Discussion
I am about to change my M Coupe to a '98 C43 AMG T, as I have realised I need more of a relaxed motorway bruiser than an all-out sports car.
Having done a search, it seems that the C43 is solid, well-built, and with few caveats.
However, I was wondering if there anything in particular I should look out for? It will come with four new tyres and professionally renovated wheels (the clear coat had lifted at the rim edges), and with a year's warranty and engine + transmission.
I believe the front disk and pads were changed at the last service (they are ££££ aren't they?). Anything else to look out for? What are the service intervals and what fuel quality does it use (95 or 98?)
Sorry for the many questions, but quite excited about my first Benz!
Anders, '99 M Coupe
Having done a search, it seems that the C43 is solid, well-built, and with few caveats.
However, I was wondering if there anything in particular I should look out for? It will come with four new tyres and professionally renovated wheels (the clear coat had lifted at the rim edges), and with a year's warranty and engine + transmission.
I believe the front disk and pads were changed at the last service (they are ££££ aren't they?). Anything else to look out for? What are the service intervals and what fuel quality does it use (95 or 98?)
Sorry for the many questions, but quite excited about my first Benz!
Anders, '99 M Coupe
So 60K in old money then.
The only fragile bit of the car, surprisingly, is the gearbox. MB say the transmission fluid is "fit for the life of the car". This is largely bollocks as I know of at least 2 cars that have had premature failure of the 722.6 5 speed auto box. Neither were fixed under warranty costing the owners around £2000 for a new gearbox.
The way to counter this early failure is to have the fluid changed every 100,000 - 150,000kms. For reference, it costs about £100 here to have the work done. the main filter in the box is changed and about 7.5 litres of fresh fluid added. I had it done on my E Class late last year and the changes are a lot smoother.
Aside from that its a great car. Debadge it amd you've got a pretty damn good Q-Car. Aside from the alloys it looks like a C180, until you press the loud pedal!
Best of luck. If you've got any more questions just ask.
Greg
The only fragile bit of the car, surprisingly, is the gearbox. MB say the transmission fluid is "fit for the life of the car". This is largely bollocks as I know of at least 2 cars that have had premature failure of the 722.6 5 speed auto box. Neither were fixed under warranty costing the owners around £2000 for a new gearbox.
The way to counter this early failure is to have the fluid changed every 100,000 - 150,000kms. For reference, it costs about £100 here to have the work done. the main filter in the box is changed and about 7.5 litres of fresh fluid added. I had it done on my E Class late last year and the changes are a lot smoother.
Aside from that its a great car. Debadge it amd you've got a pretty damn good Q-Car. Aside from the alloys it looks like a C180, until you press the loud pedal!
Best of luck. If you've got any more questions just ask.
Greg
You're welcome. Lovely car, that. Do post some pics when you get hold of it.
Not the same car, but I've had only one major problem with my car. The MAS sensor failed at 98K (miles, about 160K), which cost me £300 to replace. Failure of these is not uncommon on MB saloons, the C class is no exception. Other that that regular servicing at either a dealer or latterly a specialist and the car is as sweet as.
Only other problem on a C class I'm aware of is the steering damper tends to fail occasionally. Cost is about £30 for a replcement and the same cost for labour to fit. Bottom suspension bushes also go on larger engined / diesel models. You'll know they've gone because the front suspension becomes very crashy and harsh. New set and its good as new again.
Cheers,
Greg
Not the same car, but I've had only one major problem with my car. The MAS sensor failed at 98K (miles, about 160K), which cost me £300 to replace. Failure of these is not uncommon on MB saloons, the C class is no exception. Other that that regular servicing at either a dealer or latterly a specialist and the car is as sweet as.
Only other problem on a C class I'm aware of is the steering damper tends to fail occasionally. Cost is about £30 for a replcement and the same cost for labour to fit. Bottom suspension bushes also go on larger engined / diesel models. You'll know they've gone because the front suspension becomes very crashy and harsh. New set and its good as new again.
Cheers,
Greg
I went ahead with the swap and will now have to wait impatiently for 14 days to get my hands on the C43, as the refurbishing of the wheels will take some time.
Meanwhile I have a question about the leather.
In the BMW it is very soft, nappa leather, while the C43's is a lot harder, and does look a bit plasticky - I checked and it is not Mtex or what the faux leather ("taxi leather") is called. The leather is flawless, but is there a way to treat it to make it softer or is there a recommended product for it?
Thanks!
Anders
Meanwhile I have a question about the leather.
In the BMW it is very soft, nappa leather, while the C43's is a lot harder, and does look a bit plasticky - I checked and it is not Mtex or what the faux leather ("taxi leather") is called. The leather is flawless, but is there a way to treat it to make it softer or is there a recommended product for it?
Thanks!
Anders
pentoman said:
Bit late here but, rassi, how do you find it?
The Mercedes dealers should stock a range of very well developed stuff for treating their leathers, I hear it's rather good (not just marked up crap, even though it is doubtless quite marked up..)
Don't be fooled into thinking its MBs own recipe. Chances are it isn't. If memory serves, a lot of MBs cleaning gear is simply rebadged Megiuers (sp?).
Another example, Porsche Alloy Wheel cleaner is P21S rebadged, and their screen wash is P21S too.
Golden rule chapd - car manufacturers make cars. They leave the other guys to work out what to clean it with.
Greg
Really enjoying it!
Very different to my BMW M Coupe, but that adds to the experience. Set up a website, www.geocities.com/c43_t_amg/ (copy and paste) for pictures.
As for the leather, I treated it with Spinneybeck leather conditioner, which left a nice smell and finish.
Just ordered a bunch of Meguiar's waxes and paint-work products, looking forward to spending this weekend with a bucket of soapy water and numerous hours polishing the MB.
Very different to my BMW M Coupe, but that adds to the experience. Set up a website, www.geocities.com/c43_t_amg/ (copy and paste) for pictures.
As for the leather, I treated it with Spinneybeck leather conditioner, which left a nice smell and finish.
Just ordered a bunch of Meguiar's waxes and paint-work products, looking forward to spending this weekend with a bucket of soapy water and numerous hours polishing the MB.
its basically standard C36, no extras than the ones from the factory, i suggest you look at this link
www.fantasycars.com/sedans/html/c36amg.html
its in good condition, and the price is nonnegotiable. Its in London, 117000 miles, but _no_ strange sounds from the engine etc.
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