Three Pedal AMG- 1995 Mercedes C36

The Mercedes C36 was the first car produced by AMG after Mercedes purchased them.  The C36 was the successor to 190E 16V as Mercedes compact performance car.  It was a very expensive car when new and competed directly with the BMW E36 M3.  The engine, square edged styling, brakes, and build quality were without fault.  The real achilles heal of the C36 was the dimwitted automatic which was the only transmission option.  C36 resale prices pale in comparison to the M3 largely due to the the lack of third pedal.  Today's seller took matters in their own hands and swapped in a proper manual transmission.  Find this 1995 Mercedes C36 AMG for sale in Santa Barbara, CA for $8,500 via craigslist.  Tip from Sean.

Schnell Tourenwagen: 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG Wagon W202

The W202 generation Mercedes-Benz C-class was launched in North America for the 1994 model year  with a few basic inline four & six cylinder engines.  In 1995 the AMG modified C36 hit the showrooms, but the final (and fastest) spec was the V8 C43 released in 1998. Unfortunately for long roof fans, all W202 headed for North America were sedan versions and we didn't get the cool wagon version...so you'll have to find an immigrant like this next one.  Find this 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG Wagon here on eBay offered for $13,900 buy-it-now located in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.  Tip from Cory.

4k: OG AMG: 1995 Mercedes C36 AMG

The first AMG Americans could buy from a Mercedes-Benz dealership was a joint project between both companies, although production was completed before Mercedes took 51-percent ownership. With a bored and stroked 3.6-liter DOHC 24-valve inline six, a Bose surround sound system, brakes from a V12 SL600, and a tight suspension, it set the standard for MB performance in a reserved, sophisticated package. It also set the standard for depreciating AMG products; costing $50,000 in 1995 dollars, most examples can be cross-shopped today with 100k-mile Hyundais. Find this 1995 Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG for sale in Farmingville, NY for $3,500 via craigslist. 

10k: Drink Your Vee Eight: 1998 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG W202

 If the BMW M3/M5 market tells us anything, it is that fast, limited edition, German sedans will be worth something in the future.  Mercedes starting badging their US bound cars with the AMG logo in 1995 with the big inline-6 powered C36 AMG, but in 1998 they released the V8 powered version called the C43 AMG.  Today's feature is a medium mile example offered for a medium price.  Find this 1998 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG W202 offered for $11,900 in Ft Myers, CO here on craigslist.

3k: It Takes Two: 1969 Mercedes-Benz W115 220D and W202 C43 AMG Engine

Welcome to a new DT feature, It Takes Two, where we pick not one craigslist ad, but two, for the ultimate Lego-style DT post.  This first ITT feature involves the marriage of a classic Mercedes-Benz W115 diesel and a C43 AMG V8 for the ultimate DIY classic FrankenBenz.  Find this 1969 Mercedes-Benz 220D with "horked" engine for sale in San Francisco, CA for $1500 and an M113 4.3L V8 from a W202 C43 AMG for sale in North Hollywood, CA for $1500 via craigslist.  We have it upon good authority from one of our regular tippers that the W115 seller is a stand-up guy who just needs to get his wife a garage spot. 

10k:1998 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG; Low Mile W202

The Mercedes W202 was one of the last pre-Daimler/Chrysler merge Mercedes that we would consider allowing in our garage.  It still maintains the classic clean Mercedes styling, before the front end starting looking like a Jag, and before Daimler abandoned its 100 year reputation for quality over quantity.  Market share obsessed DaiChry executives slashed vehicle development budgets and BOM cost sheets in exchange for the instant gratification of next quarter's stock bonus, an affliction that Mercedes vehicles are still suffering from two decades later.  Gone are the 500k mile machines that had nuclear winter proof interiors and the replacements are a nightmare of costly components and cracked leather after the warranty wears off.  Relive the glory days of Daimler-Benz greatness with this 1998 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG currently for sale in snowy Minneapolis, MN via ebay buy-it-now of $11,500 obo.