C36 AMG, talk to me.
Discussion
I think you underestimate the appeal of a V8 
, especially in a compact car (essentially the C43 was the first car of its size to offer a high performance V8).
Because of that, it does mean the C36 lives in the shadow of the C43 and is underrated as a result. A good one of either will be an exceptionally rare car in a decade.
, especially in a compact car (essentially the C43 was the first car of its size to offer a high performance V8).Because of that, it does mean the C36 lives in the shadow of the C43 and is underrated as a result. A good one of either will be an exceptionally rare car in a decade.
I do see the appeal, its just that the C43 is basically a E430 engine hoyed in there, whereas the C36 is such a from-the-ground-up AMG creation, massively modified. It also sounds fantastic on full song, and is just as fast as the C43.
As special as the C43 is, it is for me too close to what a C430 would be for me to pick it over the C43..
Im happy people disagree though, means the C36 is even cheaper to buy.
misunderstood car though, and for that reason the numbers are dwindling..good ones are already hard to come by.
As special as the C43 is, it is for me too close to what a C430 would be for me to pick it over the C43..
Im happy people disagree though, means the C36 is even cheaper to buy.
misunderstood car though, and for that reason the numbers are dwindling..good ones are already hard to come by.
The two W202 AMG cars (discounting for now the ultra rare C55) are different in character , as has been discussed previously on these pages .
The C36 is raw and rowdy ( for a Mercedes ) , whereas the C43 is smoother , softer and has real appeal on account of it's V8 .
Performance is similar , according to contemporary reports with both exceeding their concervative factory (and rather meaningless 0-60 times) , although delivered in a different way .
The earlier C36 would seem (anecdotally) to be more rust resistant , and avoids the troublesome gearbox issues of the V8 car . The earlier 4 speed is 'mechanical' in it's feel and is more substantial than the 5 speed , and essentially bulletproof .
Fuel economy is , again , largely academic , my 36 can return in excess of 30mpg on super unleaded on a cruise , the V8 probably won't .
Please bear in mind though that all 202's are getting on a bit , and won't be niggle free . Most are well used and abused now , and a truly good condition car is rare
The C36 is raw and rowdy ( for a Mercedes ) , whereas the C43 is smoother , softer and has real appeal on account of it's V8 .
Performance is similar , according to contemporary reports with both exceeding their concervative factory (and rather meaningless 0-60 times) , although delivered in a different way .
The earlier C36 would seem (anecdotally) to be more rust resistant , and avoids the troublesome gearbox issues of the V8 car . The earlier 4 speed is 'mechanical' in it's feel and is more substantial than the 5 speed , and essentially bulletproof .
Fuel economy is , again , largely academic , my 36 can return in excess of 30mpg on super unleaded on a cruise , the V8 probably won't .
Please bear in mind though that all 202's are getting on a bit , and won't be niggle free . Most are well used and abused now , and a truly good condition car is rare
Buy not only on condition , but consider that bits of bodywork , like replacing the front wings , are cheaper than sourcing front fog lights (nearly 300) and wheelarch trim etc .
Bear in mind engine wiring looms , which go brittle although can be repaired , and look for documentation which will include preventative , rather than just routine , maintenance .
Have a look at my profile picture ; my 36 cost less than the options on the other car and doesn't look out of place !
Bear in mind engine wiring looms , which go brittle although can be repaired , and look for documentation which will include preventative , rather than just routine , maintenance .
Have a look at my profile picture ; my 36 cost less than the options on the other car and doesn't look out of place !
You keep making the point that the C43 has a standard engine. It doesn't! Mods to the induction system and cams boosted power a bit but torque was the main target.
Yes, the C36 engine was more modified, but it has its weak points of course. But on balance I guess a C36 is more like my old 190E 2.3-16 than my C43s were.
The C43 is more of a cruiser than a C36 but makes a great sound and can be driven sideways easily. It compares well to my CLK63 and IMHO paved the way for what is the now traditional AMG route of slotting big engines into (relatively) small cars.
