Hello all,

I'm usually on the SL forum but stopped here, the most popular part of the site, to pose a question for a friend. Here it is.....and thanks for any info or direction.

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"Going to Look at a Merc C36, What Should I Be Weary Of?"


"I'm going to look at a 97 Mercedes C36 for a good friend who is out of town. I don't know much about these cars aside from their specs and the general reputation of the C class Mercs of that era. I think it's a pretty good car for what this guy is looking for (4 door, auto, boulevard pimp status, and hp). I recommended an E36 M3 but he really doesn't want stick (which i fundamentally fail to understand, but that's another issue).

Anyone have a C36 or experience with one?
Any thoughts on wear items or what to look for in particular (Car has 120K miles)?
Lastly, anyone have a Mercedes shop in the Bay Area that they feel confident could handle a PPI?

Thanks

David "

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Rick

'85 380 SL (sold)
'85 Carrera Flatnose
'71 280 SL Signal Red/Cognac

You'll have to have a good PPI done. The 1997 models are the best of the C36's as the five speed has a steeper final drive ratio and the car is the quickest of the C36 run. Also, the wiring harness issues were resolved at that point.

The main thing you need to be aware of is the 722.6 transmission. While the five speed makes the car a bit quicker, it's also the driveline's weak point. Make sure the car shifts up and down properly.

As to the majority of the car, it's "just" a W202 C280, and parts and service are reasonable. Any AMG bits are tres expensive, and brake parts are significantly more expensive than regular C-Class parts. The modified M104 is super durable and seems as long lived as "normal" M104 engines. Our C36 was not babied and took everything without a single hiccup.

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

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

John,

Thanks for taking the time to offer your advice.

Rick

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Rick

'85 380 SL (sold)
'85 Carrera Flatnose
'71 280 SL Signal Red/Cognac