So my first summer with the C43 is over. Didn't get to do any work on it. Had purchased the vogtland springs back in the spring but they were pretty beat up and I wasn't even sure they were the right model, so I returned them. Found some beautiful rims that the seller backed out of because he didn't want to ship them and that was it. I did get the exhaust fixed, turns out the stealership sold me a car with an exhaust leak and the 5 times I brought it in complaining about rough idle they just ignored me. Stay away from Fort Washington PA Mercedes, their used car department are the biggest fraud and liars I have ever run into. Nevertheless I did get a C43 from them albeit overpriced. I've come to the realization that I am happy to have the car even if the transaction stunk.

After the exhaust fix, the car is purring and much quieter than the day I bought it, salesman has the nerve to tell me that was the AMG exhaust note, me like a dumb *** believed it. The oil leak it seems is here to stay, engine probably needs a rebuild. Fort Washington refused to fix it even though it was under warranty and I've just let it go with them. I'll probably end up buying a $100k+ car in the next few years and I'll just bring my business somewhere else, fighting with them over small potatoes just isn't worth my time.

Well back to the oil leak, it's basically a quart every 1000-1200 miles if I don't jump on the gas much which I am guilty of doing. What can I say, I like to drive fast. So the big question becomes what should I do with a 140k on the clock. My choices are:
1. Leave it as is until the motor dies out,
2. Rebuild the 4.3,
3. Throw a used 5.4 in,
4. Throw a rebuilt 5.4 in.

Money isn't really an issue, but one thing I want to do is throw on the kleeman s/c kit and I'm torn between getting those 50hp out of the 5.4 and keeping the matching numbers on the 4.3. I know if I pop a s/c on that the engine should have a rebuild first.

As far as the rest of the car, I've decided to do the k2 kit, the 18 aero wheels, the quaife lsd, the e55 tran if or when mine blows. So nothing ground breaking or new. And while I'll be collecting parts over the winter I won't start till the spring, but my real dilemma is the engine decision.

Group thoughts?

 

Well, these motors are incredibly reliable and durable. Waiting on the 4.3 to die out could be a decades long ordeal. Mine has more than double the mileage on all original parts except water pump and it still purrs like a kitten.

I feel you on the numbers matching thing. I intend to keep mine for a great many years. In case it ever becomes a desirable collector piece, I would very much appreciate numbers matching. If I knew for a fact that would never happen, I would not hesitate for a 5.4 swap--rebuilt or not.

I must say, if you're going the kleemann route (my ultimate dream for one of my C43's), then it's a no-brainer to do a fresh 5.4 and fresh tranny swap. The kleemann is a big investment, and if money really is no issue then you are best off doing "the whole shebang."

It would be pretty lame if you dumped $5k+ into an engine rebuilt and supercharger when another $6k+ would have netted you the ultimate m113, pushing you over 500hp in a w202. As far as transmission goes, the E55 and C43 trannies are so similar it's really up to you on which one you land on. Just make sure it's healthy or freshly rebuilt.

Whenever I get around to my 5.4 swap, I'll take the E55 tranny if it comes with the engine. But either way, it would be nice to have a spare laying around. These things are stupidly expensive to rebuild.

Edit: The oil leak you're experiencing is a widespread issue on these engines (AMG or not). It's mostly valve covers, oil pressure test port, and oil cooler gaskets that fail most often. In my 99, it definitely leaks more when I'm lead-footed. The leak on that one is at the valve cover, and I can only assume it's the high RPMs making the lifters throw oil all over the valve cover which then leaks out the faulty gasket. A cheap and simple fix, really. But I'm waiting until I decide to keep or swap the engine in this car. My other C43 is a 98 with ALL available US options (US models did not get interior alarm sensors, parking sensors, rear sunblinds, unfortunately) but has had a completely butchered sound system installed in it. My 99 only had all standard C43 options (same as a C280 that year, I believe) but is completely all original inside.

 

september 30th was the end of summer driving for my car, she's tucked away for this year.
7 months of sleep is a long time, shiet!

 

we are getting the wife a GLK 350 4matic for her daily driver, and I'm eventually gonna have a w163 ML430 or w210 E430 as my winter/alternate!

 

did your financial dry turn into a money-well or is it still a mirage in Sahara?
i need another car during winter but can't afford double costs for 2 vehicles

 

running costs for vehicles in the US is typically MUCH cheaper than in Europe and Scandinavia!

I pay $77 per year for my registration and fees per car.

And the GLK will be a used 2010 or 2011 for much cheaper with financing

 

"T-Rex" is still on the road as the weather remains warm for the moment and no salt has been laid on the roads. Unfortunately that will not last much longer, so hibernation could start after this weekend...

 

My friend down in Virginia has an A1 Transmission shop. He's offered to rebuild my tran if I provide the blueprint and invited me down for a week to do the engine swap if I'm willing to turn the wrench..uh hell yes! Told him I'd have the engine shipped right to his shop. He's also got a friend who rebuilds MB engines so I can go either way (pick up a rebuilt or get it done before I head down) So I'm going to keep the 4.3 have it shipped back up to Jersey and make a table out of it or something just in case. I'll get the sc installed by a tuner up here so I can have access.

Hopefully February won't be a snowy month. >


BTW, anyone have the blueprint?