New to me - C43
Discussion
Wifes Velar sold, 2.0 Ingenium petrol, 2 years and 20k miles owned and pretty much faultless - was a great car but no longer really needed all of that practicality.
Original request to me was to source a W205 A45. I did not think this was the right car for her, a bit too raw and one dimensional.
Bit of research and stumbled across the C43, seemed to tick the boxes in terms of refinement, exhaust note, spec and solid reputation for reliability.
Was close to putting a deposit down on a C43 coupe with Premium Plus pack (pretty much a non negotiable) until a CarVertical check threw up a 10-15k side and rear damage bill in 2019 and two further front end damage incidents - back to the drawing board.
A post on a C43 owners group saw a number of cars being offered to me that were not yet advertised for sale but one stood out - C43 convertible, massive spec (Premium Plus, AMG Performance exhaust, HUD, Lane Assist, Radar Cruise, carbon centre console, 360 camera, aircap, Park Pilot, larger infotainment screen with Android Auto and CarPlay etc), full MB history and only 43k miles.
Quick exchange of messages and it was clear that this was the car for us - I tend to go on gut feel and rarely let me down over many purchases.
Yesterday saw a 8 1/2 hour train journey up to Inverurie and a 445 mile drive home.
First impressions, definitely a car with a dual personality - in Comfort with the exhaust shut its docile and quiet, in Sport+ with exhaust open its alive and playful.
Spirited journey down from Inverurie to Moffat and then 250 miles of motorway saw it do just under 35mpg which was a pleasant surprise.
Thinking about it on the M6 and the cars we have had previously I think I have determined its like the love child of the V8 Vantage and the BMW 650 convertible.
Original request to me was to source a W205 A45. I did not think this was the right car for her, a bit too raw and one dimensional.
Bit of research and stumbled across the C43, seemed to tick the boxes in terms of refinement, exhaust note, spec and solid reputation for reliability.
Was close to putting a deposit down on a C43 coupe with Premium Plus pack (pretty much a non negotiable) until a CarVertical check threw up a 10-15k side and rear damage bill in 2019 and two further front end damage incidents - back to the drawing board.
A post on a C43 owners group saw a number of cars being offered to me that were not yet advertised for sale but one stood out - C43 convertible, massive spec (Premium Plus, AMG Performance exhaust, HUD, Lane Assist, Radar Cruise, carbon centre console, 360 camera, aircap, Park Pilot, larger infotainment screen with Android Auto and CarPlay etc), full MB history and only 43k miles.
Quick exchange of messages and it was clear that this was the car for us - I tend to go on gut feel and rarely let me down over many purchases.
Yesterday saw a 8 1/2 hour train journey up to Inverurie and a 445 mile drive home.
First impressions, definitely a car with a dual personality - in Comfort with the exhaust shut its docile and quiet, in Sport+ with exhaust open its alive and playful.
Spirited journey down from Inverurie to Moffat and then 250 miles of motorway saw it do just under 35mpg which was a pleasant surprise.
Thinking about it on the M6 and the cars we have had previously I think I have determined its like the love child of the V8 Vantage and the BMW 650 convertible.
Andy665 said:
danb79 said:
That looks lovely; know nothing re Mercs, but that's a bonny car?
We're you outside Glenshee too; that shot looks familiar?
3 litre V6. twin turbo and permanent 4wd. Not exactly stressed at 360bhp but enough to make it entertaining. Shots were on the A93 and at GlensheeWe're you outside Glenshee too; that shot looks familiar?
It's a superb road that and over to Glenshee... Drive it regularly when we're up in the Highlands
Just a shame I never managed to get up there in my 130i LE - would have been a superb drive
Mr Tidy said:
That's a much more interesting choice than an A45 - I hope your OH likes it. 
Gotta love a long drive home in a newly acquired car!
Fortunately the OH now sees where I was coming from in terms of A45 v C43, quite different cars but I know she likes her performance, a decent exhaust / engine note and a degree of luxury, I just felt that the C43 was a better option.Gotta love a long drive home in a newly acquired car!
