vinbar

Hi all,
New the this forum, and am thinking of buying an AMG C36 to replace my daily driver. Are there anythings to look out for aside from this degrading wiring harness issue I've read about? Head gasket issues? Are these reoccurring problems, or do they go away once you get an updated designed part? I am looking for a low mileage car in the SoCal area. I was originally looking for E36 M3, but was so put off by the quality of cheaper cars and then high prices of the low mileage unmolested versions, and I'm willing to give up some sportiness for some uniqueness.

I have been searching the forums trying to figure out why these cars are as cheap (~$10k) as they seem, but I can't figure it out, anyone care to wager a guess?? An M3 or M5 from similar era cost a whole lot more for a comparable mile car...is it the lack of manual trans? If I can get past driving an auto, I think I could really enjoy driving a C36 for a few years.
Thanks,
Vince

Mr Nu

Hi Vinbar

I can only speculate on the value issue, as I have encountered the same thing here in the UK.

I think most of the pricing issue is down to the simple fact that primarily most people don’t associate autos as sporty. A good example of this was evident this weekend as I had some friends, who all own nice cars (more for show than anything else) and they were obviously interested in AMGs present on the drive.

The obligatory vehicle spec’s were reeled off by me, but the second they clocked the autoboxs both vehicles were flatly and naively declared old man cars. Now I could have given demo rides and changed their perception within a couple of miles, but to be honest the reason I buy AMGs is exactly for that level of discretion and exclusivity. I don’t get hounded by the Jap car brigade, or any other Boy Racers as they don’t either understand the products of Affalterbach or simply under estimate them.

Real connoisseurs will always show genuine interest and from all of the sports cars I have owned I have found that fellow AMG owners, although they come from vastly different backgrounds, tend to have a more mature mindset to enjoying their automotive passion... Which I really enjoy.

The big benefit purchasing an AMG is partly due to their wrong perception also, as most have avoided the more budget level of ownership that E36 M3’s, Suburas, Skylines etc. have now befallen, where their owners tend to shell out more money on upgrades and subs – than on maintenance.

I would advise trying out a few though and dependant on your budget, I think you’ll find a C36 or C43 a great deal of fun. I have a very limited run W210 E36 that uses the C36 engine and it is an absolute stormer with a superb straight six sound track. I have just picked up a C43 this weekend too and have to say the chassis of this car is an absolute revelation. I was in awe of my AMG E Class, but have literally had my expectations raised to a new level with the new C Class.

Either way my friend, I wish you all the best and hope you’ll be joining the AMG family soon!

Best Nath

vinbar

Nath,
Thanks for the info, I appreciate the comments, I will definitely drive a few E36s (if I can find them nearby) as I like the looks of the earlier model and I think I will look for a low mile 97 (5spd auto rather than 4spd).

I am trying to compile a list of know issues that I should look for and maintenance I should make sure the owner has receipts for.

Got some of this info from a British forum, so I'm going to translate into Dollars--

Required maintenance:
XX,XXX mile service $????

Common problems:
wiring harness $???
head gasket leak (common on c36) $1200

Uncommon problems:
Gearbox $3000 to replace
wishbones $600 to replace
air con condenser/compressor $600/$450
catalyst $4800

Please let me know if anyone knows some of the routine maintenance costs and schedule, and some more costs for some of those items.

thx
Vince

Mr Nu

Hi Vince

I'll have a scout around and see if I can get some known problem/issues too, especially as I have that exact engine in one of the AMG's on the drive. I am also seeing one of the UK's specialist independants in the next few weeks, so whilst I am there I will gladly pick their brains of known issues too!

I'll keep you posted!

Nath

Jons95c36amg

I had my 95 C36 with 88k miles for 5 months and did the wiring harne$$. The gaskets were replaced before I bought it. The fluids were new,changed plugs to Denso Iridiums,fuel filter. I have a good local Benz mechanic. The cars been maintained. For the $ its a bargain. Back in 95 it was over $50k. The car moves like a ****. Makes my daily drive a blast.

ECTurboGSX

I can't comment directly on the C36, but I am 99% sure that the E36 AMG was not offered in the US. You don't have your location filled in, but based on the dollar conversions I assume that you are on this side of the pond.

C36's have dropped in value because almost all Mercedes tend to do that and because there is not a very large aftermarket for them. Using an extreme example, Supras command a high price because they're easy to make fast due to the large aftermarket. To a lesser degree, the same can be said about the BMW E36 M3 (this E36 thing could get confusing). The other major player is the fact that not many people know about them. The same can be said for the C43. I didn't know that they existed until I came upon one while looking at C36's which I actually found out about while looking at C32's.

85Cosworth

The E36 he was referring to was the BMW M3 2nd generation. he refers to it in his 1st post.

E55 PWR

try to get a 96-97 if you can, 95s have more expensive brakes on them (AMG bespoke instead of MB units so brake pads are more). Also wiring harnesses were more of an issue on 95s than on 96+ (although some 96s still had them). 97 had no wiring harness issue but headgasket is always an issue on M104. get a nice 96-97 low mileage one

vinbar

Hey guys, that was a typo, I meant to say "drive a few C36s" (not E36), even though I will be driving a few M3s (E36) as well as a C43 AMG or two.

How many miles does the head gasket last on the M104 and is there an upgrade that will solve the problem (new design?), or is it reoccuring head gasket failures for life of the vehicle? Also, I understand that the 3.6 liter engine (M104) "based" on the 2.8 liter engine, but what components does it share? The bore is 3.54 inches on 2.8 and 3.58 inches on 3.6 liter, so I assume they don't share the same head gasket...is that true? I also assume they use the same bottom end casting, but is everything else from the water pump, oil pump, head, intake, fuel injection system etc different??
I've got to get smarter on the MB engine designations!!