6-Speed W202: 1997 Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG

The Mercedes C36 marked AMG’s inaugural production following its acquisition by Mercedes-Benz and succeeded the 190E 16V as the brand’s compact high-performance vehicle. Despite its premium price tag, the C36 was a formidable competitor to the BMW E36 M3, with the AMG having a larger and more powerful engine, sharp-edged aesthetics, top-notch brakes, and exceptional build quality. However, its primary drawback lay in the sole transmission option, a lackluster automatic, which served as the C36’s Achilles’ heel. Find this 1997 Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG 6-speed bidding for $4,500 in Norwalk, CT via carsandbids.com with 2 days to go. Seller submission from Cory.

From the seller:

VIN
WDBHM36EXVF594904

THIS… is a 1997 Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG, finished in black exterior with a black interior.

While the attached Carfax history report contains some reporting gaps, it shows California ownership until November 2020.
A build sheet is provided in the gallery, and factory equipment includes 17-inch AMG wheels, sport suspension, AMG exterior styling, an adjustable steering column, Acceleration Skid Control (ASR), an automatic climate control system, power windows and door locks, and more as described below.
Modifications reported to this Mercedes-Benz include a 6-speed manual transmission from a W203-generation C-Class, a 3.45-ratio differential, a Fließen rear muffler, seats and interior door panels from a C43 AMG, a sunroof delete, and more as detailed below.
The first-generation W202 C-class was produced from 1993 to 2000 and succeeded the 190 series as Mercedes-Benz’s entry-level offering. The C36 AMG variant was sold from 1995 to 1997 and was the first Mercedes-Benz model developed in cooperation with AMG, prior to the tuning company’s acquisition by DaimlerChrysler in 1999. The C36 AMG features a hand-built naturally-aspirated inline-6 engine, sport suspension, and an AMG body kit to set it apart from it’s non-AMG-badged peers.
Power comes from a 3.6-liter straight-6, which produces 276 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque. Output is sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission.

Equipment
A build sheet is shown in the gallery, and a partial list of notable equipment includes:

17-inch AMG wheels
Sport suspension
AMG exterior styling
Adjustable steering column
Acceleration Skid Control (ASR)
Automatic climate control system
Power windows and door locks
Heated rear window
Cruise control
Modifications
Modifications reported by the seller include:

Mechanical:

6-speed manual transmission from a W203-generation C-Class
3.45-ratio differential from a W140 S-Class
Fließen rear muffler
Exterior and Interior:

S600-style front grille
Sunroof delete
Window tint
Seats from a C43 AMG
Interior door panels from a C43 AMG
Carbon fiber interior trim from a C280
Suede-like headliner
Continental head unit
Known Flaws
While the attached Carfax history report shows no accidents in this C36 AMG’s past, the seller states that the rear bumper and trunk lid were repainted due to a rear-end collision, and that the front bumper and passenger-side fender were replaced due to a parking lot collision.
The attached Carfax history report shows a “mileage inconsistency” reported in November 2020. The seller notes that the instrument cluster may have been replaced with a used unit, and adds that the mileage displayed on the odometer does not accurately represent the vehicle’s true mileage.
Various stone chips, dings, and scratches
Scratches on the passenger-side fender
Chipped paint below the passenger-side A-pillar
Door dings
Faded window trim and door seals
Blue-painted sunroof delete panel
Sealant visible around the sunroof delete panel
Some curb rash and peeled finish on the wheels
Creases and blemishes on the seat upholstery
Wear on the steering wheel and shift knob
Missing power outlet plug
Blemishes and loose material on the front seat backs
Peeled finish on the engine valve cover
The seller reports that the A/C system does not function, and notes that the system appears to leak. The seller adds that the keyless entry feature and power-operated sunroof do not function.
Recent Service History
Service records shown in the gallery indicates that the A/C system was serviced in October 2022 at 219,521 miles.

The seller states that the following services were recently performed:

March 2023: Tires replaced
Engine rebuild performed (main bearings, oil pump, timing chain, and cylinder head gasket replaced, crankshaft polished, cylinder head rebuilt)
3rd brake light, front and rear brakes, fan bearing bracket, idler pulley, spark plugs, ignition coils, spark plug wires, mass air flow sensor, fuel filter, and engine belly pan replaced
Factory springs and shock absorbers reinstalled
Coolant and engine oil changed
Other Items Included in Sale
2 keys
Owner’s manual
Front brake pads
Additional spare parts
Ownership History
The seller acquired this Mercedes-Benz in January 2021.

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