C36 - Looking to buy - (oily engine sump pan)

[Glennsr]

Hi,

I am looking to buy a C36 and have found one I like. It is a '97 P plate and has covered 57,000 miles.

I have had the car inspected and the inspection has thrown up a few essential items. One of these is that the engine sump pan is oily in appearance.

Not having owned a Mercedes before, I am thinking that this could be tell tale trouble of an oil leak and a big bill. Does anyone have any comments on this, is it a common occurence on this model? One specialist has told me that it is on straight 6 engines, but I would be interested to know if anyone has any comments.

Also, any comments on C36 ownership generally/things to look out for?

Many thanks.

Glenn

 

[NormanB]

Glen

Not sure how well versed you are with cars generally, so apologies if there appear to be egg sucking lessons here.

1. Oil rarely flows uphill (unless pushed by external force - wind).
2. Oil usually flows downhill.
3. Examine the engine from the top down, yes there is a leak but where from. You need to examine carefully and it may involve some targetted cleaning around the key joints, valve cover, head gasket, oil filter, dipstick tube, sump joint and pan and drain plug. Then run engine and give it a good 'optical bollicking' from the top down eliminating each potential source in turn.

Some questions you may wish to ask yourself before you proceed:

a. Is mileage genuine?
b. Examine Service History and MOTS for continuity (and scrutinise).
c. Any other repairs, invoice paperwork?
d. Do all the toys and electrical essentials work (window lifters, aircon if fitted, cruise etc).
e. Condition of interior carpets upholstery pedal rubbers (Merc interiors are very very hardwearing - if it looks at all tired then it has been abused, neglected and is a clocking candidate.
f. Are you talking to the owner or a trader?
g. What does it drive like, are the gearchanges smooth, any clunking?

I do not know the particular model you have your eye on, but in general there is no such thing as a cheap mercedes. If this oil leak is a headgasket then you are looking at a sizeable bill if you are unable to do it yourself - just an example. Do not feel that this is the only MB for sale, there are plenty and if you look at lots you will soon learn to identify those that have been nurtured, maintained and documented so that it satisfies you you are dealing with a genuine motor. Of course there are no guarantees but a lousy history generally means a lousy future and big £££££.

Good luck

NormanB

 

[sgregory124]

Hi,

Also, any comments on C36 ownership generally/things to look out for?

Glenn

I've had my C36 since July 2003 and I must admit it has cost me a small fortune to run and keep in good order, but its worth every penny! I bought mine (a 97 P too) at 55,000 miles.

Money i've spent so far (very roughly):

Rear brake discs and pads: £750
Front brake pads: £100
4-wheel alignment: £427
2 oil services: £300
1 new washer jet: £15
4 new tyres: £600
Transmission fluid change: £157 (PENDING)

Admittedly the 4-wheel alightment and new tyres were the result of a minor accident I had but the rears were shot to pieces anyway after 10,000 miles lol

I'm not sure what you drive at the moment but I used to own an Audi A4 2.8 Quattro and the C36 was a big culture shock lol All I can say is, I love this car, it may do less than 300 miles per tank of petrol, go through rubber like its going out of fashion etc etc but its all worth it for the engine, the sound, the brutalness of it all

Hope that helps....LOL

Simon

 

[Glennsr]

C36

Norman B and Simon,

Thank you both for your comments about oil leaks and C36 ownership, they are much appreciated.

Glenn