W202 - C36 AMG

[MercedesMutant]

I maybe in a position to buy one of these from a friend who has a plethora of old and cool Mercedes AMG cars.

What are the areas to inspect on this vehicle? I have owned or driven a lot of Benz's including the W201, W124, W126, W204, C207 cars, I've not had a chance to drive the W202 but I know Mercedes from this era are rust buckets, this one should be okay as it's recently been imported from the land of the rising sun.

So what rust areas should I check? I know about the wiring harness issues so i'll check if this has been done, any other major issues? I've worked on plenty of W201 and W124 cars so don't be afraid to get technical.

 

[grahamcol]

The 202, especially the facelifted version, can and will rust virtually everywhere.. Ask me how l know! The front wings, rear wheel arches and sills are particularly prone. Beware that an import may have even less rust protection than UK models, if that's possible !

 

[Uncle Benz]

The 202, especially the facelifted version, can and will rust virtually everywhere.. Ask me how l know! The front wings, rear wheel arches and sills are particularly prone. Beware that an import may have even less rust protection than UK models, if that's possible !

I’ve seen a lot of Japanese imports, owned an S202 from Japan myself. The rust protection is exactly the same on those. If anything they arrive here in better condition rust wise for their age than the uk equivalent

 

[LostKiwi]

Wiring harnesses are only an issue on 1993 to 1995 Mercedes. ThevC36busrs an M104 engine which are known to blow head gaskets at around 100k miles.

Being a Japanese car the speedometer will be in Km/h and the radio (if original) will be useless as the Japanese don't use the same frequencies.

Not sure if it extended to Japanese Mercedes but the Japs have a bizarre compulsion to fit thinks that beep and bong for any reason such as seatbelt not fastened, door open (even when stationary with engine off!), low washer fluid, shirt on back to front, cow in field (you get the idea).