Mercedes-Benz C 36 AMG (1993)

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.