Ten years with a C36
Discussion
I’ve previously driven the car to Stuttgart to the museum and the Singelfinden site. Last spring I did the Affalterbach factory tour (arranged through the AMG Private Lounge) which is a must for any owner.
It’s a superb opportunity with a one-to-one guide around the AMG site. I got to see two of the four safety cars which were in for service, and some inspiring machinery and some great people.
I was introduced to engineers who worked on and enthused about the C36. As I’m sure most are aware, it’s the first of the official Mercedes Benz-AMG collaborations, so it’s held with some affection.
During the same trip I met Dario Franchitti at the Porsche museum who had a C36 as a “company car” in his early 20s. Tyres, he recalled, didn’t last long.
Welshbeef said:
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...
They're great cars but they're mot without issues as much as I liked mine it was at times a fraught relationship, that didn't stop me adding upgrades that had it running nigh on 700bhp, so not one for the purists.To think a 4 year old 320d or an SL55K...
OP 265 tyres make a noticable difference, an LSD really makes a difference to the way the car puts it's performance down even in low speed situations.
Using this car (although not as much as I’d like) affirms how relevant it is after 20 plus years, even compared to the C63.
It has no squeaks, rattles or annoyances, and has really great overtaking abilities, dry road grip and efficiency.
My pal spent two days cutting the paint back and making it shiny (all the stuff I hate doing) and it’s definitely paid off.
The air con is a little weak now, but it’s not been touched in about 8 years, so that’s the next job.
It has no squeaks, rattles or annoyances, and has really great overtaking abilities, dry road grip and efficiency.
My pal spent two days cutting the paint back and making it shiny (all the stuff I hate doing) and it’s definitely paid off.
The air con is a little weak now, but it’s not been touched in about 8 years, so that’s the next job.
As usual, I keep planning to put a line on this thread to update, although the reality is that there’s nothing much to say.
I’ve enjoyed and sold my C63, although the disadvantages outweighed the obvious pleasure it brought.
I prefer using this older car, as it’s more comfortable (how old do I sound?!) and more satisfying to drive briskly.
I’ve (yet again) spent money at the painters (James Woods, Knaresborough- very good), sorting some bits and bobs which were bugging me, and I’ve had it re-bushed.
I replace tyres at 3mm, so the fronts are now ContiSport 6s which give good feedback and wet weather security.
I have considered re-trimming the wheel and gear knob, but eventually embraced the patina, which appears to be a significantly cheaper option.
The car seems to be positively regarded by other road users (in direct contrast to the C63), and fuel stops often result in pleasant conversations.
Anyway, nearly 15 years into ownership now.
I’ve enjoyed and sold my C63, although the disadvantages outweighed the obvious pleasure it brought.
I prefer using this older car, as it’s more comfortable (how old do I sound?!) and more satisfying to drive briskly.
I’ve (yet again) spent money at the painters (James Woods, Knaresborough- very good), sorting some bits and bobs which were bugging me, and I’ve had it re-bushed.
I replace tyres at 3mm, so the fronts are now ContiSport 6s which give good feedback and wet weather security.
I have considered re-trimming the wheel and gear knob, but eventually embraced the patina, which appears to be a significantly cheaper option.
The car seems to be positively regarded by other road users (in direct contrast to the C63), and fuel stops often result in pleasant conversations.
Anyway, nearly 15 years into ownership now.
Edited by MickyveloceClassic on Monday 2nd August 11:17
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Several months later, and back out of winter hibernation, the car has had a big service, a gearbox fluid change, new set of plugs and a replacement gearbox oil pan (£65 from Mercedes Stockton plus about £18 for the seal) and all’s well.
The oil pan had picked up a stone chip at some point and looked as if it was about to start leaking, so I was happy to change it.
The fuel economy seems now quite a bit better than last season, and better than my 300SL-24 too, so all good there.
I’m a bit disappointed with the Continental’s - they feel like they have gone off a bit, so I’ll replace with Michelin I think soon, which I was impressed with on the C63.
Pictures taken near Castleton on the top of the North York Moors.
The oil pan had picked up a stone chip at some point and looked as if it was about to start leaking, so I was happy to change it.
The fuel economy seems now quite a bit better than last season, and better than my 300SL-24 too, so all good there.
I’m a bit disappointed with the Continental’s - they feel like they have gone off a bit, so I’ll replace with Michelin I think soon, which I was impressed with on the C63.
Pictures taken near Castleton on the top of the North York Moors.
Really nice car - have a soft spot for these W202 C classes as my Mum had one from new (1998 - but only a C200 Sport) and only got rid of it at Christmas. Mechanically completely perfect and never let her down, despite the yearly rust treatment to get it through every MOT! The amazing thing is that she somehow managed to get £2000 for it, and the new owner wrote it off within a fortnight 
Does yours have the radio that requires the key card?
Does yours have the radio that requires the key card?
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