Asking for donations to upload old video clips from the archive? That seems a bit desperate and in poor taste. TH-cam is a platform for printing money from old content of all types
It has taken hundreds upon hundreds of hours to digitize our archives so that we can share them with everyone (it certainly isn't as simple as uploading old video clips). We have been posting retro videos for years but have never fundraised for it. We do not make money from our TH-cam channel as it is not monetized so we are finally giving a chance to anyone who has enjoyed our Retro Reviews over the years the opportunity to donate to the cause. Also, any donation goes to support more Retro Review marathons which take time and effort to put together.
I do! They never looked good anymore after these cars. They started to look too exaggerated and tuned with the new AMG's and Audi RS models (especially the latest ones). I much prefer the subtle sporty styling they had in the '90s
Yup. Biggest pos' in the world. There are a plethora of reasons why that junkass company makes the fastest depreciating cars on the planet. Always has been junk Always will be
@@MrRedcelica The W202 we have in our family has more than 700k km since 2003. Never let us down and we used to travel a lot. Well built and still takes abuse like it’s nothing. The only problem was the wiring harness that we redo.
I can’t believe this got uploaded at 5am and there’s a dislike already lol someone is hating, I love these retro reviews regardless of what car they’re showing.
Back when simplicity in design, comfort and performance still existed and were valued by consumers. Little of the pointless, pricey technology that exists in cars today.
@@kirbyswarp Wrong! The reason America doesn't get the exciting cars is because everybody seems to want a pickup, SUV, or crossover! Example: we could have gotten a new Ford Focus RS right now but apparently the Escape is more popular!
@@johnnymason3265 Yeah, but it would be an automatic Ford Focus RS lol For most people having a truck its more pratical than a RS for better or for worse
Nah I don't have any concerns of this having no manual. Go buy a BMW E36 if you want manual. This Merc is designed to be fast and relaxing to drive. This is what Merc is known for.
I had one years ago and it was so much fun!! I loved it. Mine was the european version so it had around 290HP. It’s so cool to see this review, this is the first time I see it.
Honestly, If Mercedes called them C20 AMG I would have no problems. But naming it C63 AMG is just a huge insult to what that naming scheme meant and what I should expect from it. 🥲
Agreed it was a premerger AMG Mercedes one of my favorite of all time. I own a AMG C32 3.2 supercharged and came from AMG a with 2200 euro option removed too speed limiter and AMG tune. Top speed 184 MPH 190 if change gear ratios. It’s a vary fast car. It was AMG Mercedes first car together so another true AMG hand built engine and quality.Now they put AMG package on everything BMW does the same thing with M packages. I love them both these six cylinders and the M3. AMG Mercedes just has better quality and build. It’s actually faster with my setup. But it was like $58,000 new. Evan has washers for the headlights. Awesome cars,
Agreed! So is BMW’s M or Audi’s S / RS Nowadays they make everything AMG pkg, M Performance, or S-Line. Audi’s RS models are not even exclusively in wagon form anymore. WTF
In my opinion, Benz hasn’t stylistically improved upon its ‘90s models, like this C-Class. I remember being fascinated by this C36 AMG as a 12 year-old. It still looks good today. Lovely.
My favorite C class, I love those looks, simple, but still with that hint of agression, great engine, but such a shame it came with no manual, that's why it's my dream to 2jz swap a non AMG one of these, that would be perfect
There used to be a light yellow C36 AMG parked near our house. I always thought it was a very unusual car because of that colour but it grew on me and I still think it's the coolest Mercedes I've ever seen. Sadly the car was sold and eventually scrapped :( I've never seen a second one ever since even when I Googled. I only found pictures of a few scale models but no real ones
This retro review reminded me of an aspirational car I had for quite awhile. It was an AMG as well, but I can’t remember what year MotorWeek tested it, but I do remember an outstanding stopping distance of around ninety feet. All other performance aspects were akin to that.
Gotta love how solid but understated those early AMGs looked. These were also the last C class models to live up to the Mercedes reputation for build quality.... These cars will last for decades if maintained properly.
