1969 220d

[brick8]

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?

[pdxwaker]

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.

[brick8]

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.

[300SDog]

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.

[brick8]

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

[300SDog]

Since the typical 240D gets 26-30mpg seems logical the 220D would get about 28-34.

And the usual parts needed are generic and easy to find... alternator, starter, water pump, glow plugs, injectors, tie rods, brakes, etc. There are very few esoteric parts aside from the start knob system on the 220D at all.

Rare parts assumption for 220D 1969 Benz is purely psychological. Essentially its the same car as 1976 240D. I drove a 1973 MB 6 cyl up until just a few yrs ago.

Nobody worries over years of age with Vintage MB's. Instead they just pick a series and model they'd like to own and then judge whats available on the market by its condition.

[Ralph69220d]

I have a 220d/8. They're rated at either 57 or 60 horsepower. I have a four speed. The automatic would make for real slow acceleration. I love the car (as I'm just replacing the bad tensioner, chain guides, tension rail, one tie rod, already had the driveshaft carrier bearing replaced, fuel injectors, all fuel delivery hoses, ad nauseum). When it's running it's a wonderful car. Probably far easier to work on than later models as they got more complex. Check suspension closely. There were 412,830 69 220d's manufactured. So, you can get used or new or rebuilt parts. I work around the low horsepower when entering a freeway. Once you get it up to 70mph or so it handles most hills except long 6% grades or above. That said, if you like to work on cars the 220d is a nice sedan. Rides and handles wonderfully when everything is in order. I bought mine for $700, which was really about $300 too high. My odometer doesn't work, but using interstate mileage signs I get in excess of 35 on the highway at 70mph, probably high 20's in town.

[brick8]

Owner is asking $2,500. Says motor was rebuilt in last 5,000 miles. 135,000 miles on chassis. Is price too high? Seems like a lot to me.

[t walgamuth]

72 220 stick. i never exceeded mid twenties in economy. 20 around town. my odd did work.
we are at 600 feet above sea level. higher altitudes will do better. also mine was pretty tired but it started and ran well if plugged in at 20 degrees f. and below. no ac, no power steering.

nice car.

tom w

[Lycoming-8]

The 68 220D/8 noted below routinely got 28mpg over the whole 20 years that I drove it. This was a manual tranny and mostly in a rural metro area of ~30k pop. Lots of traffic lights and moderately low speed limits. On the highway it delivered 30 to 33mpg at 60 to 65mph. Must remember that most of the years were in the double nickel era. Had one part tank of 45mpg between Amarillo and Lubbock Texas, greatly helped by a tremendous north wind. Wish I had a brand new one sitting in the driveway!!