I’m parting ways w/ my C36
I’m finding it hard to believe that I am selling my C36 after nearly 10 yrs of ownership. I did not anticipate keeping it this long, but it never ceased to put a big smile on my face. These are amazing cars!!
I enjoyed being a part of this forum. All the best to you guys!
-Rob
Last edited by RPB; Mar 22, 2020 at 06:53 PM.

The time has come for me to part with my ‘95 C36 after nearly 10 years of ownership. This is a very nice example; I don’t think I have seen another one well-documented like mine. The car was originally purchased from Smith Motors in WV which has since been acquired. The original owner kept the car within his family for the better part of its life. I acquired it from his daughter when it had around 101k. She handed over detailed information from the AMG factory that most would never lay eyes on. In addition to the original window sticker, owner’s manual, records since it was new and both keys.
The car drives like it should and never ceases to put a smile on my face. The original paint is in good overall condition considering its age (7/10). The hood could use a respray due to some fading and blemishes. The exterior rubber trim is in really good shape. There are some minor dings and a few small scratches. There is a small amount of corrosion under the lip of the trunk where the paint runs thin which can easily be repaired. The trunk area around the spare wheel could use some TLC – mainly the battery tray. Other than that, the body is clear of any rust or bubbling. In terms of overall appearance, the wheels are the one thing that sticks out and need to be refinished. The interior is in nice shape (8/10). No rips in the leather and a few scratches. A local specialist replaced the original headliner a few years back. I stumbled across someone online parting out their ‘95 C36 some time ago. I managed to get the original trim from his car professionally powder coated silver to give it the Euro look. It provides a night and day difference in the overall appearance! I never got around to installing the updated door trim because the removal of the door panels is required. I have the remaining trim for the car which is included along with all the original parts. Everything functions as it should down to the heated seats and headlight wipers.
I'm detailing the main services carried out during my ownership. In addition to what needs to be done to the best of my knowledge:
Servicing:
- The original head gasket was replaced by Smith Motor Cars at 49k miles. I included a picture of the invoice.
- The transmission fluid was flushed at Mercedes of Tyson's Corner shortly after I acquired the car. This year is equipped with the robust 4 speed.
- The water pump and all related parts were replaced around 113k miles.
- The original engine harness was replaced at Mercedes of Tyson’s when the car had around 115k.
- The master airflow was replaced when the car had 122k miles (Bosch).
- The spark plugs have been replaced two times during my ownership.
- A Mobil 1 synthetic oil change every 4-5k miles.
- The list goes on..
- The A/C has not functioned since I acquired the car. There are no issues with the heating system.
- Coolant leak - The low coolant warning illuminated for the first time two years ago. I added some coolant and it came back on after 400-500 miles. My old mechanic pressure tested the system before checking anything. After confirming the results were good, he hunted around for about an hour trying to figure out where it was coming from. He told me the leak is most likely coming from the hose behind the back of the engine. These engines run hot and some of the original hoses are prone to developing leaks over time. Since then I have been adding the MB coolant when needed. The coolant reservoir is the original and might need replacing. The car stood up to the test throughout the last heatwave in VA.
- There is a code P0400 that presents itself every 300-700 miles related to the EGR system. It started 15-20k miles ago. My old mechanic told me the tubes can get clogged over time which throws off things in the EGR loop and causes the code.
- Ticking noise from lifters. It smooths out a bit when the car is fully warmed and running. Common on M104's.
- The headlight switch needs to be replaced. I have the new part (Meyle). One of the side markers and rear taillight bulbs are malfunctioning because of it. It also causes one of the warning lights on the cluster to flicker on and of
- I would recommend replacing the ignition barrel. It can take a bit of turning the key if the steering wheel locks and the car sits for a while.
- I replaced the rear dome light because I thought there was a connection issue which made the interior lights inoperable. I’m almost positive the dome light is not the culprit. The rear dome light is the ground for the interior lights. When a new bulb is inserted the lights come back on for a second before the fuse blows. Something is not grounded properly. The light in the trunk works fine.
- I believe the wheel bearing or caliper on the passenger side needs attention. I can hear a noise coming from that area for a short distance (1-2 miles).
- The rear antenna works when it feels like it. It worked perfectly fine until recently.
- The windshield fluid sensor needs to be replaced.
- The breaks are good, but the tires should be swapped out with new ones.
- Bilstein shocks in combination with H&R springs were installed at 105k. The car handles much better with the updated suspension. It sits about 1-1.50” inches lower. The US models were equipped with a different suspension to the European version. I have the original suspension which will be included.
- I added keyless entry to the car.
- I changed the rear taillights with OEM lights from a later model for the updated look.
- The headlights were updated to HID with a quality kit. It provides much better visibility at night compared to the stock bulbs!!
