Advice on buying a C36

[fathomfive]

I'm having a think about replacing the Aero and would like some feedback from those in the know about what to look for on these:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2009...

[mickyveloce]

I`ve owned one for more than 3 years now , so suitably qualified . I`ve started a recent thread "C36 round Germany" which contains some facts and figures .
The biggest difference between a C36 (or indeed any Mercedes)over your Aero (I`m presuming Saab not Morgan ) is that the round thingy in front of the driver is used to govern direction rather than as a torque steer related grab handle !
Outstanding car through and through , the C36 . Buy the best you can .

[fathomfive]

mickyveloce said:

I`ve owned one for more than 3 years now , so suitably qualified . I`ve started a recent thread "C36 round Germany" which contains some facts and figures .
The biggest difference between a C36 (or indeed any Mercedes)over your Aero (I`m presuming Saab not Morgan ) is that the round thingy in front of the driver is used to govern direction rather than as a torque steer related grab handle !
Outstanding car through and through , the C36 . Buy the best you can .

yes it is a 9-5 Aero, though torque steer isn't as bad as some people would have you believe. I've had it since July 2008 and it hasn't steered me through a hedge yet.

I'll take a look at your thread, cheers.

[Chord_]

fathomfive said:

I'm having a think about replacing the Aero and would like some feedback from those in the know about what to look for on these:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2009...

5k is top money for a C36, you can get a decent C43 for that kind of money. From the pictures of the interior, the passenger side does not have a mat and the drivers side mat is all over the place. I can't see any headlight washers and as far as I know the steering wheel is fixed. Small things, but you'd think for top money they would take a bit more care. The TV/Nav unit will be aftermarket so don't take that into consideration.

The car is now 14 years old, so it's important to check what kind of service history it has and what's been changed: Pads, discs, cats, radiator, suspension, the last time the gearbox oil was changed. Check tyre depth as rears cost ~150 each if you go for a decent make. Check for rattling cats, oil leaks from the head gasket.

When going on a test drive, try and drive in slow traffic and make sure the temp gauge stays around 85. The gear changes should be smooth, the 95 car should have the 4 speed gearbox.

Rust is a real problem on this vintage of merc, so give the body work a thorough going over.

[ArmaghMan]

Had a 96 C36 for a couple of years. Magic machine, really subtle too.
One thing to watch for though, the wiring lead that runs accross the top of the engine and connects to the ECU and BCU has a habbit of shorting out.This will lead to a problem with the ECU. Mercedes will offer to supply a new ECU at £2,500.
The ECU's can be repaired (approx£ 400) but if it goes change the loom before refitting the repaired ECU.
A good tip to know if the loom is on the way is if she starts to blow coils.

Still a magic car though