The flagship model of the original C-Class (W202) the C43 AMG was the first AMG car to be completely assembled at the Mercedes-Benz factory after AMG was acquired by Daimler-Benz in 1998. It features a sculpted AMG body kit, 17” AMG Monoblock wheels, and an AMG-tuned 4.3-liter V8 engine producing over 300 HP. This 1999 example is one of 546 produced for the U.S. market during the model year and comes finished in Obsidian Black Metallic over a two-tone Black and Silver AMG Exclusive leather interior. It was acquired by the current owner in 2021 and has since undergone extensive service including replacement of the crankshaft seals, spark plugs, front lower control arms, springs, a transmission overhaul, and much more. This C43 AMG is now being offered for auction at no reserve by its seller out of Maine while showing approximately 156k miles on the odometer.
Compared to a standard W202 C-Class model, the C43 AMG received a sculpted AMG body kit including more aggressively styled bumpers and side skirts as well as chrome AMG-branded exhaust tips. This example is finished in Obsidian Black Metallic and rides on factory 17” AMG Monoblock wheels that were mounted with new Michelin Pilot Sport tires in 2021 within the last 3k miles. Refurbishments carried out by the current owner include replacements of the rear window, lower front windshield seal, headlights, taillights, lower bumper trim, and refinishing of the hood and front bumper. Additional images are provided in the gallery along with a CARFAX report showing some damage to have occurred at the front end in 2014 and 2018.
The cabin features two-tone Black and Silver AMG Exclusive leather upholstery complemented by burl walnut trim and white AMG-branded instrument dials. Accessories include heated and power-adjustable front sport seats, a two-tone steering leather wheel, automatic climate control, power windows and mirrors, an electric tilt/slide sunroof, keyless entry, power door locks, and a factory Becker head unit. The air conditioning system was recharged under current ownership. Noted issues include a broken headlamp dimmer switch and some loose trim pieces as well as a faulty HVAC blower motor, passenger airbag sensor, head unit display, and pneumatic seat bolsters. All other accessories and electronics are said to be fully functional.
An AMG-tuned 4.3-liter M113 V8 engine delivers up to 302 HP and 302 lb.-ft of torque to the rear wheels by way of an AMG-modified 5-speed automatic transmission. The C43 comes equipped with an upgraded braking system borrowed from the W210 E55 AMG. Since purchasing the car in 2021, the seller has overseen the replacement of the battery, spark plugs, air and fuel filters, crankshaft sensor, crankshaft seals, lower front control arms, and springs (1” lower) as well as a wheel alignment and repair of the idler bushing. The transmission was also overhauled including a new torque converter and conductor plate. The seller recommends a brake fluid flush and replacement of the brake hoses due to age.
This sale will include owner’s manuals, a toolkit, a spare tire, some service records, and a clean title.
The seller would like you to know: “As noted above this is a soon-to-be classic project car with much work and care invested during our ownership. More work is needed, but for the right owner who is willing to take on the additional punch list, the car will be back on the road in no time.”
Comments (50)
Congrats David! Solid deal for you from my vantage point. Look forward to passing the vehicle along to you. I'll reach out to you directly to arrange next steps and will work with local shop on those final repairs. Again congrats!
Sold for $5,027
Bid in the amount of $5,027
Bid in the amount of $4,777
Bid in the amount of $4,527
Bid in the amount of $4,277
Bid in the amount of $4,027
Bid in the amount of $3,777
@360buyer The air bag sensor and the HVAC blower motor were damaged from a leak in the front windshield. The airbag should be fully functional it's just the sensor that needs to be replaced. I have the sensor pulled and will provide that to the auction winner. The leak was fully addressed. I also addressed the windshield drains which were clogged as well and that has also been fixed.
@360buyer I assumed the wheels are original. I've done nothing with them aside from keeping them clean and curb free.
Bid in the amount of $3,255
Bid in the amount of $3,005
Bid in the amount of $2,755
Bid in the amount of $2,505
Bid in the amount of $2,255
Is the airbag issue related to one of the accidents? I am also wondering if you are the owner who replaced/refurbished the wheels.
@MikeHammen Thank you Mike. I was considering shipping as well if I win it. Fingers crossed!
@harisrulz I definitely think it could. It is just not inspected and needs an hvac blower, passenger airbag sensor and the light switch repaired in order to pass inspection. When I bought the car from Cincinnati I had it shipped for $800 which is something you may want to consider.
