C43 Vs. Ml55 Not a bad race!!!!!
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Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 261
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From: San Francisco
1998 C43 Amg
C43 Vs. Ml55 Not a bad race!!!!!
I was driving home late at night when I noticed a ml with bright lights come behind me. He drives up to the side and starts gasing it. For a second I thought it was a Ml320 at first. It seemed preetty fast. I gased it and he pulled half a car. We drove up to the red light and so when it turned green we punched it and at first I pulled up to 40mph then he slowly was catching up. On the second red light when it turned green we went again and it was a even race. On the third time I was getting a little pissed I couldn't tell what kind of mercedes it was. So when it turned green I pulled and kept pulling up to 80 and I pulled about half a car. I guess the guy felt ashamed and he made a fast right turn but, luckly I had a chance to spot what kind of car it was. It was a Ml55 with the twin tips. At first I thought it might be a ml500 because it had the sport brakes that I noticed. The ml55's came with the sport brakes too. I was surprised how my little grandpa c43 was keeping up to 5.5 360hp engine lol. It seemed like my c43 was getting faster while his Ml got slower on the 3rd race lol. Ive raced couple of others for example a S60 R the turbo one and I got him on the last time. Those turbos defiently get heat soaked. Are c43s are preetty buff little machines.
Last edited by vlad957; Mar 23, 2013 at 05:38 AM. Reason: fixing
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: PDX
1999 C43, 2008 P30 E63, 2014 SQ5, 2024 Model Y Performance
You should be able to beat a stock ML55 with a stock C43. ML55 runs low-mid 6 second 0-60 and a high 14 in the quarter mile. I believe the ML55 had around 340 HP and 376 TQ, not enough to push that heavy box past our C43's 
ML55 AMG:
Vehicle configuration 4-door, 5-pass. multipurpose vehicle
Engine configuration V-8, SOHC, 3 valves/cylinder
Displacement, ci/cc 331.9/5439
Horsepower, hp @ rpm, SAE net 342 @ 5500 Torque, lb-ft @ rpm, SAE net 376 @ 2800-4500
Transmission type 5-speed automatic
Wheelbase, in./mm 111.0/2819
Base curb weight, lb 4653
Ground clearance, in./mm 7.8/198
Tow capacity, lb 5000 lb w/opt. hitch
0-60-mph time, sec 6.3
Standing quarter mile, sec/mph 14.8/94.6
Braking, 60-0 mph, ft 124
Lateral acceleration, g 0.75 Speed through 600-ft slalom, mph 59.5 EPA fuel economy, mpg, city/hwy. 13/16 (est.)
Base price $64,900 Price as tested $65,495 www.mbusa.com
ML55 AMG:
Vehicle configuration 4-door, 5-pass. multipurpose vehicle
Engine configuration V-8, SOHC, 3 valves/cylinder
Displacement, ci/cc 331.9/5439
Horsepower, hp @ rpm, SAE net 342 @ 5500 Torque, lb-ft @ rpm, SAE net 376 @ 2800-4500
Transmission type 5-speed automatic
Wheelbase, in./mm 111.0/2819
Base curb weight, lb 4653
Ground clearance, in./mm 7.8/198
Tow capacity, lb 5000 lb w/opt. hitch
0-60-mph time, sec 6.3
Standing quarter mile, sec/mph 14.8/94.6
Braking, 60-0 mph, ft 124
Lateral acceleration, g 0.75 Speed through 600-ft slalom, mph 59.5 EPA fuel economy, mpg, city/hwy. 13/16 (est.)
Base price $64,900 Price as tested $65,495 www.mbusa.com
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 73
Likes: 6
From: Southern NH
2003 SL55 AMG
Hey easy on my metal box! You have to remember it's pushing all wheel drive and 285 50 R 18's as well. I am quite impressed by how hard the ML55 pulls, harder than my e39 540i 6 speed. Horrible wind noise though and interior fit and finish is a little cheesy. That AMG engine makes it all worth it.
Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 87
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1999 C43 AMG
I had the same encounter once. although I knew it was an ml55 when it pulled up behind me. I was first and the light and when it went green I roasted the tires and pulled on him so easily. he was definitely on the gas bc the front of the ml was steady lifted until I slowed then he braked as well. no chance lol
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Super Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 636
Likes: 29
From: MN, USA
C43 5.4, ML320CDI, Fords
I have both a c43 and ml55, both mint condition. I've never raced the two but I suspect a very close race, I think my ml is a little quicker off the line, with awd and big torque, it jumps off the line. But as the speed gets higher the 202 stays strong, big aero advantage the higher the speed. My 43 has seen 155 rather easily, I know the ml could never get there, limiter or not.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 73
Likes: 6
From: Southern NH
2003 SL55 AMG
Yeah, it is not very aerodynamic. At 80 it sounds like you've got a window open there is so much wind noise. It looks like I'm going to miss out on the C55 AMG I was going to buy, the guy won't return my calls. I'm looking at an E500 Sport right now. It has an AMG emblem on it and the guy said it has the AMG Sport pkg. What's the difference between that and a real AMG? I don't think they make an E50 AMG it would be an E55. What's the story?
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Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 87
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1999 C43 AMG
Originally Posted by AMGenema
Yeah, it is not very aerodynamic. At 80 it sounds like you've got a window open there is so much wind noise. It looks like I'm going to miss out on the C55 AMG I was going to buy, the guy won't return my calls. I'm looking at an E500 Sport right now. It has an AMG emblem on it and the guy said it has the AMG Sport pkg. What's the difference between that and a real AMG? I don't think they make an E50 AMG it would be an E55. What's the story?
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Super Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 636
Likes: 29
From: MN, USA
C43 5.4, ML320CDI, Fords
Yeah, it is not very aerodynamic. At 80 it sounds like you've got a window open there is so much wind noise. It looks like I'm going to miss out on the C55 AMG I was going to buy, the guy won't return my calls. I'm looking at an E500 Sport right now. It has an AMG emblem on it and the guy said it has the AMG Sport pkg. What's the difference between that and a real AMG? I don't think they make an E50 AMG it would be an E55. What's the story?
There is a world of difference between an e55 in those years vs. an e500. The sport is basically just an appearance package in those years.
Be carefull with some of those cars, the 500's all had air suspension, which can and will be problematic. Also many of the earlier 211's had lots of issues with audio systems, battery and other electrcial issues. They should all be ironed out by now on a 10 year old car, but in general they are more expensive cars to own.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 73
Likes: 6
From: Southern NH
2003 SL55 AMG
This is a 2005 with 87K miles on it. Silver on black interior, not 4matic which is fine because it will just be a Summer vehicle. It is in mint condition, 2 owner with all service records. Asking $13,900. I am a little afraid of all the gadgets, like you say, they're great until they don't work. Massage seats sounds like something that can't last more than 100K before it breaks.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 636
Likes: 29
From: MN, USA
C43 5.4, ML320CDI, Fords
I actually really like the massage seats, and that feature is pretty reliable too, as are most. Does it also have dynamic seats? That is another feature that I would really like.
I'm not trying to scare you off, they're good cars, 05 will be pretty solid. I'd have no problem owning one, but I'm also a dealer mechanic and don't have to pay others to fix things. The price seems pretty good to me.
I'm not trying to scare you off, they're good cars, 05 will be pretty solid. I'd have no problem owning one, but I'm also a dealer mechanic and don't have to pay others to fix things. The price seems pretty good to me.
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,784
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From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
Yeah, it is not very aerodynamic. At 80 it sounds like you've got a window open there is so much wind noise. It looks like I'm going to miss out on the C55 AMG I was going to buy, the guy won't return my calls. I'm looking at an E500 Sport right now. It has an AMG emblem on it and the guy said it has the AMG Sport pkg. What's the difference between that and a real AMG? I don't think they make an E50 AMG it would be an E55. What's the story?
The Exclusive package includes a wood/leather steering wheel, the roof lining, pillar trim and sun visors in Alcantara, the seat upholstery, armrests and door panels in nappa leather, a high-quality dashboard finish with decorative stitching and velour floor mats.
The AMG Sport package did NOT come with AMG badging on the bodywork.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 73
Likes: 6
From: Southern NH
2003 SL55 AMG
Yes it does have the dynamic seats, heated and ventilated as well. The seats alone probably cost the asking price now when the guy bought it. My mechanic is a ten year Mercedes Master mechanic and he only charges me $70 an hour. It makes it a little easier to own one.
