Should I consider the E43 AMG a real AMG?
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From: Northern NJ
2015 E550 Coupe
My wife and I test drove 2 E43s just last week and boy were we.......disappointed. First off we thought the car rode horrible to be a new E class (my GLE 400 trumps [haha] the ride of the E43). I purposely rode in the back seat, thankfully, and there was a lot of loud "thuds" coming from the rear trunk area. I noticed this even before my wife got out of the dealership lot good. We then switched drivers (my wife got in the backseat) and I didn't say anything to her but she noticed the sound too. To be an E class, the ride was not near as smooth either. Even compared to our '14 E350 with 37k. It was rough, loud, and jumped over bumps in the road. Both cars did this. Plus the drive seemed lazy and under powered. There was a lot of noise from the exhaust but it didn't seem to produce much forward momentum. The turbos did have less lag than my GLE400 but they didn't feel as powerful when they did kick in. The exhaust tune was more of a harsh cry and not a grumble roar like a "real" AMG. Yes I know this is a V6 and not the big V8, but it sounded more like it was trying to clear it's throat than produce an AMG sound.
Now we also drove a GLE43 Coupe right behind one E43 (thought about trading up my 400) and oh my it was so much better. (One question I have is why can my 400 and the GLE43 feel, ride, and drive so much better?) What is lost in technology and the new dash of the E43, the GLE 43 made up for in ride and drive. Kind of hard to understand why the E43 suffered so much. Buts still not a real AMG with the sound and lunatic performance.
So, I'm going to wait for the new E63 to come out and reassess getting another MB before I buy anything else (since we also drove a '14 M5 with 32k and was blown away by the drive and ride).
So I think you should wait for a real AMG if you've ever had one before. Otherwise the fake AMGs might be a disappointment. And like many have said they are priced fairly high. At 85k, why not spend just a little more and get that maniacal performance. (And for those who know it's an AMG, they are going to know if it's a real AMG)
Good luck.
Now we also drove a GLE43 Coupe right behind one E43 (thought about trading up my 400) and oh my it was so much better. (One question I have is why can my 400 and the GLE43 feel, ride, and drive so much better?) What is lost in technology and the new dash of the E43, the GLE 43 made up for in ride and drive. Kind of hard to understand why the E43 suffered so much. Buts still not a real AMG with the sound and lunatic performance.
So, I'm going to wait for the new E63 to come out and reassess getting another MB before I buy anything else (since we also drove a '14 M5 with 32k and was blown away by the drive and ride).
So I think you should wait for a real AMG if you've ever had one before. Otherwise the fake AMGs might be a disappointment. And like many have said they are priced fairly high. At 85k, why not spend just a little more and get that maniacal performance. (And for those who know it's an AMG, they are going to know if it's a real AMG)
Good luck.
I agree with you that it is not worth the price their asking, nor is it really a AMG in anything but badging. Just my opinion, so for those that are buying the E43 because it's an AMG I apologize in advance. It's a nice enough car and it is meant to be a step up from the E350 / E400 and serve as the replacement for the E550 sedan that is now gone. So that target buyer is the E350 / E400 owner. Not an existing AMG C63 or E63 owner.
I also agree with Peter that the E43 is probably going to be a short-lived, transition car until the E50 comes out unless MB sells enough units to justify keeping both models. With MB's decision to re-brand and re-name various models with the AMG badge, they are really diluting what AMG is suppose to represent and deliver.
Anyway, I enjoyed reading you review of the two E43's you test drove.
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FF. W212 E63 M156 non-pano 18" P2 ParkT NightV (gone but will be missed).
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From: Hotlanta
AMG
400hp Mercedes is certainly not anything to scoff at. But the E43 reminds me more of a Gelding.
Castration: From Stallion to Gelding
Castration is a surgical procedure performed by a veterinarian that is defined as the removal of the ********* of a male horse. The procedure can be accomplished through sedation and local anesthesia in a standing position or through general anesthesia and the horse lying on its side (lateral recumbency). This procedure is typically performed once the horse is skeletally mature to reap the beneficial effects of testosterone.