- The original head unit started to malfunction years ago. I swapped it out with a Kenwood unit. I still have the original radio.
- All-weather mats. I have the original floor mats for the car.
Last edited by RPB; Mar 18, 2020 at 09:03 PM.





The time has come for me to part with my ‘95 C36 after nearly 10 years of ownership. This is a very nice example; I don’t think I have seen another one well-documented like mine. The car was originally purchased from Smith Motors in WV which has since been acquired. The original owner kept the car within his family for the better part of its life. I acquired it from his daughter when it had around 101k. She handed over detailed information from the AMG factory that most would never lay eyes on. In addition to the original window sticker, owner’s manual, records since it was new and both keys.
The car drives like it should and never ceases to put a smile on my face. The original paint is in good overall condition considering its age (7/10). The hood could use a respray due to some fading and blemishes. The exterior rubber trim is in really good shape. There are some minor dings and a few small scratches. There is a small amount of corrosion under the lip of the trunk where the paint runs thin which can easily be repaired. The trunk area around the spare wheel could use some TLC – mainly the battery tray. Other than that, the body is clear of any rust or bubbling. In terms of overall appearance, the wheels are the one thing that sticks out and need to be refinished. The interior is in nice shape (8/10). No rips in the leather and a few scratches. A local specialist replaced the original headliner a few years back. I stumbled across someone online parting out their ‘95 C36 some time ago. I managed to get the original trim from his car professionally powder coated silver to give it the Euro look. It provides a night and day difference in the overall appearance! I never got around to installing the updated door trim because the removal of the door panels is required. I have the remaining trim for the car which is included along with all the original parts. Everything functions as it should down to the heated seats and headlight wipers.
I'm detailing the main services carried out during my ownership. In addition to what needs to be done to the best of my knowledge:
Servicing:
- The original head gasket was replaced by Smith Motor Cars at 49k miles. I included a picture of the invoice.
- The transmission fluid was flushed at Mercedes of Tyson's Corner shortly after I acquired the car. This year is equipped with the robust 4 speed.
- The water pump and all related parts were replaced around 113k miles.
- The original engine harness was replaced at Mercedes of Tyson’s when the car had around 115k.
- The master airflow was replaced when the car had 122k miles (Bosch).
- The spark plugs have been replaced two times during my ownership.
- A Mobil 1 synthetic oil change every 4-5k miles.
- The list goes on..
- The A/C has not functioned since I acquired the car. There are no issues with the heating system.
- Coolant leak - The low coolant warning illuminated for the first time two years ago. I added some coolant and it came back on after 400-500 miles. My old mechanic pressure tested the system before checking anything. After confirming the results were good, he hunted around for about an hour trying to figure out where it was coming from. He told me the leak is most likely coming from the hose behind the back of the engine. These engines run hot and some of the original hoses are prone to developing leaks over time. Since then I have been adding the MB coolant when needed. The coolant reservoir is the original and might need replacing. The car stood up to the test throughout the last heatwave in VA.
- There is a code P0400 that presents itself every 300-700 miles related to the EGR system. It started 15-20k miles ago. My old mechanic told me the tubes can get clogged over time which throws off things in the EGR loop and causes the code.
- Ticking noise from lifters. It smooths out a bit when the car is fully warmed and running. Common on M104's.
- The headlight switch needs to be replaced. I have the new part (Meyle). One of the side markers and rear taillight bulbs are malfunctioning because of it. It also causes one of the warning lights on the cluster to flicker on and of
- I would recommend replacing the ignition barrel. It can take a bit of turning the key if the steering wheel locks and the car sits for a while.
- I replaced the rear dome light because I thought there was a connection issue which made the interior lights inoperable. I’m almost positive the dome light is not the culprit. The rear dome light is the ground for the interior lights. When a new bulb is inserted the lights come back on for a second before the fuse blows. Something is not grounded properly. The light in the trunk works fine.
- I believe the wheel bearing or caliper on the passenger side needs attention. I can hear a noise coming from that area for a short distance (1-2 miles).
- The rear antenna works when it feels like it. It worked perfectly fine until recently.
- The windshield fluid sensor needs to be replaced.
- The breaks are good, but the tires should be swapped out with new ones.
- Bilstein shocks in combination with H&R springs were installed at 105k. The car handles much better with the updated suspension. It sits about 1-1.50” inches lower. The US models were equipped with a different suspension to the European version. I have the original suspension which will be included.
- I added keyless entry to the car.
- I changed the rear taillights with OEM lights from a later model for the updated look.
- The headlights were updated to HID with a quality kit. It provides much better visibility at night compared to the stock bulbs!!
- The original head unit started to malfunction years ago. I swapped it out with a Kenwood unit. I still have the original radio.
- All-weather mats. I have the original floor mats for the car.
What part of Va are you located?
2MERKS




