How much of the mechanicals C36 are AMG specific, and how much are C-class specific? For example, is the timing chain from a c280 gonna work on a C36? Water pump? Other regularly replaced parts? I understand that the brakes are from the SL600, and that the engine and transmission are AMG specific. Thank you for previous answers, I'm really trying to get a complete picture of this car! This is a great forum.
Thanks!

Ok, at least for 1995, the front brakes are sl600 and the rears are 500E (some say E420). The trans and rear end are not AMG specific, they are sourced from the 500E (E420). The engine is a standard C280 bored and stroked to 3.6l, so that concludes there are many inernal AMG specific components. The MAS and airbox are two unique AMG items that come to mind. The body kit and wheels are also AMG specific. The steering wheel and shift knob are also AMG specific.

Thats all I can think of off the top of my head.

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1993 500E
http://2phast.com/500e/500e-sig.jpg

Thanks 2phast.

Basically, I just want to know what to expect for minor maintenance costs and lead time on ordering parts. Getting c280 parts will be cheaper and faster than ordering AMG parts from Germany. Seems to me that parts like an alternator, water pump, filters, etc. would come from the c280. Correct?

Is there a reference anywhere that will list the part numbers? I have seen posts about the MB CDs. Is the C36 included on the CDs? Where can I get a hold of them?

I think since MB owns AMG, the dealers here probably stock everything you need. It sounds like you are making yourself crazy about things that are not nearly as important as how well was this car treated; are all the service/repair records availoable? Were there repairs indicated that were needed and not done? Were all service intervald done on time? If this stuff is in order, you will not be spending much $$ on repairs.
Also, can you afford to service it on time? If not, maybe this is not a good choice for you.
Tom
92 500E

I agree. Most of the car is a standard W202 C-Class. Look for the BEST car. Not the best car you can afford. If the best car is over your budget, borrow some.

Our 1995 C36 was a one owner car with impeccable service records. The owner looked after the car like I would have. We had a dealer pour over every inch of the car, and included a compression and leakdown check.

I didn't mind higher miles, as the odo is a poor judge of car condition, contrary to what some used car dealer might say.

If you're really that worried about parts prices, buy a C280 or E320.

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

http://img31.exs.cx/img31/4050/tophat6.gif

Yes, I'm driving myself crazy

Really, I just want to avoid $urprises. My fiancee's father is an independent MB tech, so I'll have the technical help with a pre-sale inspection. You guys have been really helpful to a new guy though! Thanks!

FWIW- the C36's tranny and diff is *not* the same or sourced from the W124 500E.

The 500E's is physically larger.

:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG (with 1995 C36 engine, tranny, diff)
1993 500E

The 1995 product lit and all the magazine reviews say that these items are from the 500E, some state the E420, but then again, the 500E uses modified E420 items.

At least this is accurate for the 1995 C36, I can't confirm the later model units. The length and diamater of the trans is identical to a 1995 E420 BTW, as I measured them.

Here is some reference material on the C36 and the powerplant

http://www.alphatel.com/mercedes-benz.htm

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1993 500E
http://2phast.com/500e/500e-sig.jpg

Too bad there is so much erroneous information out on the web.

The tranny for the C36 is:
722.328 MB PN# 202.270.23.00
Torque converter: MB PN# 124.250.16.02 orig. 124.250.09.02

The tranny for the W124 500E/E500 is:
722.365 MB PN# 140.270.21.00 originally 140.270.22.00
Torque Converter: MB PN# 722.250.27.02 orig. 126.250.38.02

The 1995 E420 does *NOT* have the same tranny as the 500E; the E420 tranny is the same size & diameter of the C36 tranny.

FWIW, the W124 400E/E420 tranny is pn# 124.270.03.02

Also, the C36 uses a 3-bolt flange on the tranny-driveshaft-diff.

The 400E & 500E uses a 4-bolt flange.

In short, a C36 might have components from the 500E tranny, but it is NOT the same size, diameter, or heft, of a 500E tranny.

:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E

And that's from the man who should know. I watn to reiterate, if you find one that has been taken care of, and, better yet, get a aftermarket warranty, you will be OK. However, all used MBs are, to a certain extent, crapshoots. They are NOT Hondas. You can count on, I believe, at least one unanticipated four figure repair. Just figure it into the budget when buying the car, so you won't feel bad when it happens. And remember that you will love driving the car every day, and not regretting that you passed one up. There was one in the SF Chronicle today for $21,000, I think. Also, a 94 E500, 75,000k miles, for $27,000.

Stop making yourself crazy! If you cannot afford an unexpected repair, don't buy the car. If you can, buy the best one you can find, and drive happily into the sunset.

Tom

92 500E

Of course all the trans are going to have different part numbers, thats completely expected. I also never said the measurements of the 500E trans were the same, said the E420 measurements were the same.

No info in the link I posted was inaccurate, as a matter of fact, that info is actually pulled from the original MB literature.

Like the MB lit says, the trans is a MODIFIED version of the W124 transmission, modified can mean allot of things what it does not mean is AMG built a trans from the ground up for the C36. They started out with a OE MB trans and modified it for the C36 application.

Thanks for clearing up the issue of the flange, minor issue that differs the two transmissions, but never the less, a important item not to be overlooked

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1993 500E
http://2phast.com/500e/500e-sig.jpg