No tuve ese auto, pero si un C230 chasis W202 transmisión manual del año 1998 y era un excelente auto, lo extraño. Saludos desde Guanajuato México 🇲🇽🇲🇽
90s euro designs were minimalist, geometric, clean and handsome. The opposite of today. This is a prime example as well, they looked sharp then and they still do now.
This was my 1st car when I was 17. This was back when AMG was exclusive. It was something really special. Most people didn't know about AMG. I wish I never sold this car.
I'm biased because i'm a 90s kid who grew up riding in W201s and W124s but this really was the end of an era for Mercedes Benz. I'm not saying the AMG GTs and E63s aren't cool... they are... are they special in comparison to their counterparts at BMW and Audi? Meh. The C36 AMG was special. The C36, the FIRST C43, E55, the SL600, the 500E, the 190E 2.3-16, all legends at this point. Thank you for doing this retro review!
I was thinking the same. Even the E46 330i 5-speed auto did 0-60 in 6.5s with 225-230HP. I think maybe slushboxes back in the day just didn't do a very good job launching the car (the trap speed was not too bad).
Oh the Retro Review calling the Mercedes line up not excited is priceless. It's amazing how much things have changed in 25-26 years. Not only with Mercedes but with all German sedans nowadays, it's just too bad lately the BMW lineup is exciting as long as the warranty is valid and you're blind or have poor eyesight.
0-60 in 6.8 sec is 2023 Honda Civic times. But I realize this machine's sweet spot is in the 50-75 mph range. I'm torn between this and the C43. I just love the look of these 90s and early 2000 mercedes.
So few comparate to M3 numbers in same generation... Mercedes could have done just like Bimmer did with M3 at that time. Also it's funny to see that maybe a Z28, Mustang, could beat it at the track. Anyway still love this Merk
It did back then, but the $29,000 MSRP for a 1994 C-Class was first to challenge that image stateside. 1984 190 was comparably more expensive in 1983 and a marginal discount from a W123.
I'm sure I'll get flamed for this but the Ford Contour SVT came out about 4 years later with very similar performance but was FWD and cost THIRTY THOUSAND DOLLARS LESS! That's alot of money now, a quarter of a century later....WHOA❗ I had a brand new CSVT in 2000, my first new car and owned it for 5 years, never broke down on me either!
1995 Ford Thunderbird Supercoupe had identical performance plus was larger and more luxurious for a lot less too. What does this Merc have? Styling from the 70s? Pricing from the 2010s? More buttons? Expensive parts and maintenance? Really... at what point do you stop being mesmerized by that three pointed star and just say the Emperor wears no clothes?
I wonder when MW dropped their obsession with Voltmeters and Oil Pressure Gauges. Even back then, the vast majority of users needed or could use only a warning light.
Guys, unfortunately I never got to know your program until the internet era, since I don't live in the US. But did you ever review the 1st-gen Oldsmobile Aurora? Could you upload the review someday? Thx in advance, I'll be donating in the future!
Yeah they were definitely still struggling with how to meet emissions back then. It would’ve been cool if low-production runs like this (say under 2500) were allowed to breath in their fully tuned specs
@@jareknowak8712 oh definitely I hear that. I have a Lexus ga350 fsport that’s N/A as well and it’s got similar power and is a full second or more faster it’s mostly the gearbox that’s the reason for that and the emissions workarounds have gotten a lot more efficient at not just choking all the power away. The funny thing is the 6speed in that Lexus IS ancient now and still a big leap from this merc , just love the progress in engineering.
It sounded like John Davis completely loved this Merc then of course those fools in Munich forgot to add the all important oil-pressure gauge and all hope was lost. Maybe next time AMG!
In '95, my dad was looking at a c36 and the final w124 E320. He asked what I thought. 14-year old me told him whichever gets us to Toys'R'Us the fastest so we can pick up a Playstation 1. He went oppo. The W124 is probably peak (or 1A along with w123) modern Mercedes. But 276 hp > 217 hp.
