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View Full Version : C43 Shopping, How to tell if a transmission has been/will need to be replace



cthirtysizzle
12-07-2003, 12:50 AM
So like jnolte, I'm currently looking for a C43. I've read all about the tranny problems this car has and want to know;
1. When I'm looking at a used C43, are there any symptoms that a transmission might be going bad that I can check for?

2. If a transmission has been replaced, how can I tell?

I don't want to buy a used C43 w/ 70k-90k miles on it and have to dump another $4k-5k into a new tranny as soon as I get it. Also, what other probs should I look for in this car (besides wiring harness)?
Thanks in advance guys/girls, I'm beginning to like this forum a lot just because it seems smaller than the other benz forums...

jnolte
12-07-2003, 01:12 AM
C43s dont have wire harness problems, that was the older 1994-1997 that had that.

Renn 208
12-07-2003, 01:19 AM
Originally posted by cthirtysizzle

1. When I'm looking at a used C43, are there any symptoms that a transmission might be going bad that I can check for?



Trust me, you will know when a tranny is going bad...it's not subtle.

omegabenz
12-07-2003, 10:31 AM
Overly hard shifting is usually caused when the clutches get slop in them. A C43 should shift very crisply though. On a test drive, dont be afriad to really get on it, that is usually where you will find problems.

Denlasoul
12-07-2003, 10:34 AM
Test it when it's cold. You will have defined slipping.

Also, consider just buying a third party warranty. If your tranny goes out, then you will not have to shell out the dough. A warranty would run about 1500.

cthirtysizzle
12-07-2003, 01:25 PM
Good info, there's a real clean Silver C43 on ebay w/ 87k miles on it. I spoke w/ the owner of the dealership and it's in excellent condition mechanically, cosmetically, etc..., but he wants $19.5K for it. Way too much IMO for the mileage.

BenzoAMGpower
12-07-2003, 08:19 PM
im selling my silver C43 for under $19k......... email me......

Honson_L@bellsouth.net

cthirtysizzle
12-07-2003, 09:10 PM
I did email you, but my budget is closer to $15k-16k, especially if it has close to 100k miles on it and I have to pay shipping too. :D

There's a local Silver C36 that I'm considering w/ 54k miles for $16k and I've already had it checked out by a Benz Specialist and everything is pretty much clean except for the wiring harness... :beard:

jnolte
12-07-2003, 09:19 PM
Originally posted by cthirtysizzle
I did email you, but my budget is closer to $15k-16k, especially if it has close to 100k miles on it and I have to pay shipping too. :D

There's a local Silver C36 that I'm considering w/ 54k miles for $16k and I've already had it checked out by a Benz Specialist and everything is pretty much clean except for the wiring harness... :beard:

Thats a good deal. if i were you i would go for that. Lets see i got a Silver C36 with 78k miles for 10k. So a silver one with 54k for 16 is good! (even tho i got a C43 with less miles for 15k lol)