
98 C43, 15 Alfa 4C LE, 18 Tesla Model 3 DM Perf, 08 Duc S1000, 02 Duc 998, 98 Duc 748, 01 Miata
Correct, it will log a fault code in the ECU and then turn on the check engine light. I don't remember the exact code, but it is something to the effect of Fuel Trim Bank 1 and Fuel Trim Bank 2.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Mansfield, TX
2002 C32 AMG
I have been dealing with the same thing recently. I was receiving P0170 and P0173 codes. I changed the MAF and then the power was back, but it boggs down around 5k RPM and I am getting P0300, P0302 and P0304 codes now.
I am considering changing the plugs on cylinders 2 and 4 as well as the wires. I may even go as far as to change the coil packs on those cylinders if necessary. I just want my speed back.
Anyone else experienced these symptoms, any advice is appreciated.
BTW, you can get a scanner at AutoZone or any auto parts store. There is no need to buy the expensive ones. You can pull the codes with the $70 unit and find the codes in the MB forums.
I am considering changing the plugs on cylinders 2 and 4 as well as the wires. I may even go as far as to change the coil packs on those cylinders if necessary. I just want my speed back.
Anyone else experienced these symptoms, any advice is appreciated.
BTW, you can get a scanner at AutoZone or any auto parts store. There is no need to buy the expensive ones. You can pull the codes with the $70 unit and find the codes in the MB forums.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,761
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
98 Black C43 , 12’ ML 350 Blutec
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
1999 MB C43 AMG
Heads up. So as recommended by my mechanic, I just used Techron to clean the injectors and boy there is a huge difference. I put a full bottle (for 20 gallons fuel tanks) in an empty fuel tank and repeated the operation 3 times. I'm down with it now and my C43 seems even more powerful than before the power loss issue. It's a beast again, easily spinning the tires until 3rd gear under the wet with no problem whatsoever! The car also breaks the traction in the dry in first no problem. God I love this car !
I dropped the C43 this morning at the stealership for a tranny and reaf diff flush. They'll also change the filter in the mean time. That should hopefully smooth the shifts, which tend to be a bit rough when the car is cold and make it even more enjoyable to drive.
I dropped the C43 this morning at the stealership for a tranny and reaf diff flush. They'll also change the filter in the mean time. That should hopefully smooth the shifts, which tend to be a bit rough when the car is cold and make it even more enjoyable to drive.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,890
Likes: 323
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)
I hope you drive the car nice and cool 
until the oil and tranny warms up unless you want very expensive problems...
until the oil and tranny warms up unless you want very expensive problems...
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
1999 MB C43 AMG
Don't worry about that ! That's the first thing my father told when I learned driving. I never hit the car before it was fully warmed up. Specially with high-perf cars ... as you said, the damages would be freakin' expensive !!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,437
Likes: 43
From: PDX
1999 C43, 2008 P30 E63, 2014 SQ5, 2024 Model Y Performance
Heads up. So as recommended by my mechanic, I just used Techron to clean the injectors and boy there is a huge difference. I put a full bottle (for 20 gallons fuel tanks) in an empty fuel tank and repeated the operation 3 times. I'm down with it now and my C43 seems even more powerful than before the power loss issue. It's a beast again, easily spinning the tires until 3rd gear under the wet with no problem whatsoever! The car also breaks the traction in the dry in first no problem. God I love this car !
I dropped the C43 this morning at the stealership for a tranny and reaf diff flush. They'll also change the filter in the mean time. That should hopefully smooth the shifts, which tend to be a bit rough when the car is cold and make it even more enjoyable to drive.
I dropped the C43 this morning at the stealership for a tranny and reaf diff flush. They'll also change the filter in the mean time. That should hopefully smooth the shifts, which tend to be a bit rough when the car is cold and make it even more enjoyable to drive.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
1999 MB C43 AMG