@360buyer Hello. The bolt for the battery tray does have some rust but it is very superficial and minor. I replaced the battery this past spring so essentially new. I replaced it myself and can confirm there was not underlying rust there. The shop is scheduled to look at the car again tomorrow with diagnostics. The assumption is mass airflow which is should be straight forward. As I mentioned previously as a condition of the sale will make sure it is running as it was before the idle issue occurred last week. It's very unfortunate timing with the auction ending prior to it getting fixed. I had hoped it would have been repaired in advance. in retrospect i would have 100% waited until repaired to go live on the auction since clearly posting videos would have been the best path. I couldn't extend the auction. It is at a foreign auto shop in mid-coast Maine which works on foreign cars including Mercedes.
@MikeHammen do you think the car can make a ~600 mile trip back to VA?
@MikeHammen what shop is repairing the car and how confident are they that the mass air flow sensor is the underlying issue?
It looks like the battery tray is rusty. Can you please comment if that is the case. Also, will buyers need to wait for your shop to attempt more repairs? It sounds like it may have been there a few times already.
@928Reasons Check out photo 16. When i purchased this car there was a golf ball sized dent in the hood. Unfortunately it was too large to be pulled so i had it patched and sprayed along with the front bumper. if you look closely you can see slight variation in the paint where the dent was about 10" down from the windshield. I would say it is not noticeable by 99% of people. So definitely not in original paint condition or show quality but it still looks very good IMO. For the number of miles and age it still shows very well.
@harisrulz Thank you.
Bid in the amount of $2,000
Hello,
Always loved the C43, I have an E55 and figured it would be fun to own one of each class.
I know you mentioned there was an incident involving the front of the vehicle. Do you know how much of the car has paintwork? I'm just curious because the trunk badges seem to be in a different location.
Thank you!
I live down in VA. If it was closer I would fly over and pay cash right away. Still deciding before the auction ends. Beautiful car, one of my all-time favorites.
Doesn’t seem like pcars fault, just a clueless bidder. Who bids before reading the description?
@tackinis I'm here to answer any questions today as the auction comes to a close. If you read the write up and the comments you can see what needs to be done to the car. Anyone can also PM me for my phone number today to discuss. I don't sell cars often and as a previous owner of Porsches, a friend recommended this site. I have been very pleased with the level of service with Pcar, despite the last two comments being not what I was expecting. I am not familiar with bidsabdcars but will check it out.
@drbacks your bid was retracted and the previous comment was removed. Your card was not charged, it is a hold for 5% of the bid or $500 minimum and if you become the winner it gets converted to a charge. The reason you see $2100 is you BID ON 3 CARS!! We run a reputable business and would appreciate it if you email our help
Desk if you are experiencing any issues rather than make accusations on the thread. You can click contact us at the bottom of the page to reach the help desk. Thank you.
@drbacks No worries on my end. I'll leave it to the admin team as this is my first auction on this site. But works for me.
For what it's worth, I paid over 8k for this car and have "invested" well over 10k into it under my ownership. Not suggesting in any capacity that I'm expecting to get that back, but just putting it out there. Will provide all receipts. Thanks for your interest.
I may have bid a little prematurely. After reading the issues you had posted on the car, I would like to withdraw my bid at this time. I am sorry for the inconvenience.
Bid in the amount of $1,750
Bid in the amount of $1,452
Bid in the amount of $1,202
@1900market The only evidence of rust is a small section above the front window which you can see by zooming in on picture 19. There is some leaking at seals. No cracks in dash.
Any rust in the typical spots? Also any leaks, such as valve covers? Does the dash have any cracks?
Seller again. The local shop where this car is currently being serviced will be working on the car again on Tuesday. Latest thinking from the shop is a mass air flow sensor is the issue. Unfortunate timing as the auction ends Monday and the close can't be extended. So no driving footage or engine starts can be uploaded. However, as a GUARANTEED condition of sale I will provide driving footage and video of the motor running to the auction winner once repairs are complete. Any other questions please let me know. Thank you. Mike
Bid in the amount of $750
Seller here providing a brief update. After posting pictures I took the car in for servicing at a local shop to address fluctuating idle. The car starts and fine but after warm up the idle was inconsistent. Had the fuel filter and pump and it's currently getting worked up for a replacement for possible replacement of mass air flow sensor. Car will need an hvac blower motor and a light switch to pass inspection. Will upload driving footage, cold starts, etc. once I get the car back. Thanks for all who are interested .
*sent you a message
Hi Mike,
I send you a message with a few questions regarding your car. Thanks!
Bid in the amount of $500
@Unsavedone Hi. Yes, definitely. Ran into an issue with it idling poorly this past weekend, so the fuel filter and fuel pump are being replaced at a local shop. As soon as the car is out of the shop I'll post some videos with cold starts and driving footage.
I had a 99 C43 and it was a wonderful car to own. These are great highway cruisers.
Does the car run and drive? Nothing in the description says it does not but the seller would like you to know section says it is a project that needs work to be back on the road.
Happy to answer any questions.