When presented the choice of repairing a failed head gasket on the stock 3.2 engine or swapping in a C36 AMG engine, I chose the later. Neo in the Matrix chose the red pill and we have been down similar rabbit holes ever since. The 2.8, 3.2, and 3.6 Mercedes M104 straight six engines all have the same exterior dimensions so it was a straight bolt in swap. The 3.6 engine is good for approximately sixty horsepower more than the stock 3.2. For 1995, a small number of factory E36 cars were sold in the United Kingdom. Find my 1995 Mercedes E320 wagon for sale here on eBay in Norwalk, CT for $10,000.
The interior color was changed from saddle to black to accommodate the acquisition of a pair black 500e front seats. The 500e seats were never available in saddle color so recovering them would have been a pricey proposition. The interior also boasts a 500e 390mm steering wheel and all wood trim has been switched over from Zebrano to Burl wood.
The entire suspension has been rebuilt to either Mercedes Sportline or 500e specs. It now features 500e sway bars, 500e springs, Bilstein Sport front shocks, and all of the rubber bushings (there are a ton) have been replaced. The late model CLK 16" wheels are prized by those in the know because they only weigh 13 lbs each. The low unsprung weight does wonders for the steering feel.
The wagon is being replaced by a W124 coupe with the same engine swap except it will be backed up by a 5 speed manual transmission.
oh, that is very nice - only the stick separates it from perfection, and i can see we are on the same page - then again, some people with wonky knees/elbows do prefer an automatic
ReplyDeleteyou may find this link interesting - www.rentanoldie.de - fantasy rally Hamburg to the Alps and back one of these days - who's in?
Wow. That's lovely. I would seriously consider it if I were in the market.
ReplyDeleteVery nicely done, looks great and drives the same I bet.
ReplyDeleteLove this car. The only thing really missing is the third pedal.
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