Reliability C36 vs C43
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Super Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 963
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From: Illinois
2014 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG
Reliability C36 vs C43
I currently own a 1994 S600 Coupe and 1993 600SEL. Both are amazing cars but it is time for them to go.
I am looking to purchase a C36 or C43 to replace them. My only decision factor between the two is reliability. I am only looking at the 1997 C36 vs any C43 (probably not 2000 since they are so rare).
I have read this forum and found that these cars do have similar problems that my W140s had. They are so darn expensive and so darn expensive to upkeep. But, it's a mercedes. And now that I've driven a benz, I can't go back.
Both of them got new transmission, and even one of them had the cylinder heads replaced. All work was done under warranty (I bought the extended warranty when I purchased them, work done on both cars well exceeded $10k). I'm sure the dealership wasn't happy about that. I didn't pay a penny.
Additional question:
What is the max mileage on either car that I should purchase to be "safe".
I'm looking to keep this thing for atleast 10 years.
Thanks in advance.
I am looking to purchase a C36 or C43 to replace them. My only decision factor between the two is reliability. I am only looking at the 1997 C36 vs any C43 (probably not 2000 since they are so rare).
I have read this forum and found that these cars do have similar problems that my W140s had. They are so darn expensive and so darn expensive to upkeep. But, it's a mercedes. And now that I've driven a benz, I can't go back.
Both of them got new transmission, and even one of them had the cylinder heads replaced. All work was done under warranty (I bought the extended warranty when I purchased them, work done on both cars well exceeded $10k). I'm sure the dealership wasn't happy about that. I didn't pay a penny.
Additional question:
What is the max mileage on either car that I should purchase to be "safe".
I'm looking to keep this thing for atleast 10 years.
Thanks in advance.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,101
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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
Pick your poison. C43 has transmission issues but the M113 is pretty reliable. Standard fare is your normal issues: MAF, O2 sensors, oil leaks from the valve covers and oil cooler, etc. Nothing terrible and parts aren't too terrible beyond the factory brake rotors. Some have fitted W203 Sport rotors to help cut down on that cost.
Obviously I don't have much experience with the C36, but it seems that wiring harness and head gasket issues are the most common major failures. Not sure if the 5 speed on the 97 C36 has the same issues as the C43.
Obviously I don't have much experience with the C36, but it seems that wiring harness and head gasket issues are the most common major failures. Not sure if the 5 speed on the 97 C36 has the same issues as the C43.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 40
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I have had both and still have two C43s. The earlier C36 with the 4-speed may have bad wiring harnesses and that cost a mint to replace. The later 5-speed cars do not appear to be affected.
Both the 5-speed C36 and C43 will have transmission failure if the factory recommendations are respected. Instead, change the synthetic oil and filter every 30K miles and shift "with your right foot" rather than letting the clutches do all the work.
The usual things will, as indicated above, fail: MAF, and sometimes the main computer and there are no replacement parts, MBNA will "repair" yours for a mere 1500 bucks. Where were those guys when the Obamacare website was being put together?
One more thing: keep the car garaged because the sun damages the roof liner and it collapses on you.
Other that that, both cars are great, lots of fun and handle like go karts.
You can get a 1999-2002 E55 for similar money and it is a better car overall, with less issues. In fact, it is virtually bullet-proof and will leave the C's in its dust. I have one too and it is completely trouble-free.
So far!
Both the 5-speed C36 and C43 will have transmission failure if the factory recommendations are respected. Instead, change the synthetic oil and filter every 30K miles and shift "with your right foot" rather than letting the clutches do all the work.
The usual things will, as indicated above, fail: MAF, and sometimes the main computer and there are no replacement parts, MBNA will "repair" yours for a mere 1500 bucks. Where were those guys when the Obamacare website was being put together?
One more thing: keep the car garaged because the sun damages the roof liner and it collapses on you.
Other that that, both cars are great, lots of fun and handle like go karts.
You can get a 1999-2002 E55 for similar money and it is a better car overall, with less issues. In fact, it is virtually bullet-proof and will leave the C's in its dust. I have one too and it is completely trouble-free.
So far!
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 754
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...
I'm somewhat biased towards the 95 /96 C36. It will just require the engine harness in most cases as previously stated. These years were very robust all around, but it def helps to find a maintained example w/ records. GL in your search.
Last edited by RPB; Nov 13, 2013 at 11:35 PM.
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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
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: MN, USA
C43 5.4, ML320CDI, Fords
i have alot of experience on both cars, c43 is much more reliable and will be cheaper to own/maintain.
there's also alot of perks with the 43, alot of things happened in the 98 facelift. c36 is a cool car still.
there's also alot of perks with the 43, alot of things happened in the 98 facelift. c36 is a cool car still.
