C36 AMG Running Costs & Reliability

[danza]

Hi all,

I've been looking at various cars to replace my Honda Civic Type R, and after paring a list down from ST220, 3.0 Jag X Type Sport, MG ZT 190, or a BMW 3 series in Sport guise, I settled on the ST220. I've yet to make a purchase though.

Last night, I happened upon the c36. It looks and sounds like a fantastic car. The problem is, I can't find any horror stories, tales of woe or anything to indicate them as being anything other than solid, reliable cars. I've read of problems that could happen, but not really found any accounts of them actually happening. Is it an easy car to work on? The C36 seems to have all but completely been missed by those looking for such performance, who have instead gone for E36 M3s/Imprezas/whatever so it seems that at around £3.5K, you might actually stand a chance at finding a decent one.

So, what's the score with these?

 

[d w124]

Hi Danza and welcome to the forum.For that money you will find one that`s been looked after and they should be reliable cars

 

[danza]

Thanks for welcome and the reply.

I've got my eye on one nearish to where I live, I just want to go fully tooled up with what to look for if I go to view it.

The car will be my daily drive, so around 10K PA is all it'll be doing.

 

[d w124]

Check for rust as mercedes of that era are well known for it and check the engine for oil leak from the HG.Also if it`s an early car,see if the wiring loom has been changed
The C36s have really hit bottom price wise but as I said ^ that money should get you a nice one

 

[Deleted member 37751]

I think there's a forum member selling a C36.

At £3,500 you won't be too far off buying a C43 V8 AMG.

 

[sunny_amg]

Ive had a 1996 C36 and i had to replace my ECU, had to have a head gasket change. The main thing to look out for is brittle engine harness as this shorts out the ECU. Other than that, the car is solid and was reliable when i owned it for 6 years

 

[Alps]

Solid cars, Fairly easy to work on and fairly cheap to look after!

Add the price of them they are a good bargain if you get a well looked after one!

 

[danza]

Thanks for the comments guys. I've sent an email to ahsanist regarding his C36.

Now I just need as much info and 'what to look out fors' as I can get.

I know the harness can be a problem, and the 5 speed transmission can also have issues, but are these easily spotted/common?

One thing I've so far drawn a total blank on is the MPG this car should return. All I can find is a confusing mishmash of 'gas milage' on US forums and the odd possible UK figure. Anyone comment on MPG?

 

[danza]

Ideas as to typical MPG anyone?

 

[Pringles]

20 mpg typical, 25 mpg on a run.