I always like to come here and get opinions when I get a new car, even if those opinions are often Jaded. Last time was sons, previous was wife's and 5 odd years ago mine. 

 

Anyway - 5 or so years ago you guys 'helped me' (some by calling me a pen1s) to get a C43. Or rather - it was covid time, I wanted a 530e but all family decisions are democratic and it was actually my wife rigging the votes that meant the wife and 2 kids all voted against me.

 

As a BMW owner - I would say this - but a Benz for when your Beemer is in the shop. Anyway - C43 - no problems at all. Extended the warranty and 2 weeks later needed a new battery - which was free and now all service and repairs done by CT4 Garages - for a fraction of the price. Looks wise - she doesn't look dated yet and I think she's still pretty. Performance hadn't degraded. It's just a matter now of how long it's gonna be before maintenance costs kick in - repairs are needed - but it looks like CT4 can keep the costs down.

If you are in the market for a fast car, that can be made faster (not my cuppa) - a 2nd hand V6 C43 would be a good bet IMO - just not mine.

 

 

15 hours ago, pedro01 said:

now all service and repairs done by CT4 Garages - for a fraction of the price

So I googled them and the closest fit I could find to CT4 Garages is CT14 Garage in Theparak Road Samut Prakan. Is that the same place that you use?  Inquiring because I will need to replace teh LED lights on my BMW soon and with the 5 year BSI warranty having expired earlier this year, it's going to be crazy expensive if I did the service at Millennium Auto.

I'm in the same boat, same car but a year older than yours, 2019. I've put 65000 km on it and it has been flawless other than that damned creaking sunroof and the occasional shuddering windscreen wipers. I drove the new version of the C43 but that 4 cyl just does not have the same soul. Not bad but it feels like a step down. Perhaps the 440i Coupe?

On 9/20/2025 at 8:42 AM, mark5335 said:

So I googled them and the closest fit I could find to CT4 Garages is CT14 Garage in Theparak Road Samut Prakan. Is that the same place that you use?  Inquiring because I will need to replace teh LED lights on my BMW soon and with the 5 year BSI warranty having expired earlier this year, it's going to be crazy expensive if I did the service at Millennium Auto.

Look up S39 Garage, they are in Bangna. I have had servicing and maintenance on a number of BMWs that are out of their BSI period done by S39. Very happy with their work and prices.

On 9/19/2025 at 4:54 PM, pedro01 said:

C43

I saw a convertible, C63 (V8 model) on Dongtan Beach sometime ago. 

 

Beautiful car 

On 9/20/2025 at 8:42 AM, mark5335 said:

So I googled them and the closest fit I could find to CT4 Garages is CT14 Garage in Theparak Road Samut Prakan. Is that the same place that you use?  Inquiring because I will need to replace teh LED lights on my BMW soon and with the 5 year BSI warranty having expired earlier this year, it's going to be crazy expensive if I did the service at Millennium Auto.

Yeah - that's the one - Chris is a mate - I met him here - he's giving me Toyota prices on Mercedes maintenance - now it's out of warranty - but still only done 60,000 km.

So - low mileage, cheap to maintain. But now we are boosting it to 460HP and making it look like a tarts bedroom.

It's still a lovely car, no point getting rid of it. So I'm switching it up a bit.

But I do know that this is not for everyone.

On 9/22/2025 at 9:44 AM, SAFETY FIRST said:

I saw a convertible, C63 (V8 model) on Dongtan Beach sometime ago. 

 

Beautiful car 

It's like another 10 million Baht for the extra horses. Great car - but I couldn't justify that.

Yet.

On 9/20/2025 at 8:42 AM, mark5335 said:

So I googled them and the closest fit I could find to CT4 Garages is CT14 Garage in Theparak Road Samut Prakan. Is that the same place that you use?  Inquiring because I will need to replace teh LED lights on my BMW soon and with the 5 year BSI warranty having expired earlier this year, it's going to be crazy expensive if I did the service at Millennium Auto.

Yeah - that's the one

Same car, same year, but a sedan. Flawless except; left front suspension change (hit a pothole on the hwy at speeds), 1 battery and it looks like you also had the area in front of the sunroof "crackling" due to sun damage?
I still get all services done at MB and I think their price is quite fair.

I love the size of the car it is so easy to park anywhere, super comfortable on long trips and big enough for my 190cm.

What tuning are you doing @pedro01 I have considered remapping it since I bought it, but I am actually quite happy with the stock performance.
I am considering; Wagner heat exchanger, Cold Air intake, Supersprint exhaust cat-back and a remap on dyno. I have always remapped my sport cars and always been surprised about the power increase, so I guess it is a question about just getting it done.
0-100 will be around 3.5s with above upgrades. Needed - no, but I am sure I will love it even more when I get it done.
Please revert with your impression after tuning.

If I was buying a car again, I would buy a C43 if it is in Thailand. It is a lot of car for the money (all thinkable equipment). Or maybe a BMW M3 or X3M with the S58 engine (though a much higher price), S58 is a proper beast and can be tuned to 680-730hp relatively easy, but they are actually a bit too fast for my taste. My friends M3 (680hp) and X3M (730hp) is crazy fast. I borrow his X3M when I am in Europe and I almost dont dare to floor it.

Long list - CPC, TCU & ECU tune, MAP Sensor plugs, spark plugs & ingnition coils, performance intake, new downpipe - regular stage 2.

Stage 3 means new turbos and much shorter engine life....