Greetings, I recently picked a 2023 C43 coupe and I am thinking I might actually keep this one for a long time. Am I delusional to think this car might last me 10+ years with proper maintenance? I’m only put about 7k miles on my car each year. I would like to keep this one for a long time after payoff.

Last year of the W205 C43 I could see going a very long time. These engines are pretty reliable and with proper care could go over 200,000 miles. I would not be surprised to see the C450/C43 on the road in 15 years. Not that much tech to worry about.

Step one - OCI of 5k

thanks for feedback

no you are not, the M276 is one of the most reliable engines MBs made and the early issues like rattling camshaft adjusters are mainly fixed. The main concern is oil in harness which can be mitigated by installing and replacing pigtails periodically. The transmission is very quirky and jerky but reliable otherwise. The keyword which you mentioned is proper maintenance I will add preventative maintenance as well.

Yes unlike the complexity of the E Performance models and the mild hybrid as well.

Agree with this one.

OP, here is the list of items off the top of my head to look after: Transmission fluid every 50K miles or 6 years whichever comes first, spark plugs, front and rear differential fluid every 6 years of 50,000 miles whichever comes first, transfer case fluid around that time, brake fluid every other service (every B service), coils (not too soon), coolant (perhaps every 10 years), 15 years or less transmission mount and motor mounts, shocks , obvious things like brake pads and rotors eventually, tires eventually, alignment, tire balancing, engine air filters every 3-5 years depending on the road construction situation, cabin air filter, activated charcoal cabin air filter (beneath the glovebox) (I believe in better to have the filters filter the air than your lungs as filters can be replaced, lungs can't, unless transplant I guess), polv v belt, check all belts, 12V battery , auxiliary battery (it is a voltage converter/capacitor)

Those are off the top of my head I might had missed many things though.

This is a lot to digest and I appreciate the detailed list here for me. I am definitely taking a screenshot to have down the road to refer to. I have a reliable Indy shop and also I did a post purchase inspection at my dealership. Thanks again for this.

Yup : ) reliable independent is the way to go, or DIY : ) the oil change DIY is super easy on the M276 and the suction method is explained in WIS (Workshop Menu System) so fair to say that is the official way.

Thats actually probably THE best engine Mercedes makes right now TBH for performance and reliability with a decent track record. I'm still waiting to see what the S450 is capable of though

I have had good luck with both of mine so far. I have been lucky to make all correct diagnosis and change all the parts without breaking anything. My SLK I used to drive everyday for work. I give that one to my wife she only takes our boy to school. I found some good resources. Mostly I by parts from Rock auto. how to videos on youtube and Pelican auto.

That is a super list that the follow from Canada made.
My plans are to migrate my wife into my C300, when my boy gets old enough let him have the SLK. I am researching for myself which to pick for my final forever ride.

Thanks, always happy to help, enjoy your SLK in good health!

Hello again friend,
Thank you for the fantastic list of maintenance items to keep up with!

If you don't mind me asking: you mentioned the coils to be changed. Any idea when is a good time? In terms of years or mileage? Or would you just do them together with the spark plugs.

Thanks in advance!

75k-100k miles is a guideline on when to change coils. They are consumables and make a noticeable difference in smoothness when replaced.

Ah, fantastic! Much appreciated, chassis; always great to hear from one of the mbworld deities

Oh, would you happen to have the guide for a timeframe reference? If say I hit 10 years before the 75k miles. Should I be changing my coils before that 10 year mark?

Thanks again (:

Forum member chassis answered your question : )

Hey W205C43PFL! He did, but similar to my previous queries, would any of you happen to have a timeframe tagged to the maintenance as well? Or should just mileage be sufficient?

Thanks in advance!

Yup the mileage is a good guidance from forum member chassis. Thing is MB likes to say it is a lifetime item and never needs to be replaced, I don't recall it being mentioned in the official maintenance schedule. https://www.mercedes-benz.ca/content..._Ed_B__ENG.pdf
They (my dealershipS) say the same with front diff and transfer case at least in Canada but I don't agree with lifetime fluids at all.

Alright, thanks so much for the assurance! The manual you linked is exactly the one I’ve been referencing too, and you realise it seems to have zero mention about differentials and coils…

Much appreciated, W205C43PFL and chassis!

My pleasure to help.

Sure. From memory MB does not specify coil replacement. The reason is MB, like all German carmakers, cares nothing about vehicle longevity.

I think that is so sad, but true… :/

I chime in and agree. My '23 W205 Coupe has been great. With regular/scheduled service and keeping the paint and body keen, I believe my C43 will look and run great, just like those 1980 AMGs I see on fan sites. They often look brand new!

that’s fantastic! I reckon you and I should come back here 40 years from now and see how we’ve held up, fellow ‘23 W205 coupe friend