It took Motorweek's test drivers 6.8 secs to 60 mph and 15.3 to get to the 1/4 mile probably because they spent the first two seconds burning rubber at the starting point. Terrible figures from MW's test drivers which was common back then. 😒🤨
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Hug
Asking for donations to upload old video clips from the archive? That seems a bit desperate and in poor taste. TH-cam is a platform for printing money from old content of all types
It has taken hundreds upon hundreds of hours to digitize our archives so that we can share them with everyone (it certainly isn't as simple as uploading old video clips). We have been posting retro videos for years but have never fundraised for it. We do not make money from our TH-cam channel as it is not monetized so we are finally giving a chance to anyone who has enjoyed our Retro Reviews over the years the opportunity to donate to the cause. Also, any donation goes to support more Retro Review marathons which take time and effort to put together.
And, done! Thanks for these retros, love 'em! :)
Thank you so much!!
Bruno Sacco is criminally underrated as an automotive stylist
He really is, but I think he will be remembered well and true enthusiast know him.
I agree, Mercedes because what it is today because of him
Nahhhh agree to disagree
Such handsome cars from Bruno. Every single one.
This design truly captures the spirit of stodginess.
Am I the only one who really misses this era of German sport sedans?
Not at all, this was a great era for German cars.
I do! They never looked good anymore after these cars. They started to look too exaggerated and tuned with the new AMG's and Audi RS models (especially the latest ones). I much prefer the subtle sporty styling they had in the '90s
in general 90s were great!
Yup. Biggest pos' in the world.
There are a plethora of reasons why that junkass company makes the fastest depreciating cars on the planet.
Always has been junk
Always will be
Today’s German cars would have Sabine Schmitz turning in her grave at this point.
Back when luxury meant quality. Also notice the track driver shut off the AC and rolled down the windows.
well that was when quality collapsed, the 190e was the last well built small car, 124 and 126.
@@MrRedcelica The W202 we have in our family has more than 700k km since 2003. Never let us down and we used to travel a lot. Well built and still takes abuse like it’s nothing. The only problem was the wiring harness that we redo.
The W202 was such a great looking body style.
No
Indeed!
Yes
i owned one for several years and i miss it.
Even after owning a w203, w211,w204 and X204
the w202 was so contemporary and robust.
i miss it 😢
Such a timeless shape...
I can’t believe this got uploaded at 5am and there’s a dislike already lol someone is hating, I love these retro reviews regardless of what car they’re showing.
Probably the same kinda person who just comes to these videos to comment "1st" 🤣
8 AM in MD tho
They disliked the automatic
Probably Audi driver.
Some aholes are aholes at all hours of the day.
Back when simplicity in design, comfort and performance still existed and were valued by consumers. Little of the pointless, pricey technology that exists in cars today.
Lol... whut?
Nothing about this Benz is simple. From the typical overly complex German engine to the acres of buttons on the dashboard.
@@Bartonovich52 they are much more simple than what Mercedes-Benz is producing today, GUARANTEED.
Huh... A twin cam 4 valve inline 6 is complex? Boatloads simpler than a GM LS.
Those old benzes had such beautiful styling, just simple and great looking
2:37 John: IT’S A CRIME THAT NO MANUAL IS AVAILABLE! LOL
Most people in the US don't want a manual transmission! I certainly don't! This car would be great for me to have!!!!
@@johnnymason3265 You are the reason the american market never gets anything cool.
@@kirbyswarp Wrong! The reason America doesn't get the exciting cars is because everybody seems to want a pickup, SUV, or crossover! Example: we could have gotten a new Ford Focus RS right now but apparently the Escape is more popular!
@@johnnymason3265 Yeah, but it would be an automatic Ford Focus RS lol For most people having a truck its more pratical than a RS for better or for worse
Nah I don't have any concerns of this having no manual. Go buy a BMW E36 if you want manual.
This Merc is designed to be fast and relaxing to drive. This is what Merc is known for.
This was a hit at the time, remember my Popular Mechanics report on this car, truly amazing! Tks Motorweek!
I had one years ago and it was so much fun!! I loved it. Mine was the european version so it had around 290HP. It’s so cool to see this review, this is the first time I see it.
Hello did it feel fast to drive
@@Security2U back then it did, enough power to have fun for sure!
@@romaincondezza9601 Have a fella local to me selling a w124 wagon with all c36 running gear I'm strongly thinking of buying it from him
Meanwhile, the W206 C63 now has a...2.0L I4 turbo and hybrid electric motors.
