The 1993 Mercedes-Benz C 36 AMG is a significant model in the history of both Mercedes-Benz and AMG. It was the first car jointly developed by Mercedes-Benz and AMG, marking the beginning of a long-standing partnership that eventually led to AMG becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz.
Overview of the 1993 Mercedes-Benz C 36 AMG
- Production Years: The C 36 AMG was produced from 1993 to 1997.
- Platform: It was based on the W202 C-Class, which was Mercedes-Benz’s compact executive car platform at the time.
- Significance: The C 36 AMG was Mercedes-Benz’s first official high-performance C-Class, making it a direct competitor to other sports sedans like the BMW M3.
Engine and Performance
- Engine: The C 36 AMG was powered by a 3.6-liter inline-six engine.
- Power Output: The engine produced 276 horsepower (280 PS) and 385 Nm (284 lb-ft) of torque, which was impressive for the time and gave the car a 0-60 mph time of around 6.5 seconds.
- Transmission: It came with a 4-speed automatic transmission, which was later upgraded to a 5-speed automatic in 1996.
- Top Speed: The car was electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), a typical feature for German high-performance cars.
Design and Features
- Exterior: The C 36 AMG featured a subtle yet aggressive body kit, with larger wheels, sportier bumpers, and a lowered suspension. The AMG badging and distinctive dual exhausts added to its performance-oriented look.
- Interior: Inside, the car came with sport seats, AMG-specific instrumentation, and luxurious materials such as leather and wood trim, blending comfort with performance.
- Wheels: The car was fitted with unique AMG monoblock alloy wheels, which became a signature design element for AMG vehicles.
Legacy
- First AMG-Mercedes Partnership: The C 36 AMG represents the first fruit of the collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and AMG, setting the stage for future high-performance models under the AMG brand.
- Collector’s Car: Given its significance as the first AMG model in the C-Class lineup, the C 36 AMG has become a sought-after collector’s item.
- AMG Lineage: The success of the C 36 AMG paved the way for the development of more powerful and advanced AMG models, eventually leading to the creation of iconic cars like the C 43, C 55, and C 63 AMG.
The 1993 C 36 AMG is a milestone in the AMG history, marking the transition from independent tuner to an integral part of the Mercedes-Benz family. It continues to be revered by enthusiasts for its performance, engineering, and the role it played in shaping the future of AMG.