Coolness Factor of the C43
06-14-2017, 01:28 PM
#1
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Coolness Factor of the C43
the coolness factor of our cars never ceases to amaze me. ive had shop mechanics offer to buy my car, been pulled over by other MB drivers, had questions by gas attendants whether my car is really an AMG.
the C43 is really a very unique and fun car. resale value does not reflect at all what the value of these cars are and i am going to guess that in 20 more years resale will spike. anyway, its really not about the resale price for me or most owners of a C43.. im sure there are a couple of guys out there keeping their cars under velvet and waiting but my guess is that +95% of the owners love this car for what it was, what it is and what it will be forever.
super happy i am in this club and will never get out.
the C43 is really a very unique and fun car. resale value does not reflect at all what the value of these cars are and i am going to guess that in 20 more years resale will spike. anyway, its really not about the resale price for me or most owners of a C43.. im sure there are a couple of guys out there keeping their cars under velvet and waiting but my guess is that +95% of the owners love this car for what it was, what it is and what it will be forever.
super happy i am in this club and will never get out.
06-14-2017, 02:01 PM
#2
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1999 C43 AMG, 2005 E55 Wagon
for real, my friend.
for years I always wanted one, thinking they were just so cool to ME but I didn't think anyone else would really think so. but I don't care what others think.
i've now had my C43 since 2011 and I have come around, I now think the car is just cool in-general for the car world. it's such a rare gem and it oozes understated class and style.
my wife and I are talking about getting her a GLK for her daily driver soon, and then something newer so I can park my C43 and restore it back to factory look inside and out (but keep the 55 motor). I'm only considering w211 or w219 55 AMG cars, but I would still never EVER get rid of my w202. The kompressor cars are faster, more valuable, but no AMG will be as cool as my old C43
for years I always wanted one, thinking they were just so cool to ME but I didn't think anyone else would really think so. but I don't care what others think.
i've now had my C43 since 2011 and I have come around, I now think the car is just cool in-general for the car world. it's such a rare gem and it oozes understated class and style.
my wife and I are talking about getting her a GLK for her daily driver soon, and then something newer so I can park my C43 and restore it back to factory look inside and out (but keep the 55 motor). I'm only considering w211 or w219 55 AMG cars, but I would still never EVER get rid of my w202. The kompressor cars are faster, more valuable, but no AMG will be as cool as my old C43
06-14-2017, 02:01 PM
#3
Super Member
I've had quite the contrary throughout my 6 years of ownership. Mine is debadged, but I feel these AMGs (W202,W210,W211 etc) are understated-which I like. You can roll through the cities & not draw attention; but those that know appreciate it. I've seen two C36s, but have never seen another C43 on the road. I can count on two hands the amount of compliments or times people have addressed me about the car- maybe it's because I'm gone too quickly 
06-15-2017, 11:13 PM
#5
Senior Member
Ive had this car since december but i still turn back and look at this car every time i park it. such a classic look. also nothing beats the sound and feeling of dropping from 4th to 3rd and roaring away from traffic on the highway. Im thinking about getting rid of my primary cats, so i would only have mufflers to keep me from being full straight pipe. can anyone tell me how loud that would be???
06-16-2017, 12:14 AM
#7
Super Member
I agree they are a really cool car. Also really nice drivers. I will say I drive mine less and less because I got a new ML last year which is such a pleasure to drive, it actually beats out the 202 to me a little but everyone is different. They are cool badass iconic and also very practical and sturdy... Hard to do all that. Mercedes makes alot of cool cars you could say the same about though too, it's remarkable.
I have no cats, and the factory resonator and muffler. I feel it's perfect and wouldn't change a thing on it. If you had just a muffler with no resonator I think that would be too loud. Mine is throaty at all the right times and no bad things associated with making things loud, no pops snarls droans weird sounds. You can hear the motor more and not just the exhaust blare. Sounds similar to a G55.
Ive had this car since december but i still turn back and look at this car every time i park it. such a classic look. also nothing beats the sound and feeling of dropping from 4th to 3rd and roaring away from traffic on the highway. Im thinking about getting rid of my primary cats, so i would only have mufflers to keep me from being full straight pipe. can anyone tell me how loud that would be???
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06-16-2017, 06:23 AM
#8
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12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG sold)
I agree they are a really cool car. Also really nice drivers. I will say I drive mine less and less because I got a new ML last year which is such a pleasure to drive, it actually beats out the 202 to me a little but everyone is different. They are cool badass iconic and also very practical and sturdy... Hard to do all that. Mercedes makes alot of cool cars you could say the same about though too, it's remarkable.
I have no cats, and the factory resonator and muffler. I feel it's perfect and wouldn't change a thing on it. If you had just a muffler with no resonator I think that would be too loud. Mine is throaty at all the right times and no bad things associated with making things loud, no pops snarls droans weird sounds. You can hear the motor more and not just the exhaust blare. Sounds similar to a G55.
I have no cats, and the factory resonator and muffler. I feel it's perfect and wouldn't change a thing on it. If you had just a muffler with no resonator I think that would be too loud. Mine is throaty at all the right times and no bad things associated with making things loud, no pops snarls droans weird sounds. You can hear the motor more and not just the exhaust blare. Sounds similar to a G55.
