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I totally agree with this. The W202 Chassis as set up by AMG for this car is actually track ready. It has great brakes, a strong 5 speed automatic, and the wonderful M113 V8 engine in its smallest form, putting out over 300 HP as delivered in 1998-2000.
Why is it never compared to the 500E, which has some serious issues with wiring, a 4 speed automatic, more complex 4 Cam engine that has performance similar to the M113 C43, in a heavier car that is not known for its track credibility? 500E has its own cult following, they pass judgement on every car up for sale, and have a current value that is 2x to 3x or more than the best C43 can ever hope for.
I think that our cars fell into the hands of second and third owners that did not do proper maintenance, let issues build up, etc. until the deferred maintenance and repair bill drove them to flog the car off on someone. One YouTuber in Chicago bought one for $2000 - $3000 and did a few fixes and had it performing amazing on a regular basis, but that entire episode did the C43 no favors.
Can we find a way to bind together and do some things to enhance the name of these wonderful cars? open to suggestions.
I totally agree with this. The W202 Chassis as set up by AMG for this car is actually track ready. It has great brakes, a strong 5 speed automatic, and the wonderful M113 V8 engine in its smallest form, putting out over 300 HP as delivered in 1998-2000.
Why is it never compared to the 500E, which has some serious issues with wiring, a 4 speed automatic, more complex 4 Cam engine that has performance similar to the M113 C43, in a heavier car that is not known for its track credibility? 500E has its own cult following, they pass judgement on every car up for sale, and have a current value that is 2x to 3x or more than the best C43 can ever hope for.
I think that our cars fell into the hands of second and third owners that did not do proper maintenance, let issues build up, etc. until the deferred maintenance and repair bill drove them to flog the car off on someone. One YouTuber in Chicago bought one for $2000 - $3000 and did a few fixes and had it performing amazing on a regular basis, but that entire episode did the C43 no favors.
Can we find a way to bind together and do some things to enhance the name of these wonderful cars? open to suggestions.
We need to exose these cars more. They need more content on youtube.
190E 2.3, 190E LE, E320 Cabrio., (2) 1998 C43 AMG, 1969 model 230, R129 SL320
Agreed
I agree with the argument that the W202 C43 is every bit the supercar that the 500E/E500s are. Granted, those cars have the Porsche connection, which is cool, however they don't have the place in AMG history that ours have.
C43s offer similar performance in a more compact package, with a well respected M113 engine, with a 5 speed automatic (not 4), with no complicated rear self leveling suspension system to fuss with, no biodegradable wiring issues, with the benefit of easier OBD-2 code diagnostics. And all that wrapped up in something the 500E/E500 doesn't have: an AMG badge!
I agree with the argument that the W202 C43 is every bit the supercar that the 500E/E500s are. Granted, those cars have the Porsche connection, which is cool, however they don't have the place in AMG history that ours have.
C43s offer similar performance in a more compact package, with a well respected M113 engine, with a 5 speed automatic (not 4), with no complicated rear self leveling suspension system to fuss with, no biodegradable wiring issues, with the benefit of easier OBD-2 code diagnostics. And all that wrapped up in something the 500E/E500 doesn't have: an AMG badge!
I've owned my C43 for almost 20 years, I'm the 2nd owner. Very reliable. The only glitch I ever had was the ABS light tripping on startup, but once the car was warmed up, turned off and restarted it usually went away. My theory was a voltage drop on starting caused this. I replaced the ABS computer early on, it didn't fix the problem.
But other then that, the car has been unstoppable!
1st pic of now
2nd pic is 2008.
Did a few things I had on the bucket list getting her ready for summer season , checked and fixed radio (was not getting no sound aftermarket alpine radio ) did my calipers today happy with the results also recharged AC ice cold ❄️ ready for summer time . E55 side mirrors power fold if I could get my hands on a set if not just non folding ones
on to the next one , considering selling one of my silver c43s if anyone is a serious enthusiast of these machines 94k miles
Next on the list is some new set of Carlsson wheels that my good friend from Cali help me find and transport, thx PJ . Gonna have them refinished and wrap them in some mid stretch tires
also considering a full spray just not sure what color , any suggestions if so would like to here from so of them members that have painted their c43s or would paint a different color
flesh liquids and wipers
I've owned my 99 since 2006.Dilligent maintenance and some light mods as the years have passed.I'll never sell it! Love my W202 AMG...some interior shots
190E 2.3, 190E LE, E320 Cabrio., (2) 1998 C43 AMG, 1969 model 230, R129 SL320
Steering wheel
Just noticed the top of your steering wheel- the white section- did you restore it? Mine is discolored and torn, my local upholstery shop doesn't want to touch it. Nice C43!
Mine was also torn and worn out, couldn't find anyone to restore it correctly. I found a guy with a burned up C43 and bought a bunch of little bits off of him. Steering wheel, floor mats, etc.
I had to have my C43 wheel restored. With over 300k miles the leather at the top was peeling off and in awful shape. I had to wash my hands every time I drove the car.
However, restoration took 8 months. Next is headliner and probably a full respray. I started to disassemble the interior to get the headliner out but every plastic piece I tried to remove would just crumble in my hands... I'm going to be replacing a lot of hard to find plastic parts.