| Model year | 1997 |
| Year of manufacture | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 6 cylinder Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) |
7.5 / 10
|
| Distance when acquired | 40000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 50000 miles |
| Previous car | Porsche 911 |
Summary:
Perfect
Faults:
My fan clutch failed at 43,000 miles -it cost $100 to replace.
The oxygen sensor failed at 49,000 miles - it cost about $75.00 to replace.
General Comments:
I am pleased with this car. It is roomy for it's size. It is not a sports car, but it handles well. I would recommend this car to anyone.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 20th September, 2004
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 1997 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 10 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) |
10.0 / 10
|
| Most recent distance | 60000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Honda Legend |
Summary:
A suave, pristine machine
Faults:
Absolutely nothing.
General Comments:
This car is a dream to drive, the handling is exceptionally good especially around twisty mountainous roads.
Two seconds behind the wheel lets the driver feel the solid quality, with doors that close like bank vaults and an overall feeling of indestructability.
The car has a very tight feel about it, and in my opinion is far better finished vehicle than the Honda Legend.
The fuel economy is good, despite the 1.8 litre producing an impressive degree of acceleration.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 17th October, 2003
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | diesel Manual |
| Performance marks | 4 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) |
6.6 / 10
|
| Distance when acquired | 50000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 115000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Honda Aerodeck |
Summary:
Practical
Faults:
Bulb behind speedo.
Cloth seats don't clean well after kid's have spilled loads of food etc...
(maybe no surprise there though)
Air-con fault via hose not being connected properly by passenger seat, leading to pools of water around the floor of the back-seat!
General Comments:
The car is excellent for general use for my family (3 kids) being an estate it has good space for long journeys and although a classic model, comes with air-con.
As the model is a non-turbo diesel, performance is really poor except when upto speed on the motorway. The must have auto. box would be disadvantage with this engine, as at least the engine is not sapped, especially at junctions etc..
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 2nd October, 2003
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | Inline 6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) |
7.8 / 10
|
| Distance when acquired | 38000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 70000 miles |
| Previous car | Acura NSX |
Summary:
A high performance bargain! YES
Faults:
Air mass sensor has gone out twice, the fix was FREE from the dealer. But to save money on towing costs, buy one ($230) and keep it in the car to swap, using a screw driver.
A/C control lights went out, $6. plus $80 labor(scum).
Transmission needed to be rebuilt at 66k. DARN! just passed warranty! No word FREE here, cost $1700. Which is not bad considering what kind of transmission it is (5-speed auto with quick shift program).
Note: If you can, buy the dealer extended warranty.
General Comments:
This was truly built by AMG. The motor was taken apart and put back together by AMG.
You get what you pay for! Maybe even more than you'll ever know.
C36 AMG, have fun!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 28th January, 2002
I own a 1996 C-36 AMG. Mileage was 92k when purchased about a year ago. Now has 102k. This has been the best car I have ever owned. It is equipped with the MUCH more reliable 4 speed auto trans. Handling is very sharp, turn in is good, and tracks like it is on rails. Power is quite strong, 268hp and 290ft-lb of torque. Power delivery is very smooth due to the high torque curve. To this point I have encountered none of the dreded wiring harness or MAF sensor issues, although it did require an ignition control module replacement.
As with all low production, rare cars, careful inspection is vital before buying. The cost to have the car checked by a competent tech is the best money you will ever spend.
This car is the first official product of AMG and Mercedes. It is of the highest build quality available at that time. The motor is completely hand assembled and tested by ONE person with a daily quota of ONE motor per day.
The car gives me a smile every time I drive it and well received wherever I take it. The value for money is great. The cars sold when new for $52,000, and the cars can be had for under $20,000. I paid $16,000 for mine in 9+ condition, mechanicly and cosmeticly. If one is patient and finds a good clean example, you can't go wrong with a C-36. Good luck!
Hey... Just wanted to ask why you switched from an NSX to a C36?
I bought my 97 C36 (with a lot of mileage! 145,000 miles!) 2 months ago & I'm very happy with it. It's mechanically & cosmetically perfect! But I found a 97 NSX with low mileage for a very reasonable price, $24,000...
Would you advise me to buy it or stick with C36?
Thanks.
I had a 1998 C230 (the basis for your car) for two years from new. It wasn't horribly unreliable, but it had things go wrong that simply shouldn't, like a power seat failing at 10K miles. Unacceptable for a Mercedes.
The mid-late 1990's until recently saw a dramatic decline in Mercedes quality as Mercedes tried to compete with Lexus and other Japanese brands while swallowing Chrysler.
My advice, assuming you don't need four doors, is to get rid of the C36 and get an NSX, a much more reliable car, tire issues aside.
Hey guys,
I was wondering what you all think for an 1997 C-class C36 with 150K, cosmetic and mechanical condition? Seems pretty good for $ 3350.00.
It's an old car thinking it's 2011, but that's why I am asking your opinion, and also do you know if there is any way to change their head lights because it has the old style ones, pretty ugly...