The E43 is still a Mercedes, but is more of a castrated AMG rather than a Stallion.
Castration: From Stallion to Gelding
Castration is a surgical procedure performed by a veterinarian that is defined as the removal of the ********* of a male horse. The procedure can be accomplished through sedation and local anesthesia in a standing position or through general anesthesia and the horse lying on its side (lateral recumbency). This procedure is typically performed once the horse is skeletally mature to reap the beneficial effects of testosterone.
The E43 is still a Mercedes, but is more of a castrated AMG rather than a Stallion.
Last edited by Chappy; Jan 5, 2017 at 06:49 AM.
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2014 E63
well truth be told there is a V sport version which is like the fake AMG's
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...wrap-up-review
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...wrap-up-review
Lexus really did the most egregious of the logo wars, with the F-sport brand. It seemed like every single Lexus after the LFA came with that F-sport logo, and was essentially just a body kit a tighter suspension. All show, and no go really.
I was at my dealer the other day and they must have had at least 30-40 C43 cars all lined up in a row by the door. I was like geez, everyone here is getting an AMG.
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From: Vancouver B.C. Canada
2014 E550 4MATIC TUNED - Turbo Upgraded Stage 3
2. The more recent e550/500 always had a problem with ever dwindling 0-60 times, the e350 was fast enough and a six cylinder was smooth enough. I am not surprised the sale figures you quote (although I would like to see other years) because if you are going up from an E350 you might as well get the E63. The difference in between a 350 and a 550 ain't much, and you get more from a 63 in terms of the overall package: exhaust, seats, looks, branding, tunning etc.
I owned E350 then, upgraded to E550 in 2015...Day and night difference.
After ECU tune...E550 goes 4 sec 0-60...
I don't think E350 can do that...Not even close.
E63S was out of my budget alot that time.
So, E550 was a sweet spot for me.
Last edited by cocobeex; Jan 6, 2017 at 03:03 AM.
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From: Vegas
'21 GLC63, '19 M5
I don't even see the E43 as E550 replacement. E550 had a bigger more powerful engine with much higher tuning potential. E43 is a run of the mill V6 engine that is tuned to 40 more HP.
In all honesty E43 makes me sick. I owned AMG V8, V8SC, and V12TT and I am deeply saddened by these latest marketing ploys to fool people. I really hope that this comes back and bites MB in its ***, but it probably won't financially - but the true car enthusiasts see right through them. Shame on you MB! I actually had a sales person try to make excuses for an E43 telling me that he knew it wasn't a real or fast AMG, but told me that it was still a 'good' ride. When was the last time a sales man had to make an excuse for an AMG!?
The only MB I will buy in the future will be a Certified AMG. I will no longer give my money to MB for a new product. They lost me as a customer.
In all honesty E43 makes me sick. I owned AMG V8, V8SC, and V12TT and I am deeply saddened by these latest marketing ploys to fool people. I really hope that this comes back and bites MB in its ***, but it probably won't financially - but the true car enthusiasts see right through them. Shame on you MB! I actually had a sales person try to make excuses for an E43 telling me that he knew it wasn't a real or fast AMG, but told me that it was still a 'good' ride. When was the last time a sales man had to make an excuse for an AMG!?
The only MB I will buy in the future will be a Certified AMG. I will no longer give my money to MB for a new product. They lost me as a customer.
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Out Of Control!!
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
And it's not because it's a ttv6 in the e43 because the gtr has an amazing ttv6.... the e43 just not as amazing for how much you're paying for the car
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2018 GLC63
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From: Northern NJ
2015 E550 Coupe
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19 E63s, ‘24SQ8, wanting another gas guzzling V8
Yes! The car lacks the wow factor of an AMG. I even think the first salesman that went with us was not impressed either.
