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1996 Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG

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By Research the Car 2 min read

Introduction:

The 1996 Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG was a high-performance version of the W202 C-Class. It featured a hand-built 3.6-liter V8 engine that produced 276 horsepower and 284 pound-feet of torque. The C36 AMG was available with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

  • 3.6-liter V8 Engine

    • Oil leaks from camshaft seals: Oil leaks from the camshaft seals. Symptoms include a burning oil smell and visible oil leaks. The seals need to be replaced. $500 - $900+
    • Timing chain tensioner failure: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to slip. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, reduced performance, and increased fuel consumption. The timing chain and tensioner need to be replaced. $2,000 - $3,000+
    • Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing a vacuum leak. Symptoms include rough idling, reduced performance, and increased fuel consumption. The intake manifold gasket needs to be replaced. $500 - $800+
    • Head gasket failure: The head gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to mix. Symptoms include a milky-colored substance in the oil, coolant loss, and overheating. The head gasket needs to be replaced. $2,500 - $4,000+

Transmission

  • 5-speed Manual Transmission

    • No Issues Found

  • 4-speed Automatic Transmission

    • Transmission slipping: The transmission may slip, causing a loss of power and transmission shudder. The transmission may need to be rebuilt or replaced. $2,000 - $4,000+

Suspension

  • Front strut mount failure: The front strut mounts can fail, causing a clunking noise and reduced handling. The strut mounts need to be replaced. $500 - $800+
  • Rear shock absorber failure: The rear shock absorbers can fail, causing a bouncy ride and reduced handling. The shock absorbers need to be replaced. $600 - $1,000+
  • Control arm bushing failure: The control arm bushings can fail, causing a clunking noise and reduced handling. The bushings need to be replaced. $300 - $500+

Electrical

  • Alternator failure: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to discharge and the vehicle to stall. The alternator needs to be replaced. $500 - $800+
  • Starter failure: The starter can fail, preventing the engine from starting. The starter needs to be replaced. $300 - $600+
  • Battery failure: The battery can fail, preventing the vehicle from starting. The battery needs to be replaced. $100 - $200+

Exterior

  • No Issues Found

Interior

  • Sunroof leak: The sunroof can leak, causing water to enter the cabin. The sunroof seals need to be replaced. $500 - $800+
  • Heater core failure: The heater core can fail, causing a lack of heat in the cabin. The heater core needs to be replaced. $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Dashboard cracks: The dashboard can crack due to exposure to heat and sunlight. No fix is available.

Summary:

The 1996 Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG is a reliable and enjoyable vehicle, but it is not without its issues. The most common problems are oil leaks, timing chain tensioner failure, intake manifold gasket failure, and transmission slipping. These issues can be costly to fix, but they are not uncommon for a high-performance vehicle of this age.

Mercedes-Benz, C36 AMG
Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG 1996
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