- Powerful M113 V8 engine
- Body feels solid and strong
- Competent dynamics
- High standard of interior fit and finish
- Steering is very sensitive off-centre and lacks feel
- Suspension lacks compliance
- Engine requires premium unleaded petrol
Overview
Released in Australia in March 1998, the Mercedes-Benz S202 C 43 AMG Estate was a compact executive wagon. Manufactured in Affalterbach, Germany, the rear-wheel drive S202 C 43 AMG was powered by a 4.3-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.
C 43 AMG: M113 engine
Assembled by AMG, the 4266 cc M113.944 V8 engine had an alloy cylinder block with 89.9 mm bores and an 84.0 mm stroke, cast-in Silitec (Al-Si alloy) cylinder liners, fracture-split forged steel connecting rods, iron-coated aluminium pistons, an alloy cylinder head, a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) per cylinder bank driven by a double-roller chain, three valves per cylinder (two intake, on exhaust) actuated by roller rockers, two spark plugs per cylinder, a magnesium dual-length intake manifold and a compression ratio of 10.0:1.
For AMG versions of this engine, changes included:
- ‘Composite’ camshafts which were individually forged;
- A double-fluted intake system;
- A larger intake manifold; and,
- A unique exhaust system with larger pipes and a modified muffler system to minimise exhaust gas back pressure.
According to Mercedes-Benz, the C 43 AMG Estate could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds.
| Engine | Trans. | Years | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C 43 AMG | 4.3-litre petrol V8 (M113) | 5sp auto | 1998-00 | 225 kW at 5850 rpm | 410 Nm at 3250-5000 rpm |
Transmission
The programming for the five-speed automatic transmission enabled it to adapt to the driver’s style. Furthermore, the gear ratios were 3.59 (1st), 2.19 (2nd), 1.41 (3rd), 1.00 (4th) and 0.83 (5th), while the final drive ratio was 3.07.
Dimensions
The C 43 AMG Estate was 4516 mm long, 1723 mm wide, 1431 mm tall and had a 2690 mm long wheelbase; kerb mass was 1610 kg. Compared to the standard S202 C-Class, the C 43 AMG Estate could be identified by its sports body kit which included a front spoiler, side skirts and rear air dam.
Suspension
The S202 C 43 AMG Estate had double wishbone front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension. Compared to the standard S202 C-Class Estate, the suspension for the C 43 AMG Estate was lowered by 25 mm and included firmer springs and shock absorbers.
Steering
The Mercedes-Benz C 43 AMG Estate had recirculating ball, power-assisted steering.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz C 43 AMG Estate included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, traction control, electronic stability control and front seatbelt pre-tensioners.
Brakes
The C 43 AMG Estate had two-piece 334 mm by 32 mm front brake discs with twin-piston callipers and one-piece 300 mm by 22 mm rear discs with twin-piston callipers; both front and rear discs were internally vented.
Features: C 43 AMG Estate
Standard features for the C 43 AMG Estate included 17-inch light alloy wheels, 7.5J x 17-inch front wheels with 225/45 ZR17 tyres and 8.5J x 17-inch rear wheels with 245/40 ZR17 rear tyres, an eight speaker sound system with a radio, cassette player, CD player and ten-disc CD changer, climate control air conditioning, power adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, cruise control, front fog lights, an AMG sports steering wheel, remote central locking, power mirrors, power windows, an AMG instrument cluster and a security system.
Related links
