C36 AMG Japan import
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C36 AMG Japan import
Hi im looking at a C36 1996 here in the uk and its a Japan import with low milage and is in great condition plus its standered. The thing ive noticed is the interior/dash is different with wood effect? The Euro cars have carbon effect? The steering wheel doesn't have the white bottom? Is there any other differences like higher/lower spec? Does it have the same engine/power? Any issues which may arise from different climates? Thanks Scott
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From: Victoria, BC, Canada
1996 Mercedes C36 AMG
Scott the spec is very similar. Same engine/trans and the options/trim can be slightly different than the euro models but really not by much. North American models also have the wood trim by the way, I think only Europe got the carbon. If you run the VIN you can see the build sheet /codes and see what options it has. Between that and looking at the photos, that tells you all you need to know really.
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C43 AMG with a tune up
Jap imports are far more exclusive than equivalent euro cars and most of the time in better shape rust wise which comes with serious ownership and maintanence.
The interior trim wood is much nicer looking on japanese cars than US cars.
Euro cars have fake carbon trim worth as much as fools gold.
You should check if wireloom is replaced and and if there are any head gasket issues water leaks?
The C36 is an old car, certain parts might be NLA at the dealer?
The interior trim wood is much nicer looking on japanese cars than US cars.
Euro cars have fake carbon trim worth as much as fools gold.
You should check if wireloom is replaced and and if there are any head gasket issues water leaks?
The C36 is an old car, certain parts might be NLA at the dealer?
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Hi thanks guys this site will be very useful. I will check the head gasket but the wire loom will be tricky as the long term owner is no longer with us, it looks like its been highly maintained. I will check the VIN 1st to see the spec.
Really like the idea of the C36 as my C230K is a joy to drive but im fed up with a manual ( im a courier ) so I think the auto is the way forward plus more power which is always handy and I like the classic look with the square headlights.
My mate says I should go for the C43 but the thought of a big heavy V8 with not much more power seems wrong somehow, what do you guys think?
Also I have seen so many C36"s and some have the rear spoiler and some don't, how does the car leave the factory with or without? I haven't made up my mind if I like car with or without yet.
Really like the idea of the C36 as my C230K is a joy to drive but im fed up with a manual ( im a courier ) so I think the auto is the way forward plus more power which is always handy and I like the classic look with the square headlights.
My mate says I should go for the C43 but the thought of a big heavy V8 with not much more power seems wrong somehow, what do you guys think?
Also I have seen so many C36"s and some have the rear spoiler and some don't, how does the car leave the factory with or without? I haven't made up my mind if I like car with or without yet.
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C43 AMG with a tune up
C36 is heavier on gas than the c43.
Cast iron I6 is much heavier than an aluminum V8.
Early c36 had 4 speed where the V8 has a 5 speed gearbox.
You can do the math for the rest.
The c36 will probably be trickier to source certain AMG parts like the cross over intake tube marked C36 above the engine which is NLA.
If you are looking for cosmetic stuff or other options parts, many are out of stock.
Some cars comes with the wing from factory other cars have it installed after.
Drilling the trunk is not very nice thing to do to fitting the wing, you will have possible rust issues.
Cast iron I6 is much heavier than an aluminum V8.
Early c36 had 4 speed where the V8 has a 5 speed gearbox.
You can do the math for the rest.
The c36 will probably be trickier to source certain AMG parts like the cross over intake tube marked C36 above the engine which is NLA.
If you are looking for cosmetic stuff or other options parts, many are out of stock.
Some cars comes with the wing from factory other cars have it installed after.
Drilling the trunk is not very nice thing to do to fitting the wing, you will have possible rust issues.
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Hi Matt I wasn't dissing the V8 it just seems over kill plus ive read that the 3.6 was technically advance by AMG which transfers to the road nicely. I looked at the weights of both cars and the C43 is 120kg ish heavier which seems strange? I will check out the cost of the C43 against the C36 on insurance, road tax etc as I think it will be more.
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05 c55 silver, 98 Imperial Red C43
The c43 is much more liniar power delivery vs a c36 therefore its more fun to drive. C36 is the kind where you put the foot down and wait for it to kick in while the c43 is more responsive. The extra power and torque makes a big difference. Also I dont know why a c43 would be heavier. If it is, its because of beefy seats and airbags inside door panels. Pre face lift w202s which includes a c36 didnt have side airbags. C43 also had bigger brakes. Then again the engine is lighter so it should all even out.
Im not sure a c43 will be worse on gas. If anything it wont be by much.
C36 wont be any more advanced than a c43. The engine might have been hand built by amg vs the c43 where the e430 engine was slightly modified. However its been proven again and again that the m113 is one of the best engines mercedes ever built. If you get a c36 you can for sure count on having to do a head gasket job every 100k or so.
Both cars are special in their own way.
To me a c36 is the first....one of its kind old school performance experiment. The sound it makes is beautiful especially when resonator is removed. Its a piece of history kind of feeling.
C43 feels more refined modern and built better. Feels like its carved out of a rock and is a wild experiment
Im not sure a c43 will be worse on gas. If anything it wont be by much.
C36 wont be any more advanced than a c43. The engine might have been hand built by amg vs the c43 where the e430 engine was slightly modified. However its been proven again and again that the m113 is one of the best engines mercedes ever built. If you get a c36 you can for sure count on having to do a head gasket job every 100k or so.
Both cars are special in their own way.
To me a c36 is the first....one of its kind old school performance experiment. The sound it makes is beautiful especially when resonator is removed. Its a piece of history kind of feeling.
C43 feels more refined modern and built better. Feels like its carved out of a rock and is a wild experiment
Last edited by PJmak; Oct 20, 2019 at 06:06 PM.
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C43 AMG with a tune up
Hi Matt I wasn't dissing the V8 it just seems over kill plus ive read that the 3.6 was technically advance by AMG which transfers to the road nicely. I looked at the weights of both cars and the C43 is 120kg ish heavier which seems strange? I will check out the cost of the C43 against the C36 on insurance, road tax etc as I think it will be more.
C43 is more of a modern car.
The 36 is the original w202 AMG.
If you find a solid car go for the 36.
US cars are more lightweight where the europeans are chunkier filled with loads of lard, options wise.
Mine is fully loaded with extra factory options so will be much heavier than an equivalent US C43.
I love luxury but it will decrease performance.
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Well Ive just got back from a 6hr round trip and im now the proud owner of a 1998 C43 AMG....It seemed obvious to me if I brought a C36 theres a strong possibility I would be owning a car with problems and my pockets aint that deep!
I know buying any car is a risk but head gaskets, wiring looms etc sounds like owning a 90's Jaguar....not for me.
I went to see this car tonight and I was amazed on how clean and well looked after it was, inside and out. It has full MB service history, all the bill, previous MOTs, Tax discs, last owner had it 15yrs and kept it completely standard.
The V8 sounds great and pulls really well. The interior looks so much better than the C36 with the 2 tone seats etc...The owner said to me "This C43 is the 1st true AMG and not just a Mercedes with a tuned engine"
I think he is right.
I know buying any car is a risk but head gaskets, wiring looms etc sounds like owning a 90's Jaguar....not for me.
I went to see this car tonight and I was amazed on how clean and well looked after it was, inside and out. It has full MB service history, all the bill, previous MOTs, Tax discs, last owner had it 15yrs and kept it completely standard.
The V8 sounds great and pulls really well. The interior looks so much better than the C36 with the 2 tone seats etc...The owner said to me "This C43 is the 1st true AMG and not just a Mercedes with a tuned engine"
I think he is right.
