1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG Estate

In 1999, if you wanted a small German performance car capable of carrying several adults, you had a few options. First, you could select the BMW M3 – the benchmark for performance in the category, the E36 was nearing the end of it’s life cycle and the sedan had been dropped for the last model year. There was no M3 Touring model available, so if you wanted a wagon you needed to move over to the folks from Ingolstadt; Audi’s second generation S4. While unlike the M3 you couldn’t opt for a convertible, importantly if you wanted to carry your 2.2 children and dog in style they had the Avant available. While BMW’s neutered U.S. spec M3 made it by with only 240 horsepower, Audi’s twin turbocharged V6 offered less displacement but waves of torque and 250 horsepower. Those were the days when a 10 horsepower jump over your competition was a pretty big deal. So, you can imagine the shock when Mercedes-Benz introduced it’s new take on the small executive performance market with the introduction of the V8-engined C43 AMG. While the C36’s inline-6 had a 26 horsepower advantage over its nearest rival, the C43 broke through the 300 horsepower mark with the M113, with 306 horsepower, but staggeringly also 302 lb.ft of torque. That’s a lot, even by today’s standard, and it was not only available in sedan form, but also in Touring form. Though the Tourings never made it to these shores, one has popped up on eBay and is for sale in the Great White North:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG Estate on eBay

Year: 1999
Model: C43 AMG Estate
Engine: 4.3 liter V8
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Mileage: 83,945 mi
Price: $14,900 Buy It Now

Here’s an opportunity to own and drive a limited production C43 AMG ESTATE TOURING WAGON (approximately 840 were produced 1997-200). This Autobahn cruiser is a classic automobile that has the handling, power and functionality one yearns for a daily driver. Major service done with new ignition leads, coils, cam cover gaskets and computer programmed for excellent performance. Car is all original with 17″ Monoblock staggered alloy wheels. Absolutely no issues with the car. Only missing the rear MB Star due to theft attempt and lower valance insert (see pics). Call me regarding shipping and delivery options 604-523-1355 or any questions you may have.

VIN – WDB2020931F791909

Condition of the car seems to be top and the small wagon look is generally pulled off pretty well here; certainly better in my mind than the E36 Touring but not quite as seamless as the Audi Avants. Performance is on par with it’s rivals thanks to the automatic-only transmission and heavy curb weight, but you get the great AMG V8 soundtrack and some killer wheels. Pricing is set at $14,900; more than an equivalent sedan would trade for, but like the Avants and Tourings these Estates tend to draw more money than their sedan counterparts. Ultimately, it’s a lot of performance wagon bang for your buck, though I’m not sure it’s more appealing than the S6 Avant from the other day. Though the Audi has more miles, it’s tunable for more power, has great looks too, and importantly is legal in the U.S.. You might be able to sneak this C43 over the border through some loopholes, but otherwise we’re still a long way from it being legal – and since there are a lot of other performance wagons that will be available for similar or less that are importable (I’m looking at you, Audi S6 Plus Avant, available two years sooner than this car will be and with more power and a 6-speed manual), I’m not sure the desirability of this car outweighs some of the competition. But, it’s cool to see and a rare find, and certainly worth consideration – especially if you live in Canada!

-Carter