Love this car alot, its up there with the beautiful red 635 csi i had. except with more power, better handling and great comfort.

The current Mercedes-Benz C-Class heralded major changes for the once-conservative German manufacturer when it was introduced in 1994. It was designed, equipped, and priced for value, a definite change of direction for a company once best-known for premium luxury cars. But performance was and is part of the C-Class equation, too. Between 1995 and 1997, the C36 was offered, a car modified by Mercedes-Benz performance tuning partner AMG, with an enlarged, tuned version of the then-current 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine. It was a limited-production model, and discontinued when its engine was no longer available. The void at the top of the C-Class line didn't last long. It was filled midway through the 1998 model year bythe C43.

Also created by AMG, the C43 is a German embodiment of one of the grandest traditions in performance tuning: a big engine in asmall car. The engine in question is the 4.3-liter (260 cu. in.)aluminum alloy V8 first introduced in the 1998 E430 and also found in the newly-introduced CLK430 coupe. In those cars, it develops a respectable 275 horsepower. In C43 tune, a healthy 302 horses are found under the unassuming C-Class hood. The engine is light for a large V8; the C43 weighs only 132 pounds more than a C280. As aresult, weight distribution is not adversely affected. Ultra-low profile tires mounted on 17-inch AMG wheels and other suspension modifications improve cornering abilities with little reduction in ride comfort.

Only 1500 C43s will be made over a three-year period, with the bulk of production in the 1999 model year. But the C43's performance attitude carries over to the other C-Class sedans this year, too. The V6-powered C280 is smooth, sophisticated, and very well-balanced. The entry-level C230 gets a major boost - it's now called the C230 Kompressor and has the supercharged four-cylinder engine from the SLK sports car.

To say that my time with the C43 was entertaining and enjoyable would be serious understatement. But, unlike many "tunercars", the C43 is perfectly acceptable as daily transportation. It is comfortable, relatively quiet (except for a wonderful V8 growl), and roomy enough for four people. It is a compliment to the solidity of the C-Class chassis structure that it works so well.

APPEARANCE: The C43 is relatively stealthy for a high-performance car. Differences in appearance between it and the other C-Class cars are minimal. The 17-inch AMG alloy wheels are the mostobvious, but are the same basic design as the 16-inch wheels that are part of the Sport Package available on the C280 and C230K. Deeper, more sculpted front and rear lower bumper fascias and matching rocker panels are not all that obvious. The "AMG" and "C43" badgingon the trunk lid will be read only by accomplished speed readers. Other C-Class Benzes, however, do not have the twin chrome-tipped AMG-badged exhausts producing a deep V8 rumble.

COMFORT: The C43 does differ from the other C-Class members inside, again thanks to AMG. Special heated sports seats incorporating pneumatic lumbar, side, and thigh support, and the thick-rimmed,leather-covered steering wheel are designed for serious driving. My test car had the two-tone, black and silver, interior color scheme, with silver inserts in the seating areas. They looked and felt great. Black-on-white instruments with AMG badging are also unique to the C43.Other interior features are pretty much standard C-Class, including room for four adults and a large, useful trunk.

SAFETY: The C43 has the full complement of Mercedes-Benz safetyequipment, including safety cage chassis construction,and front side air bags. Active safety is enhanced by strong antilock brakes with Brake Assist emergency stopping assistance, all-speed traction control, and ESP stability control.

ROADABILITY: Thanks to the very firm and well-controlled AMG-uned suspension and monstrous contact patch of the 225/45 x 17"front and 245/40 x 17" rear tires, the C43 sticks to the pavement extremely well, with excellent handling characteristics. Powerful,short-wheelbase cars can be tricky to keep in control, but the C43 isstable and assured. Huge vented, antilock brakes at all four wheelsensure near-race car stopping ability. If not quite as comfortable in ridequality as other C-Class cars, the C43 is not harsh or uncomfortable,and is as well-suited to a (quick) run to the grocery store as it is toperformance driving.

PERFORMANCE: Although the 4.3-liter V8 is basically the same asthat used other Benzes, internal modifications by AMG result in 302horsepower and 302 lb-ft of torque. A near back-to-back comparisonwith a new CLK430, which has the stock, 275-horsepower version ofthe same engine, was most enlightening. If the C43 has only 27 morehorsepower, they're large horses. There is enormous powerimmediately, and it never fades. The 5-speed automatic transmissionmitigates the power's effect when shifting, helping stability andundoubtedly prolonging tire life. The engine produces a mostsatisfying, muscular V8 roar.

CONCLUSIONS: The Mercedes-Benz C43 combination of Europeanchassis sophistication with V8 power makes for a very classy musclecar that is also works for everyday use. C43 = DTR + NASCAR!