francodz

Hey all,

Looking to buy one of these in the very near future but wanted to get some opinions from qualified folks.


C36 - Owner wants $6500
170K miles

List of repairs:

- Used OEM air pipe
- New OEM spark plugs
- New OEM ignition coils
- New OEM fuel filter
- Transmission oil and filter replaced
- Engine oil and filter replaced

Repairs and maintenance was preformed at an auto shop by a licensed mechanic.

List of issues:

- The check engine light is on. The error code indicates an issue with one of the knock sensors. The sensor was replaced with an OEM Bosch part, but the issue is still present.
- Due to a flat the rear right tire was rendered unrepairable. The car needs a new rear right tire. A spare is installed at the moment.
- Torn seams on upper portion of rear seat
- Some curb rash and flaking paint on wheels
- Some scratches and chips

C43 - Owner wants $7500 but also another $1000 to ship it to me
200K miles
Had a ppi done on his vehicle (pictures attached)

x463

I recently picked up a 1995 C36 and have owned a 1998 C43 for a number of years.

I prefer the C43 for a number of reasons - more power and the 2 tone "tuxedo" interior (if so equipped) are great. I've also found that C43 parts are so much easier to find. At least for 1995 MY the C36 can be a real pain. I think 1996/1997 might be less of a hassle. Another big advantage of the C43 is the ease to swap in the 5.4 liter "55" AMG motor. A manual transmission swap can be done for either but I suspect the donor cars for a trans that fits a M113 are more plentiful than M104.

francodz

Do you think in this case its worth what the C43 seller is asking for? All things considered with the ppi and all

x463

Impossible to tell w/o pictures and more information

francodz

I have pictures of the ppi I had done on it attached above, mechanic told me that I shouldn't be paying more than 3K for the vehicle but he was also unaware of the scarcity of these things

Sulaco

I would ask for a discount on the C43 due to the tires and flex discs. That's a non-starter.

If both are similarly priced, I would just based entirely on condition of the interior. Are the seats destroyed? The headliner? The steering wheel?

99CEEFOURTHREE

Honestly I would pass on both.

francodz

why?

francodz

Both interiors are in the same condition. The C43 owner won't budge at all, but I'll just let him sit on it then. Its been up for almost 10 weeks

silverc4s

These cars are expensive to bring up to par once neglected. You are better off to pay up for a well maintained example, and the C43 powertrain is much more robust and somewhat more fun to push around IMO. The C36 motor was only used in that car, and has a history of head gasket problems, and $$$ to replace, for example.