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When it’s time to move on and you reflect on your ownership of a fast gaining classic Mercedes C36. Fuelfed member Mike B. gives his perspective.
The C36 is a special car. It represents the only time a customer could purchase a car modified by AMG at the AMG plant and backed by the warranty, quality, and reliability of Mercedes. For more model history and detailed description of the special improvements of the C36, read this great Motor Trend write up from ’95.
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This C36 is a special car to me. In 1996, ~334 total C36’s were shipped to North America, ~150 in black. I purchased this C36 in April of 2013 from the 4th owner with 89,XXX miles and have used it as a daily driver 9 months of the year since then. Today its a mid-mileage car with 137,XXX miles. It’s the perfect practical car during the week, its rarity turns heads at car events, and pure nirvana on twisty roads like the famous Fuelfed Final Drive which I’ve driven the C36 twice. I lovingly use only Meguiars products to keep the black paint and interior looking great. Mechanically, the car is solid, everything works, air blows cold and hot, the harnesses and head gasket were both addressed prior to my ownership and neither have given me any issues. The car is outfitted with brand new Nitto Motivo performance all season tires on C32/CLK AMG wheels and a recent service at MBS automotive in Northbrook. The multi spoke wheels give the car a modern look. if the mono blocks are desired, they can be found easily. The Bose stereo has been upgraded to a Continental Bluetooth head unit and the rear mounted 6 disk CD changer and antenna have been disconnected. The original radio and radio code will be included with the sale. The Interior appears new except for some discoloring on the steering wheel and the shift knob and a small crack in the clear coat of the burl wood cup holder cover. The rest of the wood is in excellent condition. The original C36 branded floor mats and a set of weathertech rubber mats are included.
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The car is not flawless. The shocks are leaking a little and should be rebuilt soon, and the right front ball joint should be replaced. In 2009 a minor incident is reported on the driver side resulting in some paint work, but no residual evidence of structural damage. The paint has some nicks and deeper scratches as expected with a daily driver and there are a few small rust spots appearing on the fenders. These blemishes can easily be addressed by a competent paint shop resulting in a stunning future classic!
I am a Mercedes enthusiast and have taken every effort to keep the car in excellent condition and use Mercedes or OEM quality parts during my ownership. Here is a link to my maintenance file on the car. I have a receipt for every line item not marked “home” and a copy of the Carfax report. How can I claim to love this car so much and still sell it? I purchased a red one.
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