The US 77-78 230 came with the M115 engine, the closest a gasser will come to Diesel reliability and longevity. IIRC it continued outside the US through 80 or 81. It was replaced by the 230E with the M102 which is also found in the 190E and the 124 200, 200E(?) and 230E. Still a tough engine but idle control can go bad and drive you nuts.

The US 230 has pretty much the same features and options as the 240D. I see one for sale every couple of years. 230Es, which were never sold by MBUSA, are IMO easier to come by. If there isn't one on eBay now, there'll be one in a couple of weeks.

The pick-n-pull yard on Trade Zone in San Jose has a 230CE AT with SLS pump.

Sixto
87 300D