any weak points to the C36 AMG
 

hi
I am considering getting a 1995 C36 AMG with 108K this weekend , I was wondering if there are weak points to the
AMG, Like transmission life and problems ,(only 5spd Mercedes for me ever) vavle adjustment and cylinder head rebuilds , timing chain is still a chain ,right?? Are parts hard to come by being only 400 of them here in the US, and any thing else i should know about the C36

thanks

Dave

240D 4spd
300D 5 spd
300E 5 spd
190E 5 spd
190e-16v 5spd
190E-16v 5 spd
300SD auto (sold)

Are you sure there are only 400 c36's in the US? I saw ATLEAST 5 different c36's in Columbus alone.

The main weak point to the C36 is too many speeding tickets...:D :D :D

Just so you don't have a weak heart.........

William Rogers..........

The M104 engine (AMG variant or not) is notorious for external head gasket leaks on the R side of the engine near the firewall. The engine's front cover frequently develops leaks as well. A lot of extended warranty companies stopped issuing contracts for AMG vehicles specifically becausee of the high cost involved in maintaining the C36. They aren't really any worse than any other M104 vehicle, and with proper maintenance, will run forever. Great car though, tons of fun. The sound of that six in its upper rev range is a thing of beauty.

Re: any weak points to the C36 AMG
 

The four speed in the 95-96 cars is very durable. Tough as nails.

Not needed. Hydraulics.

M104 might need to have it's head off for a gasket, and if you're at 150K-miles, might be a good time to freshen the head too. For the most part though, the M104 is super durable and will last a very long time, even in the 3.6L AMG version.

Yup. Nice big double row on that engine. Short path means long life from the chain.

Nope. 90% of the parts on a C36 are run of the mill C280 parts. However, the AMG specific bits are VERY expensive compared to normal C-Class parts. Brake parts for our C36 were about four times the price of the parts for our C230. The C36 also wears tires out VERY fast, and you MUST install Z-rated Max Performance tires, otherwise you might as well have bought a C280.

The C36 is a great car. Reliable like the C-Class line, but can run very hard. there are some caveats on the 95's...

Wiring harness issues. The 95's still had the biodegradable harness. Yuck. $1000.

ASR program is very aggressive, and cannot be completely turned off. However, ASR was optional on 95's, and so you might find one without it. That's a find!

Some 95's also have the old style on-off AC compressor system, which is not as reliable as the 1996- variable pressure system. The 95's also have the "old style" ACC control panel, but it seems to be as durable as the 96- units.

The four speed cars are not quite as quick as the 97 five speeds, but no slouches either. Our well broken in 95 could run low 14 quarters at close to 100mph. But, without the overdrive fifth gear, they don't get as good fuel economy. In fact, when pushed hard, the C36 can drink like a full sized SUV. The seats are much different than other C-Class cars, and VERY comfy and supportive.

Before buying, have a VERY thorough PPI done. Expect to pay $200-$250 for one that dives deep enough for a C36.