Ten years with a C36

[pixelatedJH]

Looks amazing. Understated yet purposeful where the new metal is just plain crass in comparison.

[MickyveloceClassic]

Well, I’ve still got it!

Entering thirteen years of ownership, and this C36 is looking better than ever thanks to a deep clean.

Not much to report in terms of expenditure other than routine servicing- it continues to be turn-key reliable, practical and great fun.

I’ve added a long-promised C63 (2013 W204) to my garage, and whilst there are differences in ride (I didn’t realise the C36 was so comfy!) and steering feel, there’s a tangible lineage going on.

[MickyveloceClassic]

[harrykul]

Lovely!

[DOHDUBMAN]

MickyveloceClassic said:

There is something very cool in having diff gen models on display on your drive.

[Dr G]

I prefer the red one

Makes me sound like a flat-cap wearing old bore but it looks so much more expensive and handsome than the new car.

[Escort3500]

Dr G said:

I prefer the red one

Makes me sound like a flat-cap wearing old bore but it looks so much more expensive and handsome than the new car.

Me too! Timeless design and still looks very cool.

[MickyveloceClassic]

I prefer the look of the earlier car too, it’s less fussy and more traditional.

I’ve put an appropriate radio back in



In the interests of originality.

I managed to get a Safety Car line up last year with our SLS and this rather lovely GTR



It attracts more comments (positive) than when I first got the car in 2006, almost certainly because you just don’t see them around any more.

Thanks for your feedback!

[ZX10R NIN]

Very nice car OP the way you feel about you C36 is the way I feel about my CLK63.

[MickyveloceClassic]

CLK63 is a wonderful machine.

I’m a hoarder with cars. C36 13 years and R129 300-24 for 8 years.

I was determined to buy a NA 6.3 too, hence the C63, which, when the world runs out of super-unleaded, will be a glorious statue in my garden.

[jonamv8]

The red ones cool mate

[Podie]

Great thread, lovely car.

Was offered a C36 about 2007 and couldn’t afford it at the time - wish I had been able to!

[Welshbeef]

Lovely cars OP.

A couple of questions
1. I’ve always found Continental tyres to wear extremely quickly and from your posts you are changing them fairly often - why not move to Michelin? Or are they the tyre it was originally sold and you are keeping it utterly OEM?

2. What sort of annual miles are you adding and what is the total miles?

3. Is the W204 a performance pack - looks very very nice.


Not sure how many nippers you e but possibly the C36 and C63 to be handed down to them in a few decades time with the clear instruction keep them running.

[MickyveloceClassic]

Hello Welshbeef,

I bought the C36 with 80,000 miles on as a ten year old car, it’s now on 120,000.

It was on Avon ZZ when I bought it and I put it on Continental SC3 shortly afterwards which improved everything about the car.
I wore a set out (Nurburgring etc) and replaced them with Continental SC5s. I’ve changed the rear ones again last year and all are pretty new now.

The original tyres, according to the original spec sheet were Bridgestones

I’ve not considered tyre wear excessive in 40,000 miles, although the car is never used in the winter.

The C63 is not PPP. With a view to keeping it for some years, I wanted cheap brakes! This car is on Michelin’s which haven’t worn appreciably in 3000 miles, but there again, I’m 50 now, so don’t drive it like some C63 owners tend to.

Ive got three Mercs and three sons, so the reading of my will should pass off without incident....

[Welshbeef]

MickyveloceClassic said:

Hello Welshbeef,

I bought the C36 with 80,000 miles on as a ten year old car, it’s now on 120,000.

It was on Avon ZZ when I bought it and I put it on Continental SC3 shortly afterwards which improved everything about the car.
I wore a set out (Nurburgring etc) and replaced them with Continental SC5s. I’ve changed the rear ones again last year and all are pretty new now.

The original tyres, according to the original spec sheet were Bridgestones

I’ve not considered tyre wear excessive in 40,000 miles, although the car is never used in the winter.

The C63 is not PPP. With a view to keeping it for some years, I wanted cheap brakes! This car is on Michelin’s which haven’t worn appreciably in 3000 miles, but there again, I’m 50 now, so don’t drive it like some C63 owners tend to.

Ive got three Mercs and three sons, so the reading of my will should pass off without incident....

Michelin’s I’ve found last 40k a set but I’ve had 4K on the RS6 with Contis. Now I’d never buy anything but Michelin be it eco normal or pilot sport they are great - exceptional in the Wet shortest stopping distance.

[ZX10R NIN]

It certainly is a keeper I'm sure you're enjoying the C63, my OH still misses her C63 I'm sure you'll appreciate the differences between the two but I'm sure you'll find some similarities between the two cars as well.

[Welshbeef]

ZX10R NIN said:

It certainly is a keeper I'm sure you're enjoying the C63, my OH still misses her C63 I'm sure you'll appreciate the differences between the two but I'm sure you'll find some similarities between the two cars as well.

Damn Mrs with a C63 AMG and you’ve an SL55K AMG - Lucky boy

[ZX10R NIN]

Welshbeef said:

Damn Mrs with a C63 AMG and you’ve an SL55K AMG - Lucky boy

SL55 is sold (the CLK63/E500 Coupe keep me happy car wise) but the current owner is now thinking about selling so I am tempted to buy it back again, the C63 has gone too the Mrs now has an Alpina D3 due to doing more miles although that's an epic car in it's own right.

[Welshbeef]

ZX10R NIN said:

SL55 is sold (the CLK63/E500 Coupe keep me happy car wise) but the current owner is now thinking about selling so I am tempted to buy it back again, the C63 has gone too the Mrs now has an Alpina D3 due to doing more miles although that's an epic car in it's own right.

Good ones of the SL55K are going to be future classics no question. Genuine 200mph+ 5 speed auto 5.4v8 supercharged V8 rumbling loveliness.

To think a 4 year old 320d or an SL55K...

[PorkRind]

mickyveloce said:

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;

Agree, im learning the finer art of hustling my c63 down broads without gettijng too wide and clipping oncoming cars or just getting into a fishtail I think ill get wider rears next time !