Anyone ever driven or owned a C43 W202?

[Black Majik]

Hey all....

i was jus' wondering if anyone on this forum has ever owned a C43 W202(1998-2000) before.

I was curious as to the reliability of the car, I know that mercedes in general are great cars (although we crashed their meet last weekend), but has anyone ever driven the car? How does it compare to the E36 M3? Also one of the most important aspects is handling, how would u say it compares to the M3? Does it have the "loose steering or do you get a lot of driver feedback?

My parents have 2 benz's, both have almost no driver feedback in the steering wheel, it jus' feels like a boat. But since the C43 is more pertained as a "sports car" maybe they tightened the steering for a sportier feel?

I know the response i would get would be either: "dont buy a mercedes", or "go out and test drive one".

I plan on test driving it, but its jus' a thought that has jus' been pondering in my head. (btw, i've already posted on the benz forum, but i want a more unbiased opinion so im posting here also.)

Thanks!

[kitM3]

My firend has got a 2000 C43.
She never let me drive it so I cant give any feedback on it. I have been in the car a lot and it handles great, although I think the E36 handles a little better. The car has great speed and it does not feel like a boat. The car is also very reliable, she has had no problems with the car whatsoever.

[Mode]

Hey Richard - umm. . .auto?

[Anfanger]

Mercedes does not compare to BMW for performance. It's just a fact. Another fact is BMW doesn't compare to Mercedes for luxury. Shut up everybody, its a fact . Sure Mercedes makes high performance cars, yes, but do they compare equally to BMW high performance cars? No, I really don't think so. The stats show it and the reviewers say it. They might in the future, but they don't now. It's NOT that Mercedes makes bad performance cars... they DO make great performance cars, its just that BMWs are better (like the E39 M5 is a fantastic car, but does it compare to an F40 or the like? No, sorry, it doesn't). Now noone out there better say I'm biased towards BMW... cause I'm not. Currently I place Ford above BMW (yes, I'm serious).

But anyway, Richard, do what YOU want. I don't want to mislead you... Mercedes are great cars, equal or better than BMW. They look good, are put together very well, and last a long time. Expensive, yes, but so is BMW . In other words, if every part of your being say "YES, GIMME GIMME!!!" then by all means, yield .

[David328ci]

C43s are faster than e36 M3s straightline. V8 vs I6. They're more luxurious too. It's a difficult comparison, though, bce cause Mercedes always have freaking automatic trannies. Handling on Mercedes always freaking sucks though. Even AMG cars don't handle as weel as Ms do.

[Disco Stu]

I went to high school with a guy who had one. I got to drive it once at a party when he was too hammered to drive it home. Its V8 is an absolute beast and it very fast in a straight line. I'd compare it to Mercedes answer to an American muscle car.

I was very sprung off of his car at the time but with the new C classes having been out for a few years the body style of the old C just looks bland. The same can not be said for the E36 which still looks every bit as good as the E46.

It's still a very cool car with a nice interior that will win almost every drag race at the stoplight....But if you value more than straight line performance then you will probably be disapointed. The simple fact that it is not a stick is reason enough in my mind to pass on it.

just my 0.02

[SilverM]

Well........i actually raced one the other night on a nearby freeway. They are a beast off the get go.......that v8 torque is awesome.....

but i pulled him towards the end!!!!!

and in all honesty......i don't think they look as good as the e36