There is a 1969 220d for sale here that looks nice. What are your thoughts on these as daily drivers? I looked in my mercedes buyer's guide book and it says they get about 26-35 mpg, which would be nice. But are they too slow to get on and off the highway?

I've got one... no problem getting on/off the highway. Note I do have a manual tranny... autos are known to be much slower.

The W115 220d is a great car. Very simple and parts are still readily available.

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1985 MBZ 300DT
1969 MBZ 220d
1984 MBZ 300TDT
1981 VW Vanagon

This one is a 4 speed manual. Anything specific I should look for? I have had several 123 diesels.

Look at the four subframe mounts. If they are bad the car will handle poorly. Check for blowby by removing the oil cap with the engine running. Check closely for rust around the gas pedal, rear floors, and trunk. Check for corrosion in/around battery tray.

and remember, it won't go more than 72 mph. no speeding tickets.

1969 for 114/115 is actually a better year than the same chassis after 1972/73 if you dont mind the 2.2 litre engine. The earlier versions have more massive upholstery and corner wing windows for excellent ventilation. Also better quality sheet metal body parts, immune to German steel worker strike problems of 1973-1979.

Weak points on that chassis are center driveshaft support bearings that wear out each 125k miles, wheel bearings too. Also the heat blower motor is not easily accessible if it needs repair. And no matter what the seller says, 5 digit odometer leaves actual mileage unknown. And as I'm sure you know, position of oil filter is not as convenient as later models but its not that big a deal.

You will probably notice more road noise and even a drafty firewall because the cab is less insulated than 123's. But the 115 will have tighter steering and more sensitive handling characteristics than later models, also larger trunk space. On the downside, typical to a car that old you should inspect windshield rubbers for leaks.

Overall with condition factors being equal, should be considered a retro-upgrade to what you're used to. Styling features on the old sedan will make you appreciate the car alot.

What kind of mpg do you get with one of these? It is hard (expensive) to find parts?