I'm thinking of purchasing a 1999 C43 AMG with a swapped 5.4L W210 V8 from an E55 AMG. The chassis has 170,000 miles on it, don't know how many the engine has though. The car seems to be in near perfect condition. How reliable is the W210 engine and the C43 chassis and other components? Is it worth it?

 

Tough question, I think the chassis is good, at that year the electronics had not gone to where they are today but there are still lot's of black boxes. Even if the engine is good and doesn't give you any trouble you'll have a converted car and that will be even worse when you go to get rid of it down the road. I'd take the attitude that it'll be worth nothing and if it gives me some good service and I like driving it I'd be happy. The other issue is service, if you take it in everything will get blamed on the engine swap and you'll need a good mechanic/dealer. Go to www.kbb.com and put the car in with the options and worse condition and see what it'd be worth with the original engine, then deduct from that a nice chunk.

 

HOW MUCH?

 

It also has some small rust spots around the body.

 

$5,000

 

Certainly a roll of the dice with that mileage IMO.

 

I went to KBB for you, don't know what's on the one you're looking at so I just took the default stuff and selected private party sale and Fair condition because of the engine swap and it says $1300-$3200 depending on what you are. I suggest you go to www.kbb.com and check yourself. I have no interest in the website I just find it's pretty reliable and fair and doesn't bombard you with stuff after you look. So based on that the $5000 is way too much, but to each their own.

 

imo, the w210 e55 motors are pretty much bullet proof, HOWEVER, the swap/conversion, service and history is what you need to see and review.
I recommend you read and review some of the info here
Ask alot of Qs before you make that plunge.
GL.

 

Thanks for the tips