I want a W115 240D. Talk me down.
 

Why? Mainly, I think they look nice. And I want to keep the miles off my 300SD since I drive about 20Kmiles a year.

Why shouldn't I want a W115 240D? Any particular pitfalls, i.e., what goes wrong? I'd prefer a manual, just for simplicity's sake. Are those less common than the automatics? I used to own a VW bus, so going slow is not a problem for me. Are the four cylinder engines just as good as the the 617 that I'm used to? Or better? Are parts any harder to find?

I'd really love to go out and buy this one

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1975-Mercedes-Benz-240D_W0QQitemZ300337398443QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item45ed8102ab&_trksid=p4506.c0.m24 5#ht_500wt_1182

but that will probably bring in some serious $$. I know if it were a manual I'd be bidding on it. But if I bought that I'd want another just so I would have to use it for my daily driver....

They are fine vehicles. The engines are just as durable as th 617 non turbo and better than the turbo models. They are extremely rust prone unless in a very dry climate. The seats lose their padding more quickly than the later 123 seats. The AC mounting bracket is a nightmare. The alternator adjusting system is a joke.

They are fine if you can find a rust free example, but the 123 is a much better car all around IMHO. I have had three 115s and probably at least 20 of the 123s.

Assuming the choice is between a W115 and a W123 240D, I go for the w123.

I've owned a number of both chassis, currently have one of each.

The W115 240D has several liabilities:

Big ugly bumpers
Degrading horsehair pads (post 72)
Rust prone body
Oil filter that is guaranteed to spill oil on you and chassis and the floor when serviced.
Massive A/C compressor bracket that blocks front of engine.
Impossible to get at defroster fan

If you are looking for a W115 diesel, the 220Ds, 68-72 are much nicer cars.

The W123 is a much more practical and obtainable car, plus the 80 and up models have more HP.

That said, condition is more important than year or model on these cars.

Jim

I would NEVER buy a W115 from Indiana, even if it was "stored inside."
I lived in SoCal for a while, and even some of the W115 specimens there had rust starting. Finding a new or rust-free-used floor pan for a W115 is not going to be easy, let alone the other body parts that are invariably rusted out.
I love the body style as well, but the only way I'd buy one was if it was completely rust free and didn't burn oil. These have the "oil bath" air filter, and the two W115 240D specimens I looked at had massive blowby. Hard to tell true mileage because of the 5 digit odometer.

Yes the 115 cars are no good. Send them all to me. I will take care of them.

True the 123 is probably a better car, but for me the 115s have a classic look (like a baby 108) that the 123 doesn't have. 123s are nice, but 114-115s have a certain charm!

LOL!:laugh:

i have a 76' 240D 4-speed... I live in Minnesota, and my car is 99.9% rust free.

make sure yours is too, and it will serve you very well.

I personally think the Euro 115 is much sexier than the 123

Roger that. Last night we watched the otherwise pointless 007 movie "Golden Gun" that was redeemed by the period use of W115s and W114s.

My 74 240 was a california car and rust free. it had great chrome. I had it painted and ziebarted and drove it for about four years year round in our horrid salty winters and it had a little rust behind the rear wheels low after that. At that point I sold it.

In the mean time this was the car that lovely daughter #3 filled with gas and smoked the original motor. I swapped in a good used 76 300d motor and tranny and it made a pretty sweet car.

W115
 

The 240D in the ebay listing looks very nice! But what you really want is this W115 1973 220DPK 4 speed!;)

Wow....I'd buy that!