06-16-2017, 09:03 AM
#10
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1999 C43 AMG, 2005 E55 Wagon
I would remove all the cats and do a full one exhaust kit from block to bumper if I could get no CEL... CEL means I can't pass emissions. we only plug into the OBD2 port here, they don't test at the exhaust outlet. if I could find a way to remove the primary cats too, I would.
but brad_c43 if you are in the states, don't remove your primary cats because they will trigger a permanent CEL light because of the heater circuits in the o2 sensors. however, you can remove the secondary cats and resonator and replace them with a straight pipe into a Y collector for about $125. it makes the car a little bit louder but much more aggressive sounding. I put this mod off for 5+ years because I was afraid it would make my car sound like a redneck pickup from the 80's but it really did not! it made it sound amazing! even at wide open throttle it's not very loud, but the tone of the exhaust got better and more aggressive.
but brad_c43 if you are in the states, don't remove your primary cats because they will trigger a permanent CEL light because of the heater circuits in the o2 sensors. however, you can remove the secondary cats and resonator and replace them with a straight pipe into a Y collector for about $125. it makes the car a little bit louder but much more aggressive sounding. I put this mod off for 5+ years because I was afraid it would make my car sound like a redneck pickup from the 80's but it really did not! it made it sound amazing! even at wide open throttle it's not very loud, but the tone of the exhaust got better and more aggressive.
06-16-2017, 09:34 AM
#11
Super Member
Removing cats won't set O2 heater codes but will set catalyst efficiency codes because it looks at the downstream o2 to monitor catalyst function. There are ways and tricks to get around this so you have no codes.
06-17-2017, 04:54 PM
#12
Senior Member
To me its that perfect blend of classic styling, just enough tech, and brutish personality. If I had to compare it to a person, its like Jason Statham in Transporter. Well suited and polished looking from the outside, with lots of hidden skill within. I love when people take a second look because because they hear that V8 burble.
06-17-2017, 04:55 PM
#13
Senior Member
06-19-2017, 11:27 AM
#14
MBWorld Fanatic!
I prefer older cars, maybe thats why I like the 43 more.
I havent driven the 43 since I bought the 55 about few months back coz the 43 has been getting work done(very slowly).
The w203 interior is way bulkier and less relaxing(less room inside). The seats have a more durable design Id say.
The c55 has to be one of the most beautiful mb sedans ever made and of course its got more options and features when compared to a c43 but theres something about the c43 that I cant put a finger on.
I think these two cars compliment each other perfectly. The 55 is a modern version basically and is just as cool but in a whole different way.
Heres the only pic so far I have of the two together.
Will take a bunch when the 43 is done.
06-19-2017, 05:22 PM
#15
Super Member
The w203 is my least favorite car Mercedes has made in the last 30 years. It was a low water mark in my eyes. Cheap. Granted the 55 is a late one and they got a little better but still!
06-19-2017, 06:45 PM
#16
Senior Member
I prefer older cars, maybe thats why I like the 43 more.
I havent driven the 43 since I bought the 55 about few months back coz the 43 has been getting work done(very slowly).
The w203 interior is way bulkier and less relaxing(less room inside). The seats have a more durable design Id say.
The c55 has to be one of the most beautiful mb sedans ever made and of course its got more options and features when compared to a c43 but theres something about the c43 that I cant put a finger on.
I think these two cars compliment each other perfectly. The 55 is a modern version basically and is just as cool but in a whole different way.
Heres the only pic so far I have of the two together.
Will take a bunch when the 43 is done.
I havent driven the 43 since I bought the 55 about few months back coz the 43 has been getting work done(very slowly).
The w203 interior is way bulkier and less relaxing(less room inside). The seats have a more durable design Id say.
The c55 has to be one of the most beautiful mb sedans ever made and of course its got more options and features when compared to a c43 but theres something about the c43 that I cant put a finger on.
I think these two cars compliment each other perfectly. The 55 is a modern version basically and is just as cool but in a whole different way.
Heres the only pic so far I have of the two together.
Will take a bunch when the 43 is done.
Nice!
I actually saw your 55 in the other forum, thing looks sweet!
06-19-2017, 08:09 PM
#17
Senior Member
I would remove all the cats and do a full one exhaust kit from block to bumper if I could get no CEL... CEL means I can't pass emissions. we only plug into the OBD2 port here, they don't test at the exhaust outlet. if I could find a way to remove the primary cats too, I would.
but brad_c43 if you are in the states, don't remove your primary cats because they will trigger a permanent CEL light because of the heater circuits in the o2 sensors. however, you can remove the secondary cats and resonator and replace them with a straight pipe into a Y collector for about $125. it makes the car a little bit louder but much more aggressive sounding. I put this mod off for 5+ years because I was afraid it would make my car sound like a redneck pickup from the 80's but it really did not! it made it sound amazing! even at wide open throttle it's not very loud, but the tone of the exhaust got better and more aggressive.
but brad_c43 if you are in the states, don't remove your primary cats because they will trigger a permanent CEL light because of the heater circuits in the o2 sensors. however, you can remove the secondary cats and resonator and replace them with a straight pipe into a Y collector for about $125. it makes the car a little bit louder but much more aggressive sounding. I put this mod off for 5+ years because I was afraid it would make my car sound like a redneck pickup from the 80's but it really did not! it made it sound amazing! even at wide open throttle it's not very loud, but the tone of the exhaust got better and more aggressive.
06-20-2017, 11:47 AM
#18
"Also thankfully eurocharged orlando just opened up so i can have them take care of the CEL for me."
I have a 98 C43 and Jerry told me he cannot remove the CEL on these older ecu's. Unless the 2000 model is different if that's the year you own. But I only had asked for the 98 I have.
I have a 98 C43 and Jerry told me he cannot remove the CEL on these older ecu's. Unless the 2000 model is different if that's the year you own. But I only had asked for the 98 I have.