And dear MB, please get rid of that hideous floating diamond grill! Especially on any AMG model. Just my $.02.
And dear MB, please get rid of that hideous floating diamond grill! Especially on any AMG model. Just my $.02.
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FF. W212 E63 M156 non-pano 18" P2 ParkT NightV (gone but will be missed).
Performance wise, this E43 is totally getting owned by the M550i. Less cylinders, smaller displacement, lower hp/tq...I really don't know how anyone in the right state of mind would pick an E43 over the offering from BMW if aiming solely at performance.
By extending the difference, it is highly likely the new M5 will have higher displacement that gets more easily tuned to higher hp/tq. That, combined with a performance version of their xDrive, means the W213 will probably get eaten alive by the new M5.
By extending the difference, it is highly likely the new M5 will have higher displacement that gets more easily tuned to higher hp/tq. That, combined with a performance version of their xDrive, means the W213 will probably get eaten alive by the new M5.
Last edited by otakki; Jan 12, 2017 at 11:18 PM.
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2014 E63
Performance wise, this E43 is totally getting owned by the M550i. Less cylinders, smaller displacement, lower hp/tq...I really don't know how anyone in the right state of mind would pick an E43 over the offering from BMW if aiming solely at performance.
By extending the difference, it is highly likely the new M5 will have higher displacement that gets more easily tuned to higher hp/tq. That, combined with a performance version of their xDrive, means the W213 will probably get eaten alive by the new M5.
By extending the difference, it is highly likely the new M5 will have higher displacement that gets more easily tuned to higher hp/tq. That, combined with a performance version of their xDrive, means the W213 will probably get eaten alive by the new M5.
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FF. W212 E63 M156 non-pano 18" P2 ParkT NightV (gone but will be missed).
Yes, quite a disgrace. M550i's figures have surpassed the F10 M5, and E43's figures are nowhere close to surpassing any W212 E63's. By the same token, the new M5 will likely destroy the W213 E63. It will be interesting to see the M5 having a larger displacement than the W213 E63 despite AMG being known to be high displacement, high torque beasts. The table might turn and the M5 might claim the luxury sport sedan trophy this time. We are living during an interesting time...
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Too many
interesting to read all of the above
I drove the E43 10 days ago and i was not very impressed
drove the c43 and i really liked it, but by no means it is close to a c63
I will buy a used E63 2015 with 10 k miles for the same price as an E 43, the one I drove had an MSRP of around 79 k though you will miss on new technology
All companies are selling performance packages for people that for one reason or another don't want to spend the money on the real thing. It is a marketing plot and it works
I drove the E43 10 days ago and i was not very impressed
drove the c43 and i really liked it, but by no means it is close to a c63
I will buy a used E63 2015 with 10 k miles for the same price as an E 43, the one I drove had an MSRP of around 79 k though you will miss on new technology
All companies are selling performance packages for people that for one reason or another don't want to spend the money on the real thing. It is a marketing plot and it works
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CLS63 AMG
interesting to read all of the above
I drove the E43 10 days ago and i was not very impressed
drove the c43 and i really liked it, but by no means it is close to a c63
I will buy a used E63 2015 with 10 k miles for the same price as an E 43, the one I drove had an MSRP of around 79 k though you will miss on new technology
All companies are selling performance packages for people that for one reason or another don't want to spend the money on the real thing. It is a marketing plot and it works
I drove the E43 10 days ago and i was not very impressed
drove the c43 and i really liked it, but by no means it is close to a c63
I will buy a used E63 2015 with 10 k miles for the same price as an E 43, the one I drove had an MSRP of around 79 k though you will miss on new technology
All companies are selling performance packages for people that for one reason or another don't want to spend the money on the real thing. It is a marketing plot and it works
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
interesting to read all of the above
I drove the E43 10 days ago and i was not very impressed
drove the c43 and i really liked it, but by no means it is close to a c63
I will buy a used E63 2015 with 10 k miles for the same price as an E 43, the one I drove had an MSRP of around 79 k though you will miss on new technology
All companies are selling performance packages for people that for one reason or another don't want to spend the money on the real thing. It is a marketing plot and it works
I drove the E43 10 days ago and i was not very impressed
drove the c43 and i really liked it, but by no means it is close to a c63
I will buy a used E63 2015 with 10 k miles for the same price as an E 43, the one I drove had an MSRP of around 79 k though you will miss on new technology
All companies are selling performance packages for people that for one reason or another don't want to spend the money on the real thing. It is a marketing plot and it works
THATS more of an amg than this E43 lol!!
