C36 vs C43

Author
Discussion

Brucie177

Original Poster:

45 posts

203 months

Thursday 7th February 2008
quotequote all
Just started looking at both of these cars.

Apart from age/power etc are there any major differences between the cars? If so, is it worth paying the extra for the C43??

Also, dare I ask, what sort of fuel consumption are you hits getting??

Any major probs to look out for?

Cheers

rubystone

11,254 posts

266 months

Thursday 7th February 2008
quotequote all
C43 benefits from the C Class facelift. It also has that great V8 soundtrack. As for fuel consumption...dunno - Fuel's like alcohol to me - a necessary part of my life...but I guess you might get early 20s on a run, perhaps late teens around town? Does that sound about right?

I did consider the C36 as they can be bought for very reasonable money, but I much preferred the interior style of the C43 and all the toys that come as standard. I knew that if I bought a C36 I'd always be rueing the fact that I didn't go the extra few grand and buy a C43.

I haven't been disappointed so far...

Chris944_S2

2,004 posts

230 months

Thursday 7th February 2008
quotequote all
If you can afford the extra for the C43, then get that one!

Fuel consumption is actually slightly better on the C43, mainly thanks to a 5 speed auto rather than a 4 speed on the C36, but don't buy either if you worry about what MPG you will be getting. I have absolutely no idea what I get out of my C43, I just fill up whenever its needed. The only time I ever worked it out was doing a constant 85mph with aircon on a french motorway, and it returned 28mpg.

Brucie177

Original Poster:

45 posts

203 months

Thursday 7th February 2008
quotequote all
Cool!

Cheers guys. As you say, I think I would regret not getting the C43 for the sake of spending a bit more.

I had a suspicion it might have had a 5 speeder rather than the 4 speeder of the C36.

Point taken about fuel. I figure life is too short! Wife has economical car for that sort of thing...

mickyveloce

1,035 posts

243 months

Friday 8th February 2008
quotequote all
I`ve seen 31 on a run in my C36 and regular commuting is 25-27 depending on traffic .
The C36 is a raw experience compared to the C43 (I`ve driven both) and whilst the C43 has more traditional Mercedes qualities in terms of refinement , the C36 is a less complex machine .
The early C36`s used a 4 speed auto (Mines still for sale in the classifieds ) which is regarded by the Merc specialists I`ve spoken to as a stronger unit . The C43 5-speeds last about 100,000 miles (see Mercedes enthusiast magazine running report) before a replacement is needed . All C43`s have a lsd diff which my C36 doesn`t have either , so more care is needed !
The cars are quite different and , whilst outwardly similar , the experience is completely individual .