A long drive is always a great start to life with a new car - I always know after a long first drive whether the car is going to stay around for a while or not - this most definitely is
Andy665 said:
Mr Tidy said:
That's a much more interesting choice than an A45 - I hope your OH likes it.
Gotta love a long drive home in a newly acquired car!
Fortunately the OH now sees where I was coming from in terms of A45 v C43, quite different cars but I know she likes her performance, a decent exhaust / engine note and a degree of luxury, I just felt that the C43 was a better option.Gotta love a long drive home in a newly acquired car!
A long drive is always a great start to life with a new car - I always know after a long first drive whether the car is going to stay around for a while or not - this most definitely is
Having owned both, the C43 is definitely the better all rounder. The A45 is too "manic" IMHO.
I’ve had my C43 estate for a couple of years now and have grown very fond of it. It’s surprisingly quick even in comfort mode. Sport mode sharpens it up a bit but even then it changes up too quickly and refuses to rev to the red line.
It’s not the sharpest steer but it covers the ground quickly whilst remaining safe and secure. As a day to day car it’s brilliant. If I want a bit of fun and pure driving pleasure I jump in the Elise.
It’s not the sharpest steer but it covers the ground quickly whilst remaining safe and secure. As a day to day car it’s brilliant. If I want a bit of fun and pure driving pleasure I jump in the Elise.
My other half has recently bought a Coupe, we looked for the newest car with lowest mileage from a main dealer as it was to be a long term keeper after 5 years with a C300d which was a great car.
However, the throttle pedal seems incredibly sensitive making the car lurch uncomfortably when driving off has meant it won’t be around for long. Been back to the MB dealer who claim it’s ‘normal’.
Anyone else heard or experienced this massive downside, you really have to concentrate when applying the accelerator pedal?
However, the throttle pedal seems incredibly sensitive making the car lurch uncomfortably when driving off has meant it won’t be around for long. Been back to the MB dealer who claim it’s ‘normal’.
Anyone else heard or experienced this massive downside, you really have to concentrate when applying the accelerator pedal?
Crazy4557 said:
My other half has recently bought a Coupe, we looked for the newest car with lowest mileage from a main dealer as it was to be a long term keeper after 5 years with a C300d which was a great car.
However, the throttle pedal seems incredibly sensitive making the car lurch uncomfortably when driving off has meant it won t be around for long. Been back to the MB dealer who claim it s normal .
Anyone else heard or experienced this massive downside, you really have to concentrate when applying the accelerator pedal?
That doesn’t sound right to me. Mine isn’t like that. However, the throttle pedal seems incredibly sensitive making the car lurch uncomfortably when driving off has meant it won t be around for long. Been back to the MB dealer who claim it s normal .
Anyone else heard or experienced this massive downside, you really have to concentrate when applying the accelerator pedal?
These in estate form were on my radar for a long time, and very nearly purchased one.
Also tried the engine in the e class - E43, and later I drove the "hybrid" E53 (72 plate with 52k miles and tbh felt brand new) - which again I very nearly bought - the exhaust for pops is slightly more than the V8 I ended up buying. Unfortunatly I have driven my wife to dispair - and everytime we have a v8 in america I start the car search, and she rightly said, doesn't matter how great the car is, you will come home and look at v8's again.
I went F Pace SVR instead - to scratch a v8 itch - but I know this car will probably be a year or two then moved on - although the more I drive it the more it gets under my skin, but don't need something so big.
I can honestly see one of these as its replacement. That soec is also mega - I struggled to find one with the premium plus pack, let a lone all the extra kit you have.
Also tried the engine in the e class - E43, and later I drove the "hybrid" E53 (72 plate with 52k miles and tbh felt brand new) - which again I very nearly bought - the exhaust for pops is slightly more than the V8 I ended up buying. Unfortunatly I have driven my wife to dispair - and everytime we have a v8 in america I start the car search, and she rightly said, doesn't matter how great the car is, you will come home and look at v8's again.
I went F Pace SVR instead - to scratch a v8 itch - but I know this car will probably be a year or two then moved on - although the more I drive it the more it gets under my skin, but don't need something so big.
I can honestly see one of these as its replacement. That soec is also mega - I struggled to find one with the premium plus pack, let a lone all the extra kit you have.
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