Smart move on the E63!!
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CLS63 AMG
Yes, quite a disgrace. M550i's figures have surpassed the F10 M5, and E43's figures are nowhere close to surpassing any W212 E63's. By the same token, the new M5 will likely destroy the W213 E63. It will be interesting to see the M5 having a larger displacement than the W213 E63 despite AMG being known to be high displacement, high torque beasts. The table might turn and the M5 might claim the luxury sport sedan trophy this time. We are living during an interesting time...
a standstill I bet the w212 will still beat it
http://www.bmwblog.com/2017/01/19/ru...-0-to-100-kmh/
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2022 Mercedes EQS 580
I stopped by the dealer to talk about the E63. While I was there I took the E43 out for a test drive today.
I have to say that I found the E43 disappointing. It has pretty good 0-60, however at highway speeds the passing power didn't seem much better than my wife's C300, and way less than what I am used to from V8 BMWs.
If you floor the pedal at 90mph, the time to 100mph seems really slow.
Also the handling to me seemed similar to what I would expect from a non-AMG Mercedes. It didn't seem to have the steering response, sense of stability at speed and cornering grip that one expects of an AMG product.
Part of the issue here is the soft ride, but part of the issue is also the Continental All Season tires which seem to have not enough contact area.
I have to say that I found the E43 disappointing. It has pretty good 0-60, however at highway speeds the passing power didn't seem much better than my wife's C300, and way less than what I am used to from V8 BMWs.
If you floor the pedal at 90mph, the time to 100mph seems really slow.
Also the handling to me seemed similar to what I would expect from a non-AMG Mercedes. It didn't seem to have the steering response, sense of stability at speed and cornering grip that one expects of an AMG product.
Part of the issue here is the soft ride, but part of the issue is also the Continental All Season tires which seem to have not enough contact area.
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From: Ottawa
2012 Infiniti FX50s // 2016 MB c450 AMG
I stopped by the dealer to talk about the E63. While I was there I took the E43 out for a test drive today.
I have to say that I found the E43 disappointing. It has pretty good 0-60, however at highway speeds the passing power didn't seem much better than my wife's C300, and way less than what I am used to from V8 BMWs.
If you floor the pedal at 90mph, the time to 100mph seems really slow.
Also the handling to me seemed similar to what I would expect from a non-AMG Mercedes. It didn't seem to have the steering response, sense of stability at speed and cornering grip that one expects of an AMG product.
Part of the issue here is the soft ride, but part of the issue is also the Continental All Season tires which seem to have not enough contact area.
I have to say that I found the E43 disappointing. It has pretty good 0-60, however at highway speeds the passing power didn't seem much better than my wife's C300, and way less than what I am used to from V8 BMWs.
If you floor the pedal at 90mph, the time to 100mph seems really slow.
Also the handling to me seemed similar to what I would expect from a non-AMG Mercedes. It didn't seem to have the steering response, sense of stability at speed and cornering grip that one expects of an AMG product.
Part of the issue here is the soft ride, but part of the issue is also the Continental All Season tires which seem to have not enough contact area.
I had a NA V8 in my last car. Now in the c450 AMG. Next car will be a V8 for sure. You cannot beat the smoothness and creaminess of a nice big displacement v8. I like the M550i xdrive a lot. Less extreme than the e63s AMG but with a good V8 and a nice flat 0 to 60 and a nice rolling 5-60...
