Bought a '98 AMG last year used from a dealer here in Dallas. The C43 had 42,642 miles. The warranty was just out on the car. One year later, just now, it was due for service and the dealer was nice enough to print out the service history. It seems that at 42,449 mi. (200mi before they sold the car to me), the harmonic balancer failed, taking out the timing cover, and engine oil pan. The pan and timing cover had to be drilled and tapped as part of the repair. The A/C system (condenser removal) had to be taken apart and new drier/ freon etc. installed. Power Steering hose was replaced. The total bill looked close to $2,000.00. This print out was not an invoice duplicate, just a running list of expenses from mile #23.

The engine seems ok now, but it makes me wonder why the last owner dumped the car right after the balancer let go..... just wish I could talk to that guy about that. Regards from flyblind.