should I purchase a 96-97 c36 or a 97-00 c280 sport. Wich is more prone to problems wire harness isues etc

Neither are prone to wiring issues. That was settled by the 96 model of either. The inline 6 is prone to head gasket failure, although it announces itself far in advance of catastrophic failure, so it is considered to be more of a maintenance issue. The C36 is very expensive when it comes to engine parts that aren't common to another model. Most other parts are straight out of the C-class parts bin (with the obvious brake and suspension differences). The 97 uses the 722.6 transmission which must be maintained carefully. The 96 4 speed is relatively bulletproof. As you can see, I own a 96 C280 and a 97 C36. The C36 is a superb daily driver, it's that well mannered, and boy, is it exciting to drive compared to the C280! Shocks are more expensive. Brakes are more expensive, but one listen to the exhaust note when you open it up, and everything else is forgotten. Man, what a sound. I have a Remus exhaust on my (wife's) C280, and the C36 is a far more erotic noise. The 97 is marginally quicker than other earlier C36s due to a very slight boost in power that year and the 5-speed tranny that year that shifts so sweetly. Sorry for my rambling, but it's quite a car.

__________________
'96 C280 (gone)
'97 C36
'05 C230k

Maybe I misread this.
Is it your wife that makes the erotic noises ?

__________________
2007 C 230 Sport.

I agree with Benzfan about the differences in the 2 models. The only thing i would note however is that the V6 engine in the 98-2000 is a far different beast that the 96 C280, much quicker even though the auto tranny does have a built in lag that irks me. Perforance go for the C36-reliabilaty the C280, but make your to get a new harmonic balacer. GOOD LUCK

__________________
1999 C280 Sport, 1967 911s Porsche

I don't know. Maybe when I'm at work....

__________________
'96 C280 (gone)
'97 C36
'05 C230k