Second-hand C36 - what to do now?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12
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From: Hong Kong
C36 AMG
Second-hand C36 - what to do now?
Hi Guys,
I'm new to this website and I'd like to say what a wealth of information i have at my disposal here. Thanks to the guys who run this site!
I recently got a 1994 C36 with just over 45k miles on it. My first Mercedes after driving a VW Golf for 2 years. Amazing car with amazing performance.
I'd like to know what is the first thing I should do in terms of engine overhaul/inspection (apart from the usual change of engine oil)? The car seems fine but I don't know when the last owner changed the engine oil.
Further, when i step on the gas pedal, I notice a very high pitched whine which also increases in pitch when I step further on the pedal. Anyone else notice this phenomenon? Anyone have any idea what/where that sound is coming from?
Many thanks!
I'm new to this website and I'd like to say what a wealth of information i have at my disposal here. Thanks to the guys who run this site!
I recently got a 1994 C36 with just over 45k miles on it. My first Mercedes after driving a VW Golf for 2 years. Amazing car with amazing performance.
I'd like to know what is the first thing I should do in terms of engine overhaul/inspection (apart from the usual change of engine oil)? The car seems fine but I don't know when the last owner changed the engine oil.
Further, when i step on the gas pedal, I notice a very high pitched whine which also increases in pitch when I step further on the pedal. Anyone else notice this phenomenon? Anyone have any idea what/where that sound is coming from?
Many thanks!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,705
Likes: 2
From: nj
a car that can't do the throttle reset.
oh and to answer you question if you go to the dealer theyll check your whole car over... and the first thing i would do if you dont want to go to the dealer is change the oil to mobil 1 synthetics...huge difference.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12
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From: Hong Kong
C36 AMG
Thanks for the info! I was recommended MOTUL 300V or Castrol RS, but I guess I'll stick with Mobil 1.
Sorry, you're correct, that should be 1995. It was manufactured in 1994
Cheers!
Anyone know anything about the whining noise I mentioned earlier?
Sorry, you're correct, that should be 1995. It was manufactured in 1994
Cheers!
Anyone know anything about the whining noise I mentioned earlier?
Out Of Control!!
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From: around the world
monowiper
there's 94 C36's but euro versions ;p
common things to do, so you know exactly when you change them and how long they'll last etc.
a). Vpulley belt (look for cracks on it)
b). mobil 1 synthetic 0w40 is most common (factory fill)
c). air filter (most people put a k&n in there, intake sound improves)
d). spark plugs (change them, they are cheap, i would stay stock bosch)
e). check your brake pads (so you kinda have an idea on wear %)
f). try to get master service history on the car, check if head gasket has been changed, they are very common to go bad just keep an eye on overheating any leaks etc.
g). cabin filter (located under glovebox, just to make sure previous owner didn't leave a dirty sock in there instead of a filter
h). have lots of fun driving it, and not just looking at it in the garage collecting dust (cars are meant to be driven
as far as the high pitched noise, does it happen in idle? because on c36's if the aux fan kicks in they are really loud, in idle these cars can scare lots of people even though it's normal operating
regards
common things to do, so you know exactly when you change them and how long they'll last etc.
a). Vpulley belt (look for cracks on it)
b). mobil 1 synthetic 0w40 is most common (factory fill)
c). air filter (most people put a k&n in there, intake sound improves)
d). spark plugs (change them, they are cheap, i would stay stock bosch)
e). check your brake pads (so you kinda have an idea on wear %)
f). try to get master service history on the car, check if head gasket has been changed, they are very common to go bad just keep an eye on overheating any leaks etc.
g). cabin filter (located under glovebox, just to make sure previous owner didn't leave a dirty sock in there instead of a filter
h). have lots of fun driving it, and not just looking at it in the garage collecting dust (cars are meant to be driven
as far as the high pitched noise, does it happen in idle? because on c36's if the aux fan kicks in they are really loud, in idle these cars can scare lots of people even though it's normal operating
regards
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12
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From: Hong Kong
C36 AMG
Thanks for the information Eurosport!