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2022 Mercedes EQS 580
Originally Posted by CanadianLP
Yeah, comparing TTv8 from BMW to a TTV6 (and it's not the Nissan gtr or porsche 911 turbo) will leave you disappointed. The MB TTV6 is a great engine but is has its limitations. The choice of tires also probably had a bad impact on your driving experience.
I had a NA V8 in my last car. Now in the c450 AMG. Next car will be a V8 for sure. You cannot beat the smoothness and creaminess of a nice big displacement v8. I like the M550i xdrive a lot. Less extreme than the e63s AMG but with a good V8 and a nice flat 0 to 60 and a nice rolling 5-60...
I had a NA V8 in my last car. Now in the c450 AMG. Next car will be a V8 for sure. You cannot beat the smoothness and creaminess of a nice big displacement v8. I like the M550i xdrive a lot. Less extreme than the e63s AMG but with a good V8 and a nice flat 0 to 60 and a nice rolling 5-60...
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From: Southern Cali (Ontario)
i'm cross shopping leasing the Macan GTS, GLC43, E400 and E43. The car will be a daily driver for my wife and used to pick up boys from school and baseball practice.
My heart tells me GTS, but lack space, price and not familiar with Porsche reliability makes me think twice. I will have to rent a Macan S for a few days to give it a solid look.
The GLC43 has mixed reviews.. exhaust drone and suspension are not up getting high praise. For now, it provides the best bang for the buck and built on the W213 chassis not the C205.
The E400 wagon is the sleeper of the bunch.. and with a OE ECU tune.. it would be plenty of power.
The E43 sedan was my least favorite by a long shot.. but now MBFS has good lease package and makes a E43 appealing due to its nice interior, space and vanilla exterior. Its a daily driver afterall and I will still have my Coupe to provide sporty driving experience and plenty of power.
To me the issue with the AMG lites is that power output is not above the competition and in some case below lesser brands.
Kia GT, Genesis G80, Infi Q50, Lincoln, Ford, Lexus (new 3.5v6TT on LS) will have more power than C43, GLC43 and other AMG lite name plates. The E43 is just barely keeping up with cars costing $25k less.
In the days of C32 (my first AMG).. the power output compared to the competition was setting the bar and left pedestrian cars in the dust.
All the AMG lites should be packing at least 414 to 444 as the M3's.. to be even considered an AMG.
But packaging, lease deals and a simple piggy back or ECU might get me into a E43 for 30mos... hopefully E50 will be there to start the shopping all over.
My heart tells me GTS, but lack space, price and not familiar with Porsche reliability makes me think twice. I will have to rent a Macan S for a few days to give it a solid look.
The GLC43 has mixed reviews.. exhaust drone and suspension are not up getting high praise. For now, it provides the best bang for the buck and built on the W213 chassis not the C205.
The E400 wagon is the sleeper of the bunch.. and with a OE ECU tune.. it would be plenty of power.
The E43 sedan was my least favorite by a long shot.. but now MBFS has good lease package and makes a E43 appealing due to its nice interior, space and vanilla exterior. Its a daily driver afterall and I will still have my Coupe to provide sporty driving experience and plenty of power.
To me the issue with the AMG lites is that power output is not above the competition and in some case below lesser brands.
Kia GT, Genesis G80, Infi Q50, Lincoln, Ford, Lexus (new 3.5v6TT on LS) will have more power than C43, GLC43 and other AMG lite name plates. The E43 is just barely keeping up with cars costing $25k less.
In the days of C32 (my first AMG).. the power output compared to the competition was setting the bar and left pedestrian cars in the dust.
All the AMG lites should be packing at least 414 to 444 as the M3's.. to be even considered an AMG.
But packaging, lease deals and a simple piggy back or ECU might get me into a E43 for 30mos... hopefully E50 will be there to start the shopping all over.