Might as well call them the C20 AMG.
Honestly, If Mercedes called them C20 AMG I would have no problems. But naming it C63 AMG is just a huge insult to what that naming scheme meant and what I should expect from it. 🥲
2:14 , in 1995 the C36 amg was imported to my country "Brazil" , same engine but with 300 hp !
Damn, fool Those are very rare
this was back when AMG was serious business. not the poser shit these days
Agreed it was a premerger AMG Mercedes one of my favorite of all time. I own a AMG C32 3.2 supercharged and came from AMG a with 2200 euro option removed too speed limiter and AMG tune. Top speed 184 MPH 190 if change gear ratios. It’s a vary fast car. It was AMG Mercedes first car together so another true AMG hand built engine and quality.Now they put AMG package on everything BMW does the same thing with M packages. I love them both these six cylinders and the M3. AMG Mercedes just has better quality and build. It’s actually faster with my setup. But it was like $58,000 new. Evan has washers for the headlights. Awesome cars,
Agreed! So is BMW’s M or Audi’s S / RS
Nowadays they make everything AMG pkg, M Performance, or S-Line. Audi’s RS models are not even exclusively in wagon form anymore. WTF
I love how the door “chime” is just a buzzer. 🙄
Didn't change until 1996 ('97 models), because all Mercedes-Benz USA cars were like that until November 1995 with the W210. The rest followed in 1996.
My favourite generation of C Class and this would be a car that I certainly would love to have.
Those early 202 Amg cars are now collectable .
In my opinion, Benz hasn’t stylistically improved upon its ‘90s models, like this C-Class. I remember being fascinated by this C36 AMG as a 12 year-old. It still looks good today. Lovely.
lmao, that passive-aggressive jab at no oil pressure gauge at 4:28.
This review was genuinely so refreshing to watch
My favorite C class, I love those looks, simple, but still with that hint of agression, great engine, but such a shame it came with no manual, that's why it's my dream to 2jz swap a non AMG one of these, that would be perfect
This guy is a legend
Yes, He is.
Those 17s never fit a car so perfectly
It’s crazy how a Honda Accord or a Camry can now keep up with this ... we came a long way with technology.
There used to be a light yellow C36 AMG parked near our house. I always thought it was a very unusual car because of that colour but it grew on me and I still think it's the coolest Mercedes I've ever seen. Sadly the car was sold and eventually scrapped :( I've never seen a second one ever since even when I Googled. I only found pictures of a few scale models but no real ones
I miss having this car. It was smooth and didn’t give me any big problems. Sold it with 332.116 miles on it. Good times
Wow that’s amazing I am looking at buying one with approximately 200k miles.
Had a customer with one he said its been a great car it had almost 300k miles and ran like a top
Poor John....the oil pressure gauge would never return...
Those generation of Mercedes is still one of the best looking they’ve ever made. Simple, yet beautiful.
This retro review reminded me of an aspirational car I had for quite awhile. It was an AMG as well, but I can’t remember what year MotorWeek tested it, but I do remember an outstanding stopping distance of around ninety feet. All other performance aspects were akin to that.
Always love Motor Week. Straight to the point all you need nothing we don’t and the GOSS GARAGE segment was always my favorite
No your not the only one Bro. Those classic days.
First car I ever own as a Christmas present a remote control silver c36. When locked sounded just like an 96 impala ss viper car alarm lol
Omg, more! Like the 2000 S55 or either E55!!! Love this!
CLK55 please 😁
mercs with m113 V8s are damn good
Gotta love how solid but understated those early AMGs looked. These were also the last C class models to live up to the Mercedes reputation for build quality.... These cars will last for decades if maintained properly.
No tuve ese auto, pero si un C230 chasis W202 transmisión manual del año 1998 y era un excelente auto, lo extraño. Saludos desde Guanajuato México 🇲🇽🇲🇽
Had a 95 C280. It was a great car. Last I heard it was still on the road in 2018.
90s euro designs were minimalist, geometric, clean and handsome. The opposite of today. This is a prime example as well, they looked sharp then and they still do now.
My favorite Era of Mercedes. I'll take this over a new one any day
W202 was not the pinnacle of quality.