The high pitched whine only happens when I press on the gas pedal. The more I press, the higher the pitch as if it's connected to the acceleration of the car itself.
Well, my car could be 1994. I'm in Hong Kong but likely my C36 is a parallel import from long ago (although the vehicle registration document says "Year of Manufacture: 1994"). There is no "AMG" logo on the speedometer and my speedometer has miles (in white) as the dominant speed indicator with kilometers on the inner circle (in orange). I have a feeling that the original owner imported this car from England/UK as it's a right hand drive with miles as the dominant speed and distance indicator (the only country I can think of with r.h.drive and using mph for speed). So, it may well be I have a european version of a C36. But if the year of manufacture says 1994, then likely it is a 1995 year car.
Surprisingly, my idle fan noise isn't so bad nor intimidating.
The high pitched whine only happens when I press on the gas pedal. The more I press, the higher the pitch as if it's connected to the acceleration of the car itself.
Well, my car could be 1994. I'm in Hong Kong but likely my C36 is a parallel import from long ago (although the vehicle registration document says "Year of Manufacture: 1994"). There is no "AMG" logo on the speedometer and my speedometer has miles (in white) as the dominant speed indicator with kilometers on the inner circle (in orange). I have a feeling that the original owner imported this car from England/UK as it's a right hand drive with miles as the dominant speed and distance indicator (the only country I can think of with r.h.drive and using mph for speed). So, it may well be I have a european version of a C36. But if the year of manufacture says 1994, then likely it is a 1995 year car.
Surprisingly, my idle fan noise isn't so bad nor intimidating.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: San Francisco, CA
1996 C36 AMG, 1995 Volvo 850 Turbowagon
maybe a japanese owned car? wait till u get some hot weather (altho summer in hk should be hot) and idle around town for a while...the fan gets really really loud
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Member
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It's not the fan, I have the same high pitched sound when stepping on the gas as well. Sounds sorta like a whining sound you get from poorly installed stereo deck. No clue what it is, I asked this before with no answer.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,705
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From: nj
a car that can't do the throttle reset.
OH!!! if it gets worse when you hit the gas... then something was wired into your system improperly... i.e. radio, radar, etc. look for anything that isnt oem with the car. stereo is a very very good possibility that it wasnt grounded to the proper wire.
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Originally posted by ahopeter
OH!!! if it gets worse when you hit the gas... then something was wired into your system improperly... i.e. radio, radar, etc. look for anything that isnt oem with the car. stereo is a very very good possibility that it wasnt grounded to the proper wire.
OH!!! if it gets worse when you hit the gas... then something was wired into your system improperly... i.e. radio, radar, etc. look for anything that isnt oem with the car. stereo is a very very good possibility that it wasnt grounded to the proper wire.
It comes from outside the car and goes away when it warms after a little bit of driving. My theory is the sepentine belt or tranny, just not time to look into it.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12
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From: Hong Kong
C36 AMG
You might well be correct on the stereo point. My C36 came with a cheap-*** Sony tape-deck (with 10-disc CD changer). Speakers are crap. I plan to change them anyway. My guess is the previous owner took out whatever ICE he had before and just installed a bare minimum stereo to go along with the car.
Once I change the stereo, I'll let you guys know of whether the whining noise still appears. It does sound like it comes from the rear speakers.
Once I change the stereo, I'll let you guys know of whether the whining noise still appears. It does sound like it comes from the rear speakers.
Member
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Originally posted by ahopeter
relax... didnt mean to upset you...no time to check it but time to post?
relax... didnt mean to upset you...no time to check it but time to post?
I post cause i'm at work...6 days a week
I rather much be out driving about and getting errands done. I have a huge list.
Last edited by narci; Sep 3, 2003 at 12:06 PM.
