1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG

The Mercedes-Benz W202 C43 AMG was in production from 1997 until 2000. Styled in house by Olivier Boulay, it is a front-engine, rear wheel drive saloon seating five adults, also available with estate body as per other W202 models.

The C43 AMG was based on the standard W202 C-class, though fitted with the V8 from the range topping E class model, the E430. As well as this engine, the C43 featured upgrades including larger wheels and lower, stiffer suspension. The first small AMG saloon to be sold via dealers, it can be seen a precursor to today’s hard-hitting AMG C classes, and cars such as the Black Edition C63 of the 2010s. When saloon production ended in 2000, the C43 AMG was replaced by the V6 supercharged C32 AMG.

All C43s use Mercedes’ M113 series V8 with three valves per cylinder, in 4.3 litre guise. All used Mercedes’ in house automatic gearbox, also used in standard W202 models. This engine is shared with the larger E class and S class models, as well as the CLK430 coupe and ML430 SUV.

Unsurprisingly, the C43 feels like a sharper, stiffer, faster C280, with a throatier engine note – it still retains the slightly numb yet precise Mercedes steering, and the chassis which is far more accurate than rivals at BMW would be happy about. The ride is better than you’d expect – it’s as if it’s a Mercedes first and a sports saloon second, but still competent in the corners with it. The power delivery would befit a larger Mercedes but the compact C class is better on a B road. It doesn’t feel that lairy unless you provoke it – it’s a very competent, very grown up car for 90% of the time.

It’s a late 1990s Mercedes, of course rust is going to be the biggest potential issue you face. These cars are too new to suffer with the biodegradable wiring Mercedes used in the mid 1990s, but the steel quality was still fairly low and the water based paints didn’t help. Often front wings will let go ahead of the arch, but check there isn’t also corrosion on the sills, arches or floors. Beyond that, check all the toys work – but as it’s a Mercedes, you’re unlikely to have issues there. One likely issue will be the air con – if the seller claims it just needs a regas, ask him to have it done and offer to pay the cost on top of purchase if you buy. That avoids the risk of finding more expensive problems after purchase.

Best sellers should be silver or dark metallics with – oddly for a Mercedes – dark interiors. Estates don’t attract a premium, though they are far rarer and unless you really need the space it’s not worth passing over a good saloon to wait for an estate. Inspection by someone who knows these cars is always a wise idea, and we’d prioritise condition over colour and trim unless we were looking to sell the car on at some later stage.

Small sports saloons were fairly new when the C43 was unveiled, and only two of the era really compare. The BMW E46 M3 offers the same sort of performance, though only in a two door shell. And the Audi RS4 Avant offered similar power with the added practicality of an estate. All other real alternatives are larger – including the Mercedes E430, which offers far better value through its lack of AMG branding but gives the same engine and basic feel. The later Audi S4 with its 4.2 litre V8 makes an admirable modern classic alternative. If you don’t need the badge but want the power, consider a Subaru Impreza or Mitsubishi Evo.