feeny

would you rather

a 96 c36 with 30000 miles

OR

a 98 c43 with 108000 miles

both priced the same.

*grumbles* Im still trying to buy.....

!!!!!NJ Drive

c36 hands down IMO...its rare & even more so with those miles on it

e320newbie

miles are awesome... but C43 is a total beast.... either way ull be pleased

Vardar

Depends on what the mechanic who will check it out would say. I didn't drive C36, and unfortunately I have to agree with (Unfortunately again!) Newbie about the BEAST thing.

Mercedes cars have a reputation that they'll last forever! In my opinion, well kept high mileage C43, is better than abused low mileage 10 year old C36. It's just a guestimate!

Everyone has opinions about mileage and age of the cars, but in reality I believe, everything depends on what condition you buy your car, and how you maintain it.

Godd luck to you with your purchase!

Get both cars checked

Vardar

http://www.epinions.com/content_188261568132

C43silver

I would probably go for the c36 with the lower mileage, but maybe thats becuase I like inline 6s I dont know. C43 is a beast but the difference in performance between the two will come on at excessive highway speeds so its really a matter of what you like driving better.

V12Godspeed

I would do the C36, My MB mechanic has a C36 turbocharged at least putting down 400+ to the wheels, I now it sound ridiculuos but it isn't. When i drove it, it was crazy. Plus it has low miles i think it is a winner.

Denlasoul

1) check the carfax
2) check the maintenance history
3) have an independent mechanic chek them both

If all things are equal, then I would say the C36 with the lower miles is the better car.

feeny

Thankyou all for the comments.

I took the c43 out for a spin a few weeks ago. Its worth it for that glorious sound alone.

Im going to go examine the C36 - check the records, get a PPI etc.



Well I have a good problem - a decision to make!

e320newbie

mm the sound i love it! good luck man!

feeny

Hmph.
I am investigated this c36 more closely. The story gets convoluted... an imported vehicle out of Hong Kong... all fine and dany I dont have a problem with that...

BUT

The VIN number I have been given, according to my lookup - shows it to be a C280.

Chasis no : WDB202028-2F-262703
Engine no : 104941-22-056888

According to my research:

W202 > C 280*
VIN: 202.028*
Engine: 104.941*

W202 > C 36 AMG*
VIN: 202.090*
Engine: 113.92*

W202 > C 43 AMG*
VIN: 202.033*
Engine: 113.944*

That makes it look like a C280 to me.
Now my question is that these numbers are constant, irrespective of where in the world the vehicle is delivered right? Thats the whole point of a VIN isn't it?

Pictures of the sheep in wolfs clothing here:
http://carpoint.com.au/used-car/MERC...s/1600796.aspx

kchristos

Be carefull, imported cars from Hong-Kong have their miles rolled back! They do it a lot in the country I come from. They import cars from Asia roll back the miles and send them for cheaper.

The claimed 30000 miles for the C36 might not be true after all.

steve s

i believe someone ran into this problem before. can't remember what the outcome was. no pics of the engine compartment... that should tell you more.

SDR

If it's any help I think my Carfax account is active for another few days. You could PM me the entire VIN and I could look it up for you.

feeny

Id go look at it in person but its 1500km from my home and Im only going if Im serious about buying it!

feeny

I just came across this:

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/foru...posts=14&fid=3

Apparently all is in order... it certainly looks like a C36.