Which one - E36 M3 or AMG C36 (C Class)
Discussion
Looking at spending approx 8-10k for a fun rwd machine. I like the merc coz it's just as fast as the M3 but rarer and more Q-Car, unfortunately it comes only with an auto which is my main concern.
Anyone any experience or opinion on these motors?
I want/need 2 useable rear seats and some understated looks before anyone suggesting going down the TVR/Lotus route...
Anyone any experience or opinion on these motors?
I want/need 2 useable rear seats and some understated looks before anyone suggesting going down the TVR/Lotus route...
From the other thread (thanks Daz) -
"none of that messing around with the clutch. As you come into the braking area, you pre-select the correct gear for the corner just before braking. When the speed drops sufficiently, it just snicks into the gear you want. As you get back on the power, you just slap the gearshift all the way forward and mash your foot to the floor."
Is that the same auto as in the (4 speed auto) C36?
"none of that messing around with the clutch. As you come into the braking area, you pre-select the correct gear for the corner just before braking. When the speed drops sufficiently, it just snicks into the gear you want. As you get back on the power, you just slap the gearshift all the way forward and mash your foot to the floor."
Is that the same auto as in the (4 speed auto) C36?
I had an E36 M3 as a run-around car last winter. They are great rwd fun in the winter and 8-10k will get you quite a good one. Their residuals have really fallen recently so bargain hard and you'll get a nice one.
Take a look at www.bm3w.co.uk/buyguide/index.stm for a buying guide. The rest of that site is an excellent source of info. Main issue with them is the VANOS units expiring. It will cost well over 1k to put right.
Having never driven an AMG C36 I can't compare, but if you can get a good M3, IMO they are great fun.
Take a look at www.bm3w.co.uk/buyguide/index.stm for a buying guide. The rest of that site is an excellent source of info. Main issue with them is the VANOS units expiring. It will cost well over 1k to put right.
Having never driven an AMG C36 I can't compare, but if you can get a good M3, IMO they are great fun.
Yes, steering wheel controlling the two front wheels. naetype said:
From the other thread (thanks Daz) -
"none of that messing around with the clutch. As you come into the braking area, you pre-select the correct gear for the corner just before braking. When the speed drops sufficiently, it just snicks into the gear you want. As you get back on the power, you just slap the gearshift all the way forward and mash your foot to the floor."
Is that the same auto as in the (4 speed auto) C36?
Mines for sale if your interested, just been reduced to 8995, although it is still at 9995 in the classifieds, it's absolutely imaculate and drives as new.
used to own and run a c36, ran it at folembray, great fun on the track, was a bit lumbering on a tight circuit though! You ahve manual select for gear 1/2/3 and drive for when you want 4th, so although not a proper manual, on the circuit you ahve a fair amount of control, none of this changing gear during a turn etc...
Plus side :
Great power, none of the 'nescafe' hand signals that accompany owning an M3, geat engine note too. Awesome motorway cruiser, real midrange thump. loads of room for 4 mates and an enourmous boot. Over the 8 months I had mine very reliable too, just a dribble of oil really + a service. Very capable to srive, and pretty reassuring.
Down side
Not massivley quick off the line, auto takes a little longer to get going than a manual would. Cost to run is high, tyres aren't cheap (and with no t/c on my early car the rears didn't last long!). Back was liable to step out in a big way in the wet. Mine ended its days wrapped round a lampost after I lent it to a mate. I'd have another one, but I'd go for a later model with t/c (mine was 94 - get a 96 or later) - amg chequerboard cloth seats better than leather as they grip better and less sweaty. c43 supposedly a beast, but increased power is a trade off as the V8 is supposedly a fair bit heavier than the v6 in the 36.
Specific costs off the top of my head:
New foglight 180 quid fitted.
Set of tyres 600 quid.
yearly service was about 500 quid.
Sure you could get it cheaper if you don't go to a merc dealer though.
Good luck
>> Edited by mr_tony on Sunday 21st December 17:08
>> Edited by mr_tony on Sunday 21st December 17:09
Plus side :
Great power, none of the 'nescafe' hand signals that accompany owning an M3, geat engine note too. Awesome motorway cruiser, real midrange thump. loads of room for 4 mates and an enourmous boot. Over the 8 months I had mine very reliable too, just a dribble of oil really + a service. Very capable to srive, and pretty reassuring.
Down side
Not massivley quick off the line, auto takes a little longer to get going than a manual would. Cost to run is high, tyres aren't cheap (and with no t/c on my early car the rears didn't last long!). Back was liable to step out in a big way in the wet. Mine ended its days wrapped round a lampost after I lent it to a mate. I'd have another one, but I'd go for a later model with t/c (mine was 94 - get a 96 or later) - amg chequerboard cloth seats better than leather as they grip better and less sweaty. c43 supposedly a beast, but increased power is a trade off as the V8 is supposedly a fair bit heavier than the v6 in the 36.
Specific costs off the top of my head:
New foglight 180 quid fitted.
Set of tyres 600 quid.
yearly service was about 500 quid.
Sure you could get it cheaper if you don't go to a merc dealer though.
Good luck
>> Edited by mr_tony on Sunday 21st December 17:08
>> Edited by mr_tony on Sunday 21st December 17:09
ScoobyZoom said:
E36 is known to be the least fun of all the M's
says who?
they are great fun. perfectly useable and ferociously quick.
Every road test I have ever read! Not saying it is a shite car, just not the best "M" car ever.
As a practical every day car though, sure beats ths hell out of all the dross out there.
Happy motoring .........
Paul
ultimapaul said:
Every road test I have ever read! Not saying it is a shite car, just not the best "M" car ever.
As a practical every day car though, sure beats ths hell out of all the dross out there.
Happy motoring .........
Paul
That's what I've read. BMW kinda went for the exec market after the more sporty E30... (apparently)
Thanks guys.. set me thinking:
the C36 doesn't have TC, no big deal, does it have an LSD, does the M3 have one? (E36 mind tho').
Can't afford a C43 on my budget (or it'd be a right dog I would imagine!)
2nd/3rd manually selectable on the C36 auto box! That's all you need for powersliding isn't it
E30 = LHD, been there, done that. Awfull on the roads I drive on, otherwise UH-HUH!
PVa.. You selling after what appears to be 2-3 months?
>> Edited by naetype on Monday 22 December 17:16
the C36 doesn't have TC, no big deal, does it have an LSD, does the M3 have one? (E36 mind tho').
Can't afford a C43 on my budget (or it'd be a right dog I would imagine!)
2nd/3rd manually selectable on the C36 auto box! That's all you need for powersliding isn't it
E30 = LHD, been there, done that. Awfull on the roads I drive on, otherwise UH-HUH!
PVa.. You selling after what appears to be 2-3 months?
>> Edited by naetype on Monday 22 December 17:16
Course I'm a bit biased, but I say forget 'em both & get a 4.0 or 4.4 BMW V8 engined E36 makes an E36 M3-particually a pre Evo, feel & sound like a 50cc slo-ped in comparison. Oh and Merc? behave!! are you aged 50+?? 
I'll be selling my V8 E36 in the new year (within your budget) so let me know if you fancy a seriously fast car, rather than a merely quick one- e-mail me through profile.
makes an E36 M3-particually a pre Evo, feel & sound like a 50cc slo-ped in comparison. Oh and Merc? behave!! are you aged 50+?? I'll be selling my V8 E36 in the new year (within your budget) so let me know if you fancy a seriously fast car, rather than a merely quick one- e-mail me through profile.
Gassing Station | General Gassing [Archive] | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff