C43 AMG - looking to buy

[daveb]

Hi

I am looking at a C43 AMG, S reg 86000 miles, sliver, slight split/dink in the bumper.

Has anyone got any comments on what to look for, any problems you've had, cost of running, suggested price, whatever you think will be useful.

This will (possibly) be my first Mercedes

Thanks
Dave

 

[Arnie]

...beware of ones with a split/dink in the bumper :lol:

seriously though, sounds like it should be a fun car, but I don't have any practical experience of this model to advise you.

 

[jaymanek]

In general, just remember that after 95-100K the value drops considerably, so if your only thinking of keeping for a while, bear in mind.

If however, this is a long term investment, should keep you happy for years to come!

 

[wagamama]

Try parkers.co.uk http://www.parkers.co.uk they have a guide to how much cars should cost according to age/mileage etc... a very useful site...

select the 'used car prices' section which should give you some of the info you need.

HTH

 

[Tinyflier]

I have an S reg C43 with 41,000 miles and so far it has never missed a beat. I don't use it every day and it has sometimes been sitting at home for 3-4 weeks, but not once has it failed to start first time.

Service costs are reasonable (but I now use a Merc/AMG specialist as opposed to dealer network), last service (an A job) cost me £200 (excluded replacement of a steering damper which was an additional £90).

Dealer cost of my last B service was approx £380.

The only majorly expensive item are brakes. If you have to replace discs & pads then expect up to £1,000! Mine will need to be replaced in about 5,000 miles.

I run 8" x 18" wheels with 225-40x18 front and 235-40x18 rears (third set of tyres!), currently on Michelin Pilot sports - good grip, very "feely". Tried Pirelli PZero and in my view they were not stiff enough in sidewall for car. Prior to that it was Goodyear F1 and they were MOST excellent! The larger rubber footprint gives car much better turn in and poise on fast cornering.

Insurance can be pricey, but it is a Group 20 car so check that out! I pay about £600 pa.

My view? Excellent car! High performance, VERY safe and solid, firm ride but extremely well behaved in fast driving be it motorway, fast A/B roads or track days. Not as quiet at speed on motorway as my wife's 3.0 S-Type but it does sound WONDERFUL!

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any questions.

David

 

[grayb]

We bought a C43 Estate about 6 weeks ago. It does indeed drive very well - it feels much more of a sports car than it's predecessor in our garage, an XJR, whilst also feeling more practical into the bargain. The ride is pretty firm, but is fine on main roads / motorways and just acceptable on country lanes - better than the Fiat Coupe I used to have. Really handles though. The brakes may be expensive but they are extremely powerful - very reassuring.

Ours is also on 41000 miles (now - was 39500), in pretty fair condition with a full service history as it was on an all in lease before. It was advertised for £18500, but we used a few scratches, carpark dings and scuffed wheels to bargain down to £16500. The private seller was quite anxious to get it moved. From memory this was less than Parkers reckoned.

Since we bought it, we have managed 21-23mpg on a mixed bag of fast A-roads, and 7 mile town/country commute.

We have had one problem though - the a/c was not chilling at all and the compressor and receiver/dryer was found to be leaking like a sieve. That was replaced - £850. It was very cold for a while, but last weekend we thought it was not getting down to low temps again. So another trip to the garage beckons...

We are looking for an independant specialist to do extra-service items, but will probably stick to main dealers for stamps in the service book.

Lovely car.

Graeme.

 

[Tinyflier]

Graeme,

If you have scuffed wheels I recommend Spit & Polish in Tunbridge (Kent). They will do a complete refurb including machined (polished) edge for approx £40 per wheel (+VAT).

They offer a "same day" service if booked first or a three day turn round from one of the many links they have in UK with good tyre/alloy wheel suppliers. Only problem then of course is you need 4 other wheels or axle stands and another car in the interim.

I have used them many times and my 18" AMG wheels are just back from their annual refurb and look SPLENDID!

David

 

[daveb]

Thanks

Hi everyone

Thanks for your time and comments.

I had already tried Parkers and found this

C43 AMG Saloon and Estate (306 bhp) launched. Specialist models, not listed below. - so no price available

I've had company car for last 15 years (not same one), but its going to end soon and looking for something different. Worried about major expense eg auto box or engine failure and fuel consumption. My vectra is giving 25 on fast run, so AMG should not be much worse. Also 16 new spark plugs at 100,000 miles, how much is that??

jaymanek, I'm from Coventry as well. Who do you have service your car.

How many C43's are there in the UK??

Thanks again
Dave

 

[Tinyflier]

For sure Dave, running costs of a C43 are NOT low and a 100K service WILL be pricey - nothing surprising there though!

As for how many are in UK, there was a planned build rate of 240 RHD per year and I think they had a 3 year life span, so possibly something around 600 - 700 cars here in UK?

