C43 AMG Any thoughts?

Theo · 10-10-2006, 11:01 PM

Anyone here driven one of these. Are there many problems areas as they get close to higher milage.

As you guys no from my 740 and 540 threads I am looking for a cheaper more comfortable cruiser for long hauls.

This seems to work nicely.

Should I start to worry with 80K on the clock? It is only 18K

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1999-...QQcmdZViewItem

TD · 10-10-2006, 11:16 PM

No stick.

Theo · 10-10-2006, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TD

No stick.

True but think comfortable, cheap, some power and handling and long haul cruiser.

The 740 I was considering is also auto only.

JST · 10-10-2006, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TBM3C

Anyone here driven one of these. Are there many problems areas as they get close to higher milage.

As you guys no from my 740 and 540 threads I am looking for a cheaper more comfortable cruiser for long hauls.

This seems to work nicely.

Should I start to worry with 80K on the clock? It is only 18K

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1999-...QQcmdZViewItem

Never driven one, but the CLK 430 I once drove left me vastly underwhelmed. Something about the gearing left even the V8 feeling tepid and underpowered--I remember thinking that the (then new) 330Ci felt much quicker in everyday driving.

Obviously, the C43 has a bit more power (though "only" 300 hp isn't really that impressive these days, and it's not really that much more than the contemporary 430), but I'd want to drive one before I committed to it.

Theo · 10-11-2006, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JST

Never driven one, but the CLK 430 I once drove left me vastly underwhelmed. Something about the gearing left even the V8 feeling tepid and underpowered--I remember thinking that the (then new) 330Ci felt much quicker in everyday driving.

Obviously, the C43 has a bit more power (though "only" 300 hp isn't really that impressive these days, and it's not really that much more than the contemporary 430), but I'd want to drive one before I committed to it.

I realize 300 hp is nothing in todays standards, but I am looking for a cheaper (Under $25K) cruiser that has some style, is nice inside (I really like the C43 interior. Really nice wheel and seats.) and has "some" power.

This still seems to fit nicely. Specs say 0-60 was 5.9. Not bad at all.

Nick M3 · 10-11-2006, 01:26 AM

Just get an E320. Better yet, find an E320 4Matic wagon. It's comfy, nicely sized, hugely practical, does 90 at 3,000 RPMs, and is very comfortable to cruise in.

Edit:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1998-...QQcmdZViewItem
Something like that. Seriously.

FC · 10-11-2006, 07:41 AM

Back before I knew better, it was one of my favortie cars. Great-looking, very fast (it was one of, if not THE fastest slushie sedan available in America when it came out, FWIW), upgraded interior (Nappa, multicountour seats, and other goodies) and AMG hardware (suspension, brakes, exhaust, engine, tranny, wheels, body-kit). IIRC, I think it was the first "real" AMG.

All that said, never drove one. And because it had no stick, never seriously considered it.

On the E-Wagon, I'd try like hell to get a '00+ model if you go that route. But they are excellent vehicles and very practical for the money now that they are old. You just have to watch out of repairs on old MB's.

Nick M3 · 10-11-2006, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FC

Back before I knew better, it was one of my favortie cars. Great-looking, very fast (it was one of, if not THE fastest slushie sedan available in America when it came out, FWIW), upgraded interior (Nappa, multicountour seats, and other goodies) and AMG hardware (suspension, brakes, exhaust, engine, tranny, wheels, body-kit). IIRC, I think it was the first "real" AMG.

All that said, never drove one. And because it had no stick, never seriously considered it.

On the E-Wagon, I'd try like hell to get a '00+ model if you go that route. But they are excellent vehicles and very practical for the money now that they are old. You just have to watch out of repairs on old MB's.

What's the upside of an '00+ model?

lemming · 10-11-2006, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick M3

What's the upside of an '00+ model?

ha ha ha ha.

upside.

i'm looking into a new or preowned E3504maticW now because my drive of a 328xi was okay. but not enough torque (don't care about HP in these things) to really get it moving with serious urgency.

Theo · 10-11-2006, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick M3

Just get an E320. Better yet, find an E320 4Matic wagon. It's comfy, nicely sized, hugely practical, does 90 at 3,000 RPMs, and is very comfortable to cruise in.

Edit:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1998-...QQcmdZViewItem
Something like that. Seriously.

God man I said cruiser not wagon and the 320 has no guts.

10-10-2006, 11:01 PM	#1
Theo Crazy Old Man Join Date: Dec 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: M2C Stick Posts: 6,021	C43 AMG Any thoughts? Anyone here driven one of these. Are there many problems areas as they get close to higher milage. As you guys no from my 740 and 540 threads I am looking for a cheaper more comfortable cruiser for long hauls. This seems to work nicely. Should I start to worry with 80K on the clock? It is only 18K http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1999-...QQcmdZViewItem __________________ Searching

10-11-2006, 01:26 AM	#6
Nick M3 Relic Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Bethesda, MD Posts: 12,458	Just get an E320. Better yet, find an E320 4Matic wagon. It's comfy, nicely sized, hugely practical, does 90 at 3,000 RPMs, and is very comfortable to cruise in. Edit: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1998-...QQcmdZViewItem Something like that. Seriously. __________________ 2011 M3 2006 Sierra 2500HD 4WD LBZ/Allison 2004 X5 3.0i 6MT 1995 M3 S50B32 1990 325is 1989 M3 S54B32 Hers: 1989 325iX 1996 911 Turbo

10-10-2006, 11:16 PM	#2
TD Founder emeritus Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Maryland Posts: 21,007	No stick.

10-11-2006, 07:41 AM	#7
FC Solving problems Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: M5 / 718 GTS / Cooper S / GTI / LR4 Location: Metro Boston Posts: 25,263	Back before I knew better, it was one of my favortie cars. Great-looking, very fast (it was one of, if not THE fastest slushie sedan available in America when it came out, FWIW), upgraded interior (Nappa, multicountour seats, and other goodies) and AMG hardware (suspension, brakes, exhaust, engine, tranny, wheels, body-kit). IIRC, I think it was the first "real" AMG. All that said, never drove one. And because it had no stick, never seriously considered it. On the E-Wagon, I'd try like hell to get a '00+ model if you go that route. But they are excellent vehicles and very practical for the money now that they are old. You just have to watch out of repairs on old MB's.