found this while browsing some online classifieds... looks like crap, but with a little tlc could be a nice vintage diesel benz... oh, by the way, it runs. $250 and a few hours from where i am, should i go for it?

it's a 1969 200D with approximately 180,000mi on it, by the way.

Are you sure it isn't a 220d? Personally I'd avoid the auto... if it was a stick I'd say go for it.

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

What is that, a 115? I like it, but I'm not convinced that it wouldn't be more trouble than its worth. You can get one ten times better for twice the money. For $250 you could make it your parts car for another. You could probably drive it away for $150, though.

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1982 300CD Petrol/Black Leather

I saw the same ad in craigslist the other day, but decided against buying it. It looks like a little too much trouble to restore. Also, without a better look at the interior / underbody, I don't know how bad the rust is, or the MB Tex.

If it were me, I'd rather save up a little, and buy a 69 220D that's a little less work. They're out there.. you just need to find the good deals.

Its probably a decent parts car. You are better off spending $1k more for a much, much better example.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I would hold out for a w115 240d with a stick. Just my personal opinion.

Run away.

They had a batch of bad diesel motors in 1969, and I would run away from that car. You can find a decent diesel for $1500.00 if you look hard enough.

I saw this about 4 months ago (have been off the forum for a few months and good to be back) and I looked it up when one of you mentioned a 240D stick in a 115. I've never seen one that ran but this car is in great shape judging from the pictures. I know there are not any pictures on the add now but there were about 4 months ago. It has been on here forever and he has not been able to sell it. He started out at like 1K but is down to 375. If my MB addiction wasn't on hold for the next 4 years I would snatch it up, as I even have an engine to put into it.

I don't know where you are in the country but just thought I would throw it up there for ya.

just found the same link on PDX CL this one has pictures http://portland.craigslist.org/car/175640665.html

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76 300D 130K "Stella" (Sold )
74 240D 299K (Donated to Highschool For Senior Project WVO)
83 300TDT 290K (My one and only)
Sanford, NC

If I had to choose a pre-1970 MB, it would have to be a 1959 190D Ponton.

My dream car. I WILL own one someday....

I'm not trying to start a fight, but...

Suppose there was a certain amount of defective engines produced in 1969 by M-B.

If it's still running 36 yrs later, I somehow think either the engine's one of the "good" ones or maybe this defect only shows up after 50 yrs of use?

(I'm just having fun here. I can understand people being wary of a 350SDL with the rod bender, but if it's a running '69 for $250, I hardly think the possibility of it being a bad motor by design defect is really a big priority. That car looks rough)

A 3.5L will provide the basis for my 3.29L stroker I have planned out here.

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

if yo.ur looking for a restoration piece run. If your looking for something easy on fuel to beat around in, or maybe experiment with vegie then go for it.

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1959 Gravely LI, 1963 Gravely L8, 1973 Gravely C12
1982 380SL
1978 450 SEL 6.9 euro restoration at 63% and climbing
1987 300 D
2005 CDI European Delivery
2006 CDI Handed down to daughter
2007 GL CDI. Wifes

I agree that on this car the motor won't be much of a problem.

The problem as I remember it was poor piston ring sealing/bad block issues, surley some of the old timers can remember what it was.