This was my 1st car when I was 17. This was back when AMG was exclusive. It was something really special. Most people didn't know about AMG. I wish I never sold this car.
wow you must have had a lot of money
What year did you buy it? Or was is brand new?
when “36” was really 3.6L
I'm biased because i'm a 90s kid who grew up riding in W201s and W124s but this really was the end of an era for Mercedes Benz. I'm not saying the AMG GTs and E63s aren't cool... they are... are they special in comparison to their counterparts at BMW and Audi? Meh. The C36 AMG was special. The C36, the FIRST C43, E55, the SL600, the 500E, the 190E 2.3-16, all legends at this point. Thank you for doing this retro review!
Uncle had a silver(of course) C43. I really thought he was Mario Andretti driving it! LOVED that car. His current S63 isn't too shabby either.
Did somebody leave the Casio keyboard beat playing in the background at the end?
I'd love to see the 0-60 and 1/4 mile numbers if it had a manual. Motorweek tested the 94' bmw m3 which had 240hp and managed a 6.1 0-60.
I was thinking the same. Even the E46 330i 5-speed auto did 0-60 in 6.5s with 225-230HP. I think maybe slushboxes back in the day just didn't do a very good job launching the car (the trap speed was not too bad).
You hear that a full size spare
Wow! That’s a high trap for that ET!
Motorweek’s big idea for the mid-90s was to slap in the cheesiest light funk/alt-rock they could over their videos
Saves money on copywrite and paying license for music. Made the 90s the 90s hehe
Add the time it was good, thinking Miami Vice.
5:40 - Prince/MJ inspired New Jack Swing. Gotta love it.
Ah, those gorgeous AMG wheels. So iconic. Still great on modern Mercs
The Start of a German Car Revolution 😻😻
I love these old Mercedes cars. This Benz C36 was a nice car my favorite old Mercedes is the 300 from the early 80's.
I remember when C&D reviewed this car and told everyone to wait for the 4 door m3 in 1996. They were right, the m3 outsold it 10 to 1.
These are good looking cars even after they are busted down 27 years later.
I've heard rumors that John wouldn't date a girl when he was younger unless she had an oil pressure gauge & a voltmeter.
That's a really nice merc. Would have loved it new .
Vault like S L E E P E R
Very in depth review
Oh the Retro Review calling the Mercedes line up not excited is priceless. It's amazing how much things have changed in 25-26 years. Not only with Mercedes but with all German sedans nowadays, it's just too bad lately the BMW lineup is exciting as long as the warranty is valid and you're blind or have poor eyesight.
Review of the 93/94 Galant please!
You are unbreakable :)
Tyler Hoover has entered the chat.
Didn't he already have one and sold it?!
Back when AMG was ‘AMG’! Now it’s just a watered down trim package that leaks oil everywhere it goes!
People always say , omg I can't believe how far kia has come in the last 2 decades as if there's been no jump between this and the current C63S 😂😂😂😂
But kia has the power to surprise! 🤣😂
4:27.............ahh............that classic Mercedes buzzer.
Beautiful car!
That 2 tone steering wheel looks ridiculous
My mistake. I meant Affalterbach not Munich. 🤣
0-60 in 6.8 sec is 2023 Honda Civic times. But I realize this machine's sweet spot is in the 50-75 mph range. I'm torn between this and the C43. I just love the look of these 90s and early 2000 mercedes.
268bhp for 3.6L back in 95 was huge..compared to anything from NA in comparable or larger capacity.
I'd rather have a 3.6 inline 6 than any v8
1:03, that E30 is so beautiful!
I once drove a 1994 Benz C280, as a first car during high school. So, pretty much, the model in this video is just that exact car but souped up.
So few comparate to M3 numbers in same generation... Mercedes could have done just like Bimmer did with M3 at that time. Also it's funny to see that maybe a Z28, Mustang, could beat it at the track. Anyway still love this Merk
Back when owning a Benz meant something
It did back then, but the $29,000 MSRP for a 1994 C-Class was first to challenge that image stateside.
1984 190 was comparably more expensive in 1983 and a marginal discount from a W123.
I’m so mad we won’t get another straight 6 C class.
I can't believe this has no" oil pressure gauge" -- so much potential, yet so disappointed ;-)
I feel like this is something that any mid-90s feel-good movie antagonist would drive.
I'm sure I'll get flamed for this but the Ford Contour SVT came out about 4 years later with very similar performance but was FWD and cost THIRTY THOUSAND DOLLARS LESS! That's alot of money now, a quarter of a century later....WHOA❗ I had a brand new CSVT in 2000, my first new car and owned it for 5 years, never broke down on me either!
1995 Ford Thunderbird Supercoupe had identical performance plus was larger and more luxurious for a lot less too.
What does this Merc have? Styling from the 70s? Pricing from the 2010s? More buttons? Expensive parts and maintenance?
Really... at what point do you stop being mesmerized by that three pointed star and just say the Emperor wears no clothes?
For price reference my pops bought his Volvo 850 Turbo in 95 new for under 30k. This is quite expensive!
I wonder when MW dropped their obsession with Voltmeters and Oil Pressure Gauges. Even back then, the vast majority of users needed or could use only a warning light.
‘HUGE 12.6” ROTORS’
Man I wonder what they would have said if a monster like the Lamborghini Urus were in production back then with its 17” + rotors.
Back then that was huge. C43 had 13.2 inchnrotors in 1998 and outperformed ferraris in 60 to zero braking
"It's a crime no manual is available" 😔
Guys, unfortunately I never got to know your program until the internet era, since I don't live in the US. But did you ever review the 1st-gen Oldsmobile Aurora? Could you upload the review someday?
Thx in advance, I'll be donating in the future!
That car is still cool in every way
....and they said Chris Bangle's design has more character?
😂😂😂😂😂
proper sports saloon
It’s wild how far we’ve come. My Audi Q7 is faster to 60 by almost a full second. That’s so wild to see engineering progression make such large leaps.
huge gap, but this is N/A engine. Its also 26 years old.
Also a very slow automatic
Yeah they were definitely still struggling with how to meet emissions back then. It would’ve been cool if low-production runs like this (say under 2500) were allowed to breath in their fully tuned specs
The 98 mph trap speed tells you this car would run a full second faster with a better launch
@@jareknowak8712 oh definitely I hear that. I have a Lexus ga350 fsport that’s N/A as well and it’s got similar power and is a full second or more faster it’s mostly the gearbox that’s the reason for that and the emissions workarounds have gotten a lot more efficient at not just choking all the power away. The funny thing is the 6speed in that Lexus IS ancient now and still a big leap from this merc , just love the progress in engineering.
Still a very nice car. I would daily it.
I get the sinking feeling John is never going to get his oil pressure gauge and voltmeter...
Adjusting for inflation this would cost 77k dollars in today's money. That's insane.
Very nice, but personally I would rather have an e36 M3 sedan, especially an M3 lightweight
It sounded like John Davis completely loved this Merc then of course those fools in Munich forgot to add the all important oil-pressure gauge and all hope was lost. Maybe next time AMG!
i miss my '97 c36 :(
Show a 1997 C36 video!!! With the 5 speed trans
One of the best AMGs ever.
In '95, my dad was looking at a c36 and the final w124 E320. He asked what I thought. 14-year old me told him whichever gets us to Toys'R'Us the fastest so we can pick up a Playstation 1. He went oppo.
The W124 is probably peak (or 1A along with w123) modern Mercedes. But 276 hp > 217 hp.
1995 PS1 is a whole other massive kettle of nostalgiafish! That was a fun time to be alive back then!
@@ZIGZAG12345 So true!
It took Motorweek's test drivers 6.8 secs to 60 mph and 15.3 to get to the 1/4 mile probably because they spent the first two seconds burning rubber at the starting point. Terrible figures from MW's test drivers which was common back then. 😒🤨
6,7 sec 0-100kmh (62 mph), according to German Wikipedia.
How reliable are these cars I see one for sale in my home town and seriously thinking about getting it
They can suffer from head gasket issues, the gearboxes are pretty bullet proof.
Back when I had real respect for german cars
damn, inflation would make this a 91,000 car today
What a beautiful engine. Why must time march on?