I bought mine to enjoy as a low usage third car/plaything and I don't really pay any attention to running costs/fuel costs. Pressed hard though it will drink fuel at a significant rate, however, a light right foot will still give you brisk performance from the very torquey engine and a lighter fuel bill. According to the Autocar road test (Aug 98) , they had had an overall mpg of 21.1 with a touring figure of 31.9 mpg (drop me an email if you would like a faxed copy of that document)

Would I run one every day as a high mileage car? Have to say probably not - if only to keep my licence!

David

 

[jaymanek]

Hi Dave

Im actually from Nuneaton!

For the stamps in the book i use Monarch of Tamworth, been very good. (Heard some bad stories about Gerard Mann)

If you want specialist, then i think most people on this forum will tell you to take the trip to andy gayles in birmingham.

However, ive been brought up in my dads garage/Mot station hence do most of the repairs and servicing myself with MB parts. - Certainly on my 123 200 as theres really no value in taking her to a dealer anymore.

Anyway, if you see a Yellow 200 with skirts and new 8 hole alloys , thats me! Or ill be in my more conservative E220 Cab.

See you around!

p.s For valuing, theres also Glass's guide and what car.

 

[grayb]

David - we are already booked in at Spit & Polish for next Monday Didn't like the idea of having the car on the drive on 4 axle stands - the garage isn't big enough! They say they often paint and lacquer right to the outside of the rim, rather than leave the machined outer bare - it lasts longer that way apparently. What was your view - or are the 18' wheels different from the standard 1999 fare?

Re numbers in the UK - there was C-class special in Mercedes Enthusiast magazine a month or two ago which said that about 400 RHD C43's had been made - and I bet most of those are saloons.

A 'Car' giant test of the C43 / M3 / S4 reckoned that the C43 only did 16mpg on average. I'm obviously a gentle driver! The XJR only manged 17-18 in the same usage though and only 13/14 if commuting!

David - I wouldn't mind seeing the Autocar article, I could swap you for the 'Car' test mentioned above. I'll email my fax number.

Our car is also a 'toy' - but one that I'm not afraid to use, where as the Jag was - I dreaded parking it, fueling it and getting the Ivory leather dirty. I did enjoy it though :wink:

 

[Tinyflier]

Graeme,

What Spit & Polish tell you is true i.e. painting and lacquering right to the edge will last longer than a machined finish. What they do is strip and repair then paint the entire rim. If it is to be polished it is put on a diamond tipped cutter and the paint is stripped back on the rim then the entire wheel is lacquered.

I don't know why they don't last as well when machined but such is life! Personally I prefer the polished rim (especially on my 18") and am happy to pay for a refurb every 8 -10 months or so.

Hopefully you have the road test fax(although my fax machine is having a bit of a 'mare today!) and I'd certainly be interested in a copy of the Car one!

Only 400 RHD! Even rarer than I thought!

David

 

[daveb]

Hi, sorry for the delay, finally saw the car tonight.
Silver 88500 miles, had sport badge on the side with black carbon fibre trim inside and 2 tone leather. Normal auto box (not sequential)

Paint work, general scuff and scratches round door handles. However front offside spoiler cracked and broken fog light. generally tidy inside.
But new tyres, discs and pads, full MB service. Had a 20 minute drive, wow. What acceleration and what brakes!! A Golf GTi pulled on to an island in front of me, but he wasn't there for long. :lol: I'm going to get it checked out and then make a offer, any suggestions on price. Glasses suggest 8500 for poor to 13000 for good. Is that all they are going for??

Cheers
Dave

 

[altreed]

Hi Daveb

Just had a look on www.topmarques.co.uk for a c43, prices started at £15k!!! I think that Glasses prices are only used by salesmen when they are buying your car!!!

I have a c36, it had been a good car. I did have a problem with the 5 speed autogearbox, I think that yours will be the same. I would immediately speak to Andy for suggestions of proactive action to ensure longevity.

I return a steady 24-26mpg driving through town to and from work, on a long journey fully laden through France I returned 33mpg. I would estimate that the larger engine should still give reasonable economy if you don't overtake everything in sight :lol:

The c class chassis and AMG setup is great. I am happy I bought this car. I couldn't afford the c43!!! And I wanted a straight six motor as they are supposed to be the smoothest, by design, topped only by the mighty v12.

 

[jaymanek]

Hi,


Yes Glass's are for salesmen, says my Cabriolet is only worth 9Kish, but i know u couldnt find one in the country for that....

Good Luck

 

[sgregory124]

Ok...I know this thread was about C43's but...

Can anyone give me any info on the C36? I've just bought a 1997 P plate 55,000 mile car, I pick it up Tuesday morning. I had posted previously in another area on this site but nobody seems to have replied..

Just wondering if anything you guys have said about the C43 applies to the C36?

Specifically i'm looking for info on service intervals, oil type (should I use synthetic?), cambelt/timing chains (which does it have and how often should the cambelt be changed? etc).

I'm actually from Nuneaton too by the way...Small world! LOL

If any one can offer any help it would appreciate it!

Thanks

Simon Gregory

 

[jaymanek]

Wow thats a coincidence!

I wouldnt mind taking a look!

Im back home next weekend, if you dont mind me taking a nose!

Cheers

Jay

jaymanek@hotmail.com