Can anyone share some information about this model with me. It's about time to upgrade the 300e and I love the amg-tuned inline-six. What are the performance specs, average prices, and things to look for? Thanks

...have you done a search? or even just read back through the Hot Rods treads?

-fad

This is a good link for information..

Mercedes Model Guide


Hope this help


Regardz,

J Irwan

Since the C36 is a bored-and-stroked M104 engine like those found in the 1993-1995 E320's, you need to look for the same things including head-gaskets and oil leaks at the rear.

Also, the C36 needs to be revved in order to extract the HP and torque.

If you still like the W124 chassis, I'd look for a late model (94-95) 400E/E420.

If you want the smaller, lighter, and hence more nimble car, go for the C-class (W202 chassis).

IMHO, the C36 is the last *true* AMG engine- that is, hand-made as a one-off engine, not really assembly-line produced as the current crop of AMG engines are. Made from 1995-1997, they have all the updates to the M104 engine, and produce upto 280HP in the 1997 model (Motronic injection vs. HFM in the 1995-1996 model (268HP) ).

The C43 with more torque in the lower REV range (just like the 400E), IMHO, is better as an everyday car.

I love the C36-engine's sound & tranny in my W124 wagon.

:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E

I've recently purchased a 1997 C36 AMG, and find it to be a great car. While it is true that it does take some revving to get the power out, it is not in the least bit harsh. It performs very well as a "grocery getter" for the wife, but when I want to take it out and have a little fun it is great for that as well. The accelerator pedal is a little heavy, like most Benzes, and if you force it, it can jump up and bite you. I think it has a lot more class than an M3, and equal or better performance. I'm in Montana, so it was a little hard to find (only one M-B dealer in the state and it ain't much...). I found mine via the internet, in Louisiana, and had it delivered here, I'd definetly look there and check prices, there is a wide range between $25,000 to $40,000. Good luck

__________________
TIFOSI
1980 FERRARI 308 GTSi
2002 MERCEDES BENZ C32 AMG
2004 TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE BLACK - CAFE RACER

As ke6dcj mentioned the 97's had a bit more HP, but they also had the 5 speed automatic instead of the 4-speed used in the 95 and 96 C36's.

Per the MB site mentioned earlier, the 1997 C36 has a 3.07 diff which helps acceleration to be faster.

Also, having the 5-speed (vs. 4-speeds) means you don't have the high RPMS when just freeway cruising due to the 5-th gear overdrive.

:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E

We only had our C36 a brief time, but I loved it. The car is a very capable handler, and very easy to control through four wheel drifts. Unlike some BMW products, it does not suffer from terminal understeer or wildly unpredictable oversteer.

I showed an S2000 my taillights on a very tight section of mountain switchbacks. One problem is the ASR likes to intervene before I'd like it to. In 1995, it was optional, and if I were on a long term huint for a car, I'd try desperately to find one without ASR. You can switch it off, but it's never really off completely.

Our car had 155,000 kilometers on it, and the engine was tight and strong. Strong enough to run 14.2 1/4's.

One thing to be prepared for is the cost of consumables. This car HAS TO HAVE the best Z-rated tires money can buy, and even then, traction is a problem. Very fast wearing tires combined with the high cost, make tires a serious part of your budget with these cars. I tore half the wear life off a set of Pilot Sports in 6000km's.

Driven to perform, the car will rip through brake parts too. It's worth it though, as the C36 stops like you threw an anchor out.

__________________
John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

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

A quick search on C36 should turn up the basic specs type info. As far as what they are like to drive...read on. Having had a 95' C36 for a couple years its become quite familiar. The first thing to mention is that they are NOT the same animal as the W124 V8's. They have a different feel, different handling, and different quirks.

Acceleration wise, low-mid 14 second 1/4 mile runs are not a problem. 0-60 ranges from mid 5's to low 6's (5.5-6.3) depending on temp, driver, etc etc. Despite the power curve specs the impression when you stomp the gas is more low to midrange power. High end the engine does not seem to pull as hard as the M119 V8's. Not to say the engine feels like an american V8, but the car seems to shine the brightest from sub highway (75 mph) speeds. If you have the option, I'd recommend ASR for tire life and when you are in the rain, gravel, or ANY type of foul weather. Even with ASR at the track, you should be able to hold your own. The 95-96 cars have higher cruising rpm's (70mph is 3000 rpm) but as smooth as the engine is, you do not notice much.

Handling is what this car loves (even wish ASR). Its much lighter than the W124 V8's and has a much more nimble feel to it. As blackmercedes said, you need good tires on this car. (really applies to any of the higher performance models...) Also, since the tires are directional and staggered (front and rear sizes different) you don't get to rotate. Just budget replacement of top tires (SO2/3, Pilot Sport, etc) every 20-25K miles. The car corners in a predictable, quick, flat, and forgiving manner. You always have a pretty good idea where the "edge" is and isn't tempermental if pushed further. (unless you deliberately challenge the laws of physics) Brakes are 911 ballpark. With factory rotors the size of the V12's and the E420's rear brakes stopping something the size of a C-class....it will hang you in your seatbelt horizontally. I've measured over 1 G deceleration before...

Having said that, the ergonomics and size work well but it is still a small car. You can still put a 6+ footer behind a 6+ footer but it is a bit tight feeling in kneeroom (never a problem with headroom) in back. I'm 6'4" and 195lbs and I never have had a problem with fitting in the driver's seat which, in this car, is the one that matters.

W124 owners will notice ergonomic and fit/finish differences between this car and the W124's (more orange peel in the paint and more modern ergonomics/looks). As was mentioned earlier, it is a M104 engine so watch the headgasket. If it does go, its AMG specific and will cost. The wheel tire package is also more vulnerable to road hazard being 225/45/17 up front and 245/40/17 in back vs say....the stock 500E setup. That said, the AMG monoblock rims are stout enough you pretty much have to nail a curb head on to damage them. Buy a tire with a rim protector flange and you should be good. Oh, one BIG bonus I've noticed vs 400E/500E....no hot running habits. Even in hellish atlanta summers/traffic I've not seen mine get over 100C. If you have any questions just email me or post back here.

Hope this helps,
Lee

PS besides, the C36 has room for a turbo or two underhood....