I didn't buy a C36 because I much preferred the facelifted C class interior and body.
Yes, the C36 engine was more modified, but it has its weak points of course. But on balance I guess a C36 is more like my old 190E 2.3-16 than my C43s were.
The C43 is more of a cruiser than a C36 but makes a great sound and can be driven sideways easily. It compares well to my CLK63 and IMHO paved the way for what is the now traditional AMG route of slotting big engines into (relatively) small cars.
I didn't buy a C36 because I much preferred the facelifted C class interior and body.
Its all a matter of taste isnt it! I much prefer the earlier body, and an throaty i-6 in a merc just does it for me!
I know the C43 engine isnt just off the shelf, yet its much more of a "hoy-in" than the C36 which to me feels more like a "from the ground up AMG job". No stroking and taking it from 280 to 300ish just seem like a bit of lazy badging to me..
BUT
Both wonderful cars of cource.
I know the C43 engine isnt just off the shelf, yet its much more of a "hoy-in" than the C36 which to me feels more like a "from the ground up AMG job". No stroking and taking it from 280 to 300ish just seem like a bit of lazy badging to me..
BUT
Both wonderful cars of cource.
Edited by flatline84 on Sunday 1st April 10:56
Topic revival if you don't mind.
I've read this with interest as i've just come across a nice looking C36 by chance. Now having never considered a merc, i know nothing. It looks like a nice well kept car with good miles around 77k and good mbsh.
In the past i've had a selecion of high end cars, particularly Jaguars including a cracking XJR. Having owned a few Jags whilst i know they can be expensive, (like mercs) I also know there are lots of specialists & breakers where you can buy reasonably priced parts & servicing. Question is, are mercs like a C36 the same or are they seriously big bill cars? I'm a big fan of the 'older school' 90s supercars (which you can still do a bit of diy) and the merc has really caught my eye, but my head is saying stick with things I know like another XJR.
So could i buy a C36 & do a bit of diy, with specialist backup or are they dealer only. Are there a lot of AMG only (thinking megabucks?) parts or are they mostly general merc parts? The car will be a daily driver around 5k a year.
Any thoughts welcome
I've read this with interest as i've just come across a nice looking C36 by chance. Now having never considered a merc, i know nothing. It looks like a nice well kept car with good miles around 77k and good mbsh.
In the past i've had a selecion of high end cars, particularly Jaguars including a cracking XJR. Having owned a few Jags whilst i know they can be expensive, (like mercs) I also know there are lots of specialists & breakers where you can buy reasonably priced parts & servicing. Question is, are mercs like a C36 the same or are they seriously big bill cars? I'm a big fan of the 'older school' 90s supercars (which you can still do a bit of diy) and the merc has really caught my eye, but my head is saying stick with things I know like another XJR.
So could i buy a C36 & do a bit of diy, with specialist backup or are they dealer only. Are there a lot of AMG only (thinking megabucks?) parts or are they mostly general merc parts? The car will be a daily driver around 5k a year.
Any thoughts welcome
In terms of parts prices , older Mercs are very well catered for . In terms of the C36 specifically , then the car is a bit of a `parts bin` special - brakes came from the SL600 / E320 and suspension is Bilstein . The engine is AMG , but reliable and expensive items such as the ECU and Cats can be mended/ sourced elsewhere at a reasonable cost.
I`m not sure how it would compare to an XJR ; my guess is that the Merc would be a lot more pointy , but probably not a comfy on the motorway . Any performance difference is largely academic on the road .
I`m not sure how it would compare to an XJR ; my guess is that the Merc would be a lot more pointy , but probably not a comfy on the motorway . Any performance difference is largely academic on the road .
Most dealers won't know what to do with them and will charge an arm and a leg for anything they do sort out for you. As someone else said, rust is the big issue...the other faults have probably appeared in this thread or others on PH...head gaskets etc.... If the price is right and the condition of the car is good, I think it'll make a charismatic car. A lot stiffer than standard Jags though! What colour and price is it?
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