Thinking about possibly upgrading from my 16v to a C36 and I'm wondering exactly what are the differences between the early and later models and what year was the change? The only one I know of is 4speed/5speed transmission. Are the later models better/worse?
Also heard about possible head gasket woes and there is some kind of update for this. Is it easy to spot the update?Any other gotchas to look at in pre-purchase...

OK that's enuff... so many questions, TIA!

The 1997 C36 (quite rare) is the gem of them all, it has the 5-speed tranny. C36s are great cars, but they don't feel as fast as they are.

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1988 Mercedes-Benz 260E

I Think the late C36(s) don't feel as fast as the early one, because the difference between 4 speed and 5 speed.
4 speed will feel faster , because you feel more "thrown back on the seat" feeling than 5 speed, eventhough on reality could be slower. 5 speed will have smoother shifting even during hard acceleration. That's why it feel slower, eventhough in reality could be faster.
And I suspect the later C36(s) have flatter curve of torque compare to the earlier ones.

Thats my $.02
Regards,

J Irwan

Mercedes changed the complete interior line up of switches, dash cluster and heater/airco control panel late 1995. The older models have square looking switches, the newer models look a lot better...(and that is about the only pre)

greetingz,

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1990 300SL-24
1993 C250D with a minor 600+k kilometer
www.MBenzNL.com(the Netherlands)

Don't forget, the 1997 C36 has 8 more HP then the pre 1997 ones.

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1997 Silver AMG C36
OEM Advantegarde Grille
OEM Clear Corners
W210 Blinking mirrors
Eibach/Bilstein Combo
Zender Rear Lip Spoiler