An article I know well. I'm not saying one is better than the other. There is a reason I am a member of this thread, and this one alone. The only reason we are talking about this is because the C43 listed in LA is grossly overpriced, even if it is the first hand built AMG. While the value of these legends may increase over time, it will be a while before we see an average price more than 16-17k, unfortunately. It's a sad fact. Most people don't even know of these AMG's. I know I didn't. I stumbled upon them by accident, and boy, I'm glad I did. Now, that being said, part of me wants to keep them a secret, hidden gem only known to those who seek them out. The other part wants to let everyone know how incredible these cars are.

...anyways that's all I have to say about that.

 

You would need to have a mad love affair with a C43 to want to spend that kind of money on one. For me personally, it would need to be a MY2000 with almost no miles.

That being said, I think the C43 offers a number of advantages over the W211 E55, and it is mainly the result of the E55 being a more advanced car in the technology field which also opens it up to more failure modes. I would avoid an 03 or 04 model and stick with the updated 05 or 06. The early 2000's were not a good time frame for Mercedes quality. The SBC system results in a brake pedal that provides virtually no tactile feedback. The C43 is bad enough, the E55 is way worse. Mercedes ended up recalling over 1 million vehicles due to defective SBC and in 2006 they started moving back to conventional hydraulic brakes. That is just one example of the issues that came along with the technology push that accompanied the W211. ABC pump failure is also common and very expensive. Other than a transmission failure or an accident that tears up that very rare front bumper, there isn't a lot on the C43 that is going to absolutely bend you over and take all of your money. And while it isn't light, the C43 is definitely lighter and more toss-able than the W211 E55. They really are different cars though. If you want to be madly fast in a straight line, have good leg room both front and back, and get your back massaged while you drive (until it breaks), than I suppose the W211 E55 is a good route to take. If you want something a little more classic, decently quick (but definitely not fast) in a straight line, and a little more light on its feet, then C43. Easy, right?

By the way, W209 CLK55 (specifically 2005 coupe) and R171 SLK55 (specifically 2007 Performance Package) are on my personal radar long before a W211 E55, but that's just me.

 

I only just saw this response.. Thank you for helping me with the original question! I've all but decided on the C43. The only issue now is going to be finding a good example of one. The gentleman I was going to purchase from decided he just couldn't part with it as he "is still too much in love with the C to part with it". He, did however, offer to take his '06 E55k and C43 out to play next time I am in the area. MARCH NEEDS TO COME FASTER.

 

There was one in sf bay area for like 5k with less than 120k and in damn good condition. The reason for sale was because they upgraded to a c63. Seemed like a very good deal...

 

There was one in Phoenix with only 70K miles for $7K. And that was almost 4 years ago...UGH, I shoulda grabbed it when I had the chance!

 

On that note...I also coulda had a beautiful black '97 C36 with only 63K miles for only $7K (although its tranny was acting up) about 3 years ago. OK, I'm gonna go cry now...


Well actually, in my defense, I was unemployed at the time, so that probably wouldn't have been such a wise decision.

 

Lowest miles that I have seen recently, but highest price that I have seen recently too:

http://roanoke.craigslist.org/cto/4779012532.html

77k miles for $10.9k OBO:

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/4844611985.html

Black on black with 96k in the middle of the country for $7k:

http://columbiamo.craigslist.org/ctd/4833216398.html


**Drum roll** And the award for the most ridiculously overpriced C43 on Craigslist goes too... The 98 with 191k miles and a decent list of issues for $16k!!

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/la...835453807.html

I know some of these a decent distance (life full country) away from you (Idaho, correct?), but you could always have a little adventure

 

Depends if you prefer performance over "asthetics". A properly running C32 will outperform a C43 in every possible way...stock. Add a SC pulley, exhaust, intake, tune and it'll drag a 43 up/down the street at half throttle.

 

Nothing like a cross-country road trip in a new to me AMG Visit the Roanoke post again.. I'm not sure if my eyes are blurry, but does that say 18k?! Even for a perfect example.. jeeze. Thank you for putting in the time to search these up for me.

 

Do you know if it's still for sale? Might be a good reason for me to take a trip to the Bay this weekend

 

Couldnt find it last time i checked but check it again. Check all areas surrounding the bay. Wasnt sure where exactly it was

 

No prob. I bought mine 10 hours away. Flew out to get it, drove it back, had a tire blow out at about 6 PM on a Sunday evening with a second one showing cords and not looking to be too far behind. Do you know how hard it is to find a place to get new tires put on when it is 6 PM on a Sunday? It builds character though

 

Hmm.. It's a shame none of these cars are within 10-12 hours of me even, save for the overpriced ones in LA. I'll keep praying the gentleman in Seattle decides to sell his within a few months or so.