Joe Kenwright looks at one of AMG's more restrained and affordable Mercedes-Benz hot rods
History
Wags in the trade joke that AMG stands for 'All Money Gone'. The C36 based on the W202 C280 sold new for over $155,000. Providing the maintenance history is up to date, they can deliver sledgehammer performance dressed in a designer suit for a fraction of new car price.
A special crankshaft, fatter forged pistons, trick camshafts and valves delivered a unique 3.6-litre inline six for a solid 206kW/385Nm that matched current M-B V8 engines with reasonable fuel consumption. Low-key body upgrades and full leather trim were easily faked so make sure you are looking at the real deal. Most mechanical components were upgraded with limited alternative parts sources.
The C36 was so competent and its extra performance delivered with so little effort that owners are not always aware of the cumulative effect of the extra stresses fed into the vehicle. Even cars with the best factory service histories can be hiding catch-up maintenance that is more the product of long-term spirited driving, than any inherent flaws in the car itself.
Prices
Early C36 examples with more than 100,000km start in the low $30,000 range but allow around $50,000 for the best 1997 examples.
Running Gear
Rare private imports can hide rust. Verify genuine AMG pedigree. Check all structural seams and welds under the bonnet for repair or damage as the extra engine weight and grunt will expose any weakness. Watch for excessive engine rocking from failed hydraulic mounts.
Use oil company-branded premium fuels only or risk serious fuel system damage. Hydraulic lifters are sensitive to oil type and will make a racket if they don't pump up fully. Variable cam actuator can leak oil and cause problems.
Black smoke when warm can mean dud O2 and mass airflow sensors. Dodgy wiring harness on early cars can force engine into limp home mode and interfere with electronic throttle but should be fixed by now. Check every electronic function including climate control operation and its vacuum servo controls.
Heavy cornering and tyre loads accelerate wear in lower suspension control arm bushes, steering damper and leaks in power steering hoses. Flexible tail shaft couplings wear for extra lash and vibration.
Listen for unusual valve gear noise and watch for excessive white smoke after idling as valve stem seals and guides can harden up and wear. Head gasket can fail generating side oil leaks. Rear main seal can weep over time.
Early four-speed auto is long-lived with routine servicing but a lazy shift solenoid or wear can cause flaring between changes. Late 1996 electronic five-speed auto can shift abruptly or not at all when worn.
Sports suspension delivers great feel but higher road noise. Correct dampers essential. Replacement tyres must match original Z-rated items. Check for original alloys.
Awesome S600 front brakes/E420 rears modified for C36 application are unique to the model thus costly so check thickness. Advanced rear suspension depends on multiple bushes to make the geometry work and isolate road harshness and wears over time.
Thick leather is high quality but requires conditioning at least every six months to keep supple which few get.
Thanks to Dutton Sporting Cars (03) 9428 4144
The vehicle pictured was found for sale in CarPoint's used car classifieds here