1. I am interested in buying a 1995 C36 AMG. I am yet to take it to my mechanic for a thorough evaluation of it's condition. However, the current owner tells me to only park the vehicle under a shade because when it is exposed to sunlight / heat for prolonged periods, it may not start. If it is inevitable to park under direct sunlight then the windows should be left open slightly.

I would like find out whether anyone has experienced such a problem (i'm assuming it is a problem because I haven't come across a vehicle that behaves this way.)

What could be the reason for this and what sort of costs would be involved in trying to remedy the situation?


2. What happens if you get a regular C280 engine (M104) and put it in a C36 AMG?

3. Has anyone experienced rising temperatures due to driving at constant slow speeds (say about 60 Km/hr or 40 mph)?

4. If yes to Q3, did it matter whether the aircon was on or off?

5. Since this is the first time I have driven a merc, I wonder if all merc's have hard padels (in contrast to Japanese vehicles) or is it just mine? If they do, does this apply to all German brands of vehicles as well?

PS.. I'm not complaining... Just wondering.

Finally, how do you get your engine cleaned / washed? None of the places I get the car cleaned will do an engine wash for fear of damaging something.


Peace,

W321

 

Q1- maybe vapor lock?
Q2- the 2.8 should dop in no problem since that is what the 3.6 AMG engine started as, but will be muh slower (only 194hp).
Q3- Have not experienced that
Q5- Yes they do feel stiffer than Japanese cars to me ( I have previously owned 3 Honda's and a Mazda RX7)

 

Thank you 85Cosworth that is helpful.

What is a vapor lock?

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vapour_lock

Basically the fuel pump ends up pumping vapour insted of liquid gas. Liquid provides more power.

 

Well Cosworth - that liquid fuel provides more power is incorrect. The fuel is atomized (Vaporized into the combustion chamber) prior to its ignition. A fuel pump is designed to pump liquid fuel in a fuel line. If it has vapor, the impeller spins air, versus liquid fuel. The fuel pump will not pump fuel again unless it's primed again with a liquid. So you're either getting air in the line from a cracked rubber fuel line or the possibility exists at this time that your pump is shot from basically being overspun. That pump will spin a whole lot faster than it is designed to without fuel - the fuel acts as a coolant as well. If that pump does not get fuel it overheats and internals could be shot.

 

that almost defeats buying the c36 in the first place...almost

 

Thank you for the comments guys.

Does this entail getting a new pump?

Can I fit it myself?

 

I think so too steve.

The reason I asked is because the previous owner of the car i'm getting recently changed the engine. I wonder where he could have got a C36 engine.

I have an idea of how to check if the engine is a genuine C36 however, I was also just wondering what sort of problems to anticipate if it turns out to be a C280.

 

it would be much easier to buy a C36 instead of converting to one from a C280

 

The vehicle is already a W202 C36 AMG (1995) but the previous owner removed the original AMG engine because he thought the cylinder head was cracked.

He replaced it with an engine that I suspect is not a C36 engine but rather a regular C280 engine.

I would just like to know the implications of this.

I like the vehicle regardless of what engine is inside. It is still a merc and that makes it a car and a half.

 

My 95 c36 has no problems starting when sitting in the sun all day. I think its a good idea to look else where.

 

is it possible for can u to take a peek inside and see if it's a 3.6L or 2.8L?

 

Through autohausaz.com a new pump is $232 for a C43 pump - I'm sure a C36 pump will be around the same price. It's an easy DIY.