And so it begins reluctant racer part I - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Carson357 · #1 02-02-2009, 03:28 AM

So I just bought a 1998 C43 which I love, I am not a racer nor do I really wish to, but today I had a funny incident occur. I went to breakfast with my girlfriend and when we were leaving, there is a 4 lane street with two turn lanes and center median, so it is quite wide.
I pull out cross the two east bound lanes and am going to go west. there was a car coming and honestly it was going so fast that I missed it coming, but it was far enough back that I was able to accelerate fast enough so as to not get hit and get moving faster than the car that was rapidly approaching, we went about one mile to the first light and I was able to keep ahead with little effort. so we both get to the light and he changes from my lane to the to my left, the light is a but long so I check out his car was a 2007-2008 dodge charger with a Hemi, nice, but does nothing for me American cars usually don’t. I am sitting there and my girlfriend says "I think he is revving his engine" so I lower the radio and listen and sure enough he is, I am thinking what a doosh. Right when I think this he begins to power brake and spin his rear tires was a lot of smoke and noise, thought would be funny if a cop saw him.
I really didn't want to race him, but knew the C43 was definitely faster, so I just sat there and watched as he made an ass of himself and wearing his tires. the light changes and he starts off slightly ahead of me, so I very quickly press the pedal to the floor from a complete stand still, ESP kicks in for a second and the car literally launches ahead, and leaves the "charger" in the dust. Was pretty funny as at the next light he would not even look my way and was definitely not trying for round 2!!

400Eric · #2 02-02-2009, 03:56 AM

Didn't you know that under the skin that Charger is a stretched W-210 E class with a Dodge truck engine? The whole platform, front and rear suspensions, even the trans. is from MB or is of MB design! Regards, Eric

Carson357 · #3 02-02-2009, 04:06 AM

i figured it would have some mercedes technology there since they were partners before, but i think the keyword here is truck engine

i recall seeing the crossfire when it was debued at local car show, all powertrain was indeed mercedes including engine and trans. being a mercedes tech i just happened to look at the engine as i walked by making my way to look at sprinter vans and had to do a double take when i recognized alot of SLK stylings and other mercedes components complete with star and mercedes part number.

400Eric · #4 02-02-2009, 04:35 AM

Maybe you could weigh in over here: C36 vs. C43, then both vs. 500E I'd like your opinion as a MB tech and C43 owner. Regards, Eric

Carson357 · #5 02-02-2009, 04:56 AM

what would you like to know? i drove this car from chicago to san diego, over 4000 miles, took the long way home. this is really excellent way to get to know a new car, was an awsome performer and handled the snow and ice very well

400Eric · #6 02-02-2009, 05:10 AM

I can't stop thinking about a 97 C36 but I'm worried about the fact that by 97 MB was really into their bad Q.C. years. Do these cars have any "issues"? Regards, Eric

Carson357 · #7 02-02-2009, 05:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 400Eric

I can't stop thinking about a 97 C36 but I'm worried about the fact that by 97 MB was really into their bad Q.C. years. Do these cars have any "issues"? Regards, Eric

i have worked on many 202's and a few C43's, from what i have previously seen, i wasn't concerned. nothing in my opinion really concerns me
Except:

cat issues
dual plug wires, $45.00 each
coil replacement
dual plugs

transmission longevity if not serviced regularly, i would do it at minimum every 60k or sooner is your unit a 722.6?