W202 C36 AMG - is it classic yet - 30-year rule debate - serious technical discussion not just chat

no worries if nobody knows.

Putting this here because the debate is going to keep happening and I want it on the record from Hugo and Vasilios not from blokes at the meet who are guessing.

The W202 C36 AMG was 1994-1997 production. The oldest ones have hit 30 which under NSW HVS is the magic number. Suddenly the boys are asking if they can put theirs on club rego. And whether the C36 is "a classic" now or whether thats just owners hoping thier car has gone up in value.

Three questions specifically:

1. Does a typical 2020 C36 actually meet HVS criteria. The common mods (chip tune, aftermarket exhaust, lowering springs) - are they disqualifying or do RMS look the other way

2. Parts. Is the M104.991 still serviceable in 2020 or are we hitting the wall on AMG-specific items

3. The long-term collector trajectory. Worldwide production was about 5,200 cars, maybe 90 to Australia new. How many left here. Worth investing in or has the value been baked in already

I am not a C36 owner. Asking because suddenly Banksia Park has THREE of them rocking up to Saturday morning coffee and the debate has gotten loud. Hugo, Vasilios - settle this please.

Hugo is correct.. one service item to add for the Banksia Park boys..

The M104.991 has a service profile that intensifies between 250-320k km. The AMG version of the M104 has slightly more intensive intervals than the standard M104 - the AMG-specific oil pump pickup, the modified valve springs, the AMG ECU mapping. MB Service do not service the .991-specific items. They go through AMG Heritage-trained specialists. There are 2 in Sydney that i know of in 2020, both by appointment only.

Berny tell the boys to document originality BEFORE HVS submission. Photograph engine bay, suspension corners, interior. Keep service records. The originality threshold is judged by the inspector and the inspector likes paperwork.