75 240D good or great car??

[Shellnekov]

Got a line on a 240 and would like others opinions on how they are, parts availability(seems not bad), problem areas when I look at it, as well as MPG. Some advertise 50 MPG, bullpucky or true?? Any info would be great. Thanks

[Dana B.]

Do a search on w115s. Am not an expert, nor a 240D owner (though I did work as a lot boy for MB in 1975). Some here say that w115s are especially rust prone on account of bad steel imported during a steel strike. Some point to more difficult oil filter changes than on later models.

Others say older 240Ds are lighter than their w123 successor, and handle better. Me, I love the boxier styling. But I expect you'll get half your stated 50 mpg.

Anyone, please correct me if I'm wrong.

[Shellnekov]

The guy didnt know actual mpg but I get 30 with my 300TD and it would have to be better than that(one would think). Will try the 115 search havent done that yet. Thanks

[coldwar]

I'm a new owner of a '76 W115 300D- this is my first Mercedes. I get 30 MPG Imperial (Canadian Gallons) which translates into about 24 US- so that's with 5 cylinder auto trans. More difficult oil changes- definately, so it would seem. See my thread called "Filter Foibles". Rusting- very little on my car as it was never driven in winter. Worst area is at the very rear lower quarter panel under the bumper and beside the muffler. I'm going to have to cut this out and put in new metal.

I chose this particular car over a few W123's that were available because of the leaner styling, and a preference for greater simplicity (such as no EGR, no vacuum control associated with the auto tranny, simple sliding heater and defrost controls- seems like a little less to go wrong). Other's have noted better handling, less body roll, less complex steering assembly- all selling points for me.

Dave

[kip Foss]

I have a 1975 115/300d that I have just restored for my son. It is as good a car as I have ever driven. Dead simple to work on, except perhaps for the vacuum system but then that does not keep the car from running. Might keep it from shutting off from time to time but it won't strand you on the road.

Check out www.collectorcartraderonline.com for prices and availability.

[TwitchKitty]

I have my eyes on a 115 240 that someone converted to a 617. I will buy it when it becomes available. My intent is to convert it back into a 240.

In reading about these cars it seems like the HVAC system can be a big job if it needs work.

Going to fix the 76 300D

These cars were advertised as a lifelong automobile.

[R Leo]

The w115 240 doesn't have a vacuum shutdown, it starts and stops with the gorilla knob. I really dig my 115 chassis (when I get a chance to see it) ...lots more room in them and in the trunk than a 123.

[joshhol]

You will have to pry my 115 from my cold dead hand.

[JimSmith]

Mine was the first car I purchased. I picked it up at the factory and was convinced it would last forever. It succumbed to rust, but the engine was still strong. Great handling car and easy to work on, except for the routine oil filter change. What a nightmare. Do a search if you buy one, and find the petcock solution one member wrote up. I wish I had done that. Instead I soaked my arm in black Diesel engine oil every few months. It also has a reuseable main filter element that has to be cleaned, which adds more dirt under your fingernails.

So, look for rust. The only thing I would back away from on one of those machines. Jim