I really like the AMG C Class's, and it's been on my mind a lot lately to possibly think of parting/selling my Maxima for a C36. Although I don't think I could ever really do it, my Maxima is such a great car, so fast, so fun, so many heads turn, there's something about the C36 that draws me.

I'm not in the financial situation to even contemplate doing it anytime soon, but I was just curious what you guys thought.

For those who don't know the C36 is an inline 6 3.6 liter that puts out 276 HP. It's RWD off the standard C-Class chassis, with lots of AMG styling enhancements. It runs a 14.0-14.4 second 1/4 mile out of an automatic. On the used market they're running about 20-24K right now for a 95-97.

 

What's the price for the C36? You might just be looking at an extra couple of grand for the C43 which is much better.
C36 or Maxima --> Maxima
C43 or Maxima --> C43 hands down

 

Dude, I'm all about German cars also, but you know the maintenance on that car would be a BI*CH!!!! Also I'd say the reliablility would be absolutely awful in comparison to the Max. But it's a Benz............ RWD..........German driving dynamics

And look at the C43 if it's not too much more expensive.

 

not knocking maximas because they are great, but i dont really think you can compare the 2...

i mean MERCEDES or maxima, RWD or fwd

 

Maximas are nice, but if you can get a good deal then go with AMG.

 

Wait for the 43...much better car IMO.

Erik

 

Well the C43 costs a lot more because they came out in 98, and the beauty of the 36 is it basically looks the same, and it's just as fast. It's only 10-15 HP less, and suffers a .1 second disadvantage in the 1/4 mile. Thus, paying an extra 15-20K for the 43 is obsurd.

Also, as far as reliability, Benz engines are some of the most reliable engines on the road. The electrical crap and interior lights, etc is where the problems are. My Maxima, being supercharged and all isn't as reliable as it used to be, so I don't think you can say one is more reliable than the other.

 

C36 and C43 were basically identical performance wise. Go with the C36/43 over the Maxima. You dont see many of them on the road.

 

keep the maxima. or get a 2k2. better yet, get a 350...

 

Well I don't have all the time in the world, and just to know my options what do you think I could sell my car for 'AS IS'

This Maxima is very nicely mod'd. I get compliments from EVERYONE!!

 

I don't know about the price that you could get for it, but it would all depend on whether it would go to a max enthusiast, or some common buyer or dealership, because then they wouldn't pay more for the mods...but add my vote for the AMG C36

 

duh, go benz.

 

Pretty much convinces me of what you should do. PM me if it still eludes you.

Albert

 

c36

 

I wouldnt even ask that ? to myself......



GO WITH THE BENZ !!!!!!

 

Well I'll seriously consider it, but only if I could find a nice maxima enthusiast to take my car as is.

Please NO ONE IM me about parting out my car, I absolutely will NOT part it out, it's not worth the time to me, and I hate getting emails unless they're important, and since I don't want to part it out I consider it junk mail.

 

Dude, keep your Max! You will turn more heads with that car that with the Benz. My friends look at you max, makes their mouth go wide open. And say "Is that a Maxima?"

 

go with the benz.

and for those who complain that maintenance of german cars is a 'b-tch' i have a german car (not for long) and it's nothing that special to maintain. only now in it's 7th year do i have to replace something. so there.. 1995-1999 owner 1, changed nothing. 1999-2001 me, changed nothing. 2002-2002 GAAAH.. brakes + bearings + wipers etc. but nothing elecrical etc gone bad. engine either.. tranny too (stick).

 

Hmm...Brian...those thoughts again
If you want my opinion though, get a 97 540i 6-speed. 0-60 in 5.3 and 14.0 or less 1/4 miles time plus it's way more luxurious than the C-class. You can purchase a 97/98 540i for VERY low 20's these days. Hell, I would even consider one if I didn't have my LS. Handling wise, Bimmer destroys the AMG (0.89g skidpad stock for sport package)

 

Yeah but what could I get for my car AS IS

 

The next car I want is a early 90's benz fully tuned by Renntech with at least over 350hp. Last year there was a mint renntech benz(about 36K mile on it) I think a 90 with a 5 speed and over 300hp that went for 18k and not long ago another fully tuned auto Renntech benz with complete comp stereo system,TV, VCR, fridge ect... went for 16K If only I waited a little longer before buying my max One day I will have a Renntech

 

I don't think you'd get very much because there are only a handful of people out there that are willing to buy a heavily modified car and replace the engine. I know you keep your car in excellent condition, but telling them your blew your engine with a S/C is going to make them immediatley think "abuse". So you would have to keep it until someone who is really interested in rebuilds and hardcore performance is willing to buy that. Who knows how long that will be.
-Cyrus

 

Actually the engine didn't blow, the spark plug tip(s) melted and that caused piston damage.

 

Are you sure your #'s are right....

3.6 V6

Vs

4.3 V8

Only 15 HP difference?

Erik

 

I was correct...here are the real #'s...

C36 - 268 hp - 280 torque
C43 - 302 hp - 302 torque

And the C43 weighs less too...

C36 - 3549 lbs.
C43 - 3461 lbs.

Erik

 

Geez Brian, the Benz is an Automatic!

:barf:

At least get a 540 6-speed like Anton suggested.

 

i totally agree. melted spark plug tip still sounds related to S/C abuse or something. i dont think i would buy an aftermarket s/c'ed car, let alone on engine 2. i dont think im alone. plus your car is so nice as is, its going to cost and lose you a lot of $$ to trade up. of all the new car scenarios, how many of you guys actually do it?? look and DMBMaxima he didnt sell the 2002 afterall.

goodluck, Hall