Ten years with a C36
Discussion
bigkeeko said:
157mph on the autobahn? Outstanding for an old bird. Realistically, how much performance do you need? It makes you wonder why people chase newer faster cars.
So true. And the car is exciting to drive at moderate speeds too, unlike, for example the A45. There is practice and acquired skill required to get one of these ( or similar rivals) down a twisty b-road at a brisk canter. Engine shot as below;
Wonderful thread, wonderful car, very wonderful engine. I always enjoy your contributions MV and am looking forward to reading this thread as it develops.
I would find a C36 AMG special and satisfying every single day. Whereas I suspect the undoubted fun of the unremarkable, Audi S3, BMW 1M, Golf R, fast four cylinder turbo hatchback head-banger nut job-alike A45 AMG would wear off pretty quickly. That's the problem: these new fast cars have the quality of immediacy. The flip-side is true satisfaction can take longer to develop.
I would find a C36 AMG special and satisfying every single day. Whereas I suspect the undoubted fun of the unremarkable, Audi S3, BMW 1M, Golf R, fast four cylinder turbo hatchback head-banger nut job-alike A45 AMG would wear off pretty quickly. That's the problem: these new fast cars have the quality of immediacy. The flip-side is true satisfaction can take longer to develop.
r129sl said:
Wonderful thread, wonderful car, very wonderful engine. I always enjoy your contributions MV and am looking forward to reading this thread as it develops.
I would find a C36 AMG special and satisfying every single day. Whereas I suspect the undoubted fun of the unremarkable, Audi S3, BMW 1M, Golf R, fast four cylinder turbo hatchback head-banger nut job-alike A45 AMG would wear off pretty quickly. That's the problem: these new fast cars have the quality of immediacy. The flip-side is true satisfaction can take longer to develop.
Thanks for the endorsement J. You are right. Acceleration without Perspiration is a recipe for boring motoring. I would find a C36 AMG special and satisfying every single day. Whereas I suspect the undoubted fun of the unremarkable, Audi S3, BMW 1M, Golf R, fast four cylinder turbo hatchback head-banger nut job-alike A45 AMG would wear off pretty quickly. That's the problem: these new fast cars have the quality of immediacy. The flip-side is true satisfaction can take longer to develop.
This car, devoid of traction control etc, is quite probably one of the last analogue performance saloons and whilst it may be an M3 with a classical education, it's massively rewarding to drive well.
Lovely car you have there OP! Particularly in that colour! 
I bought a C280 Sport back in 1999 and kept it a few years - always felt like it needed a bit more power! Perhaps I should have looked for a C36!
Great to see a pretty rare car being cherished - hope you have many more years happiness with yours!
I bought a C280 Sport back in 1999 and kept it a few years - always felt like it needed a bit more power! Perhaps I should have looked for a C36!
Great to see a pretty rare car being cherished - hope you have many more years happiness with yours!
Winter is no friend of a new paint job. Not much to report on the C36 front, other than a deep slumber under a blue cover. I'm a bit precious about it I guess.
Future planning includes replacing all the suspension bushes, and eventually sourcing a period Blaupunkt and Fischer c-box.
Time is certainly in short supply this year, but a trip to the Essen show is on the cards for 2018. I may just take this car.
Just realised I ought to update this a bit!
The car has been reliable and really enjoyable over the last few months.
It's currently having the suspension bushes renewed, and I sourced a period Becker cassette player too.
Another two rear tyres (Conti sport 5) going on too which should form up the rear end a bit.
The car has been reliable and really enjoyable over the last few months.
It's currently having the suspension bushes renewed, and I sourced a period Becker cassette player too.
Another two rear tyres (Conti sport 5) going on too which should form up the rear end a bit.
Love this and the ownership story - I often wonder if we'll ever see more successful unisons of man and machine in the age of speculators, leases, and downright autonomous and uninvolving design / drivetrains. Shame really.
I've been eyeing up C43 estates for a long while and my word have they crept up in value over the last few years. Your 36 is probably already considered a classic and will command a strong price if it ever goes on market (which I doubt, given your clear passion for the thing).
I've been eyeing up C43 estates for a long while and my word have they crept up in value over the last few years. Your 36 is probably already considered a classic and will command a strong price if it ever goes on market (which I doubt, given your clear passion for the thing).
[quote=Resolutionary]Love this and the ownership story - I often wonder if we'll ever see more successful unisons of man and machine in the age of speculators, leases, and downright autonomous and uninvolving design / drivetrains. Shame really.
Really valid observation, and very well put. I'm fortunate enough to be able to sort any issues which arise, not least as I have a great mechanic, and other cars to bear the main brunt of family motoring.
I've owned this longer than two of my three sons, so it's here to stay. The fact that it's not worth (and won't be in the foreseeable future) mega bucks makes it easy to justify keeping. It's gentle appreciation though means justifying expenditure (to myself!) is also gratifying.
Anyway, all comments and observations are most welcome. It's good to know that a little piece of Mercedes-AMG history is appreciated.
Really valid observation, and very well put. I'm fortunate enough to be able to sort any issues which arise, not least as I have a great mechanic, and other cars to bear the main brunt of family motoring.
I've owned this longer than two of my three sons, so it's here to stay. The fact that it's not worth (and won't be in the foreseeable future) mega bucks makes it easy to justify keeping. It's gentle appreciation though means justifying expenditure (to myself!) is also gratifying.
Anyway, all comments and observations are most welcome. It's good to know that a little piece of Mercedes-AMG history is appreciated.
Just YouTube'd the engine note these cars make and was surprised to hear a metallic hard edged 6 cylinder sound like an E36 M3. Sound lovely! Don't know why I wasn't expecting that!? Foolishly. Think I was expecting a normal straight 6 Merc for some reason. Kinda gutted I missed the sub £4K boat on these. Enjoy op, fab car.
Edited by exgtt on Wednesday 2nd August 21:25
Edited by exgtt on Wednesday 2nd August 21:29
Well, another season over and the C36 is back in winter hibernation.
As well as preserving the paintwork, laying the car up until spring creates an aura of deferred gratification. By the time it starts up again, the novelty has returned.
Running costs have been pretty acceptable this year. I've fitted (another) pair of rear Continental Conti-sport 5s and had some suspension bushes changed.
I finally got round to ditching the Pioneer stereo and putting an original Mercedes cassette player in.
Reliability has continued to be first class.
There can't be many of these left now; a couple get regular mentions on the Mercedes Benz club website but I'd be interested to hear of any others on PH.
As well as preserving the paintwork, laying the car up until spring creates an aura of deferred gratification. By the time it starts up again, the novelty has returned.
Running costs have been pretty acceptable this year. I've fitted (another) pair of rear Continental Conti-sport 5s and had some suspension bushes changed.
I finally got round to ditching the Pioneer stereo and putting an original Mercedes cassette player in.
Reliability has continued to be first class.
There can't be many of these left now; a couple get regular mentions on the Mercedes Benz club website but I'd be interested to hear of any others on PH.
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff