My First Blog on C36 and.....

The image on the side is my last daily ride (C200), preceding my current C36. Both in Silver.

Yesterday the suspension overhaul has started on DC2. All the arms and bushes are to be replaced. Will get the car back on Saturday. Then I can tell if the handling issue is resolved.

Today I road tested a silver 2003 Mini Cooper 1.6L auto. It was a nice little car with nice sharp handling. But I was not impressed by its engine response with a couple flat spots, especially after driving the C36 for a while. In terms of ride it was comfortable but the body structure could be better.

Then the auto 1991 MX5 in red was not that impressive. It was just old, dirty and required a lot of work. Paint work and engine were okay. I was offered to have the car for a period of time.

The C36 remains a comfortable ride, abeit a bit heavy. However there is a slight ride issue. Even the shocks have been replaced (with Mercedes orginal Bilstein AMG shocks) the suspension is not well planted on the rough road surface with a bit too much wheel bouncing. However the traction and handling are sharp, and a bit too grippy for my taste as a daily car. In a nutshell it is just a bit busy and noisy in terms of suspension, otherwise it is very comfortable and a fine ride.

C36 with Nakamichi CD-300

Today I went to Mongkok to fit the CD Receiver Nakamichi CD300. It has a RDS radio and a CD player that can play MP3. RDS is an important feature for me but then only Kenwood, Sony and Nakamichi have RDS. I only had limited choice. I choose the HK$2,200 Nakamichi CD300 with RDS and MP3 - a new release from Naka. Its look is not stylish but who cares since it is in a car of more than 11 years old.

I have decided to not use the amplifier to keep the car light weight and simple. But the Focal speakers remain.

The low end torque is really impressive, not bad for a 3.6L.

The steering is still vague and the whole car does not feel sharp. I check the front camber visually and it does not look like it has enough negative camber. The car still track true and straight but it does not have much feel when the steering wheel is turned. Definitely it needs a wheel alignment check.