Thinking of a c36 amg ?

[coolchris]

Hi guys,

I currently run a noble m12 and was looking at something to comliment the noble with all the toys,comfort and performance as well.

Been checking out the c36 amg s out there in the classifieds at the moment and starting around 2.5k upwards they seem a hell of a lot of car for the money.
What sort of running costs would someone expect with one of these(servicing mpg etc) and are there certain things that need to be looked out for(potential weak points wallet busters).Also could you put one of these on a classic car policy?

Be great to hear your feedback

Cheers

Chris

[UltimaCH]

Check very closely for rust in the usual w202 places. The engine is strong but head gasket can go wrong from time to time. Also, look for rotting engine wire harness. MB at a certain time decided to make "ecological" harnesses which fall to pieces over time. You can also check this forum which is active with these cars: http://mbworld.org/forums/c36-amg-c43-amg-w202-47/
This one too: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w202-c36-amg-c43-a...

Edited by UltimaCH on Monday 20th February 07:50

[mickyveloce]

I really like my C36 , and it has proved a very enjoyable companion for several years .

However , they're all getting on a bit now , and many/most have fallen into unsympathetic ownership resulting in the average 2.5k cars you mention .

The car has some foibles that have been mentioned , but issues such as burnt out looms can be mended quite reasonably . ECU's can be repaired , and most consumable bits are cheap , for example rear Brembo discs are under 50pounds a pair from GSF , whereas brakes fitted to later AMG's are very dear .

Mpg is about 27ish on mine with a best touring average of nearly 31 .

W202's of this age have some non structural rust issues , but again easily sorted .

There are dozens of M3's on the market compared to every C36 , but there again the Merc was 8k dearer when new . hope you find one you want !

[Aquanaut]

I loved my C36 and did my best to maintain it, However after 4 years ownership was defeated by the rust. My friend has one which bodypanel wise has been taken apart and resprayed both panel sides. Other than that i had no mechanical issues with it. I had replaced all spark plugs, filters and fluids and after 90k miles was still running like a dream.

[POORCARDEALER]

I had a green/black car with two tone leather going back about 6 years.....was a 98 car IIRC, had zero rust and was a great car, didnt have any issues apart from 20 mpg!

[ArmaghMan]

Nice cars, a bit more discreet than an M3.
Had a 96 C36 a while back. The wiring loom went, which blew the ECU. A common problem apparently. Cost as much as these cars are now worth to put it right.

[mickyveloce]

It's always a shame when cars , such as these , get scrapped because of electrical malaldies outweighing the value of the vehicle .

My wiring loom burnt out last year , and my (ace) mechanic rebuilt it and used better insulation . The cost was pretty much just his labour , so very cheap For a potentially ruinous fault .

My ECU survived , but companies such as ECU doctor mean a new Mercedes part is not a necessity .

Please feel free to pm me for my chaps details if you think it may save you a big bill !

I've never seen a 202with terminal rust (unlike some w210 eclass cars) ; it's mostly front wings , sills just forward of the rear wheels and boot locks on later 202's . C36's have rubber wheelarch trim which holds water and can accelerate rust , and side skirts can hide some grotty bits too .