What do you think of this C43?

[mattski]

Hi,

I'm thinking of getting a C43 and have found one that sounds good:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=9855&item=4557878391&rd=1

The car is pretty standard, 50,000 miles, no xenons, tiptronic or sunroof though. I've spoken at length with the owner and he said that he p/x'd it about 14 months ago and paid £15,500 for it.

It has all you would expect, spare keys, receipts, full MB service history, just had a £1200 'B' service including all plugs, oils and a transmission fluid change apparently. He has also had a new MB battery fitted and the car apparently does not use and oil and he says the gearbox is fine.

All in all, he sounded very genuine and he describes the car as 'completely immaculate' and well looked after with no expense spared. When asked about the brakes, I think he said it has had new rear pads but he has spare front and rears he will throw in. He said it took him 9 months to find it and he is only selling it because of him having a new slk.

So, it sounds nice and I would rather pay a bit more for the right car. I've read about possible problems like the transmission and am somewhat worried about it. I'm in the UK and am not sure I could easily find a warranty to cover the car.

What do you think? Any other things to look out for? How reliable are C43's in general? I used to have an E36 M3 Evo and the constant worry about the VANOS unit really spoiled the owning experience, I hope the C43 won't be the same!

Finally, does anyone know of a reliable specialist in London/Surrey who can look after it?

thanks,
Matt

 

[jberks]

Car looks lovely. Not so sure about the seller. There are a couple of bad feedbacks where he's bid and then just not bothered - not the actions of an ethical type. Also, he's sold 2 cars on Ebay before - one in May and One in Oct last year. He may just switch cars regularly, or he may be a dealer. Its probably fine, but he sounds a bit flighty so be careful.

 

[996jimbo]

I'd go for the tiptronic estate (on eBay) - higher mileage I know but I think £13k is too much for the saloon. I've only recently a C43 so can't help with any of the long term issues but it is a fantastic car. My only problem is with the auto box - it works absolutely fine but tiptronic would solve the issues I have.

Good luck anyway.

P.S. It's the front disks that are the expensive parts and only available as original MB units or even more expensive higher performance parts.