looking at buying a 1973 220D - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

IVIuzzy · #1 11-28-2010, 07:57 PM

i miss my old diesel. I found a 73 220D with 56k miles on it. Florida owned all its life from original owner. The seller wants 2000 for it. I looked it over, as for now i know the speedometer does not work, the AC does not work(he stated its evaporator, compressor is good). the car starts and runs fine, but the Generator light flickers when running.

This car was his daily driver until last month, and has never stood for a long period of time, i looked it over for rust, didnt see any in the floors, most of it is rust stains starting on the paint. I did notice that the windshield is now leaking water onto the floor(car was garage kept until it was up forsale)

what else should i look for for this before i buy it? any other problems with these 115 diesels?

i like that he is the original owner with ALL paperwork and reciepts. thanks for all your help in advance.

t walgamuth · #2 11-28-2010, 08:12 PM

If it does not have significant rust, which would be pretty rare as they are pretty rust prone, and it starts and idles and runs well it should be worth the asking price regardless of miles which seem unlikely to be 56K.

IVIuzzy · #3 11-28-2010, 08:19 PM

miles arent an issue to me, however the man has the reciepts. and we do live on an island. i think its 156 which for a 35 yr old car is still low. maitnence is the issue, and it seems as if the guy hasnt skipped a beat until recently. (he is now 82 yrs old)

how difficult is it to change the speedo cables in the old 115's it is probably the speedo cable right?

the other thing is, how difficult is the AC repair. and ive done research saying these are sluggish with the ac on...im not too worried as the speedlimit on the islands here is <35 in most places. since its in florida i would like the AC to work

IMO all the car needs is a very good detail and a paint job, maybe carpets. and i have a nice Daily driver.

79Mercy · #4 11-28-2010, 08:26 PM

Sounds like a good car, rust is a large W115 killer, so don't pass up one that is pretty much rust free.

The speedo cable is a very easy fix, and the cable is reasonable priced as well.

The AC however could be a bigger issue, is he sure its a leaking evaporator? Thats not a common problem on these cars, very rarely does the evap on a 115 start to leak, however it is still possible.

Keep us posted with your decision.

IVIuzzy · #5 11-28-2010, 08:31 PM

i called his mechanic who is a pretty reputable old mb mechanic in the area. Im going to the house with 1400 cash in hand tomorrow to see if he'll take a low offer. in my opinion the car is in excellent shape for the age, seeing as there is no major rust.

is it common on the old 115's to lose the battery tray to rust? i did notice that the tray was replaced with wood.

79Mercy · #6 11-28-2010, 08:55 PM

yes the battery tray was the first thing to rust out, i wouldn't worry about that.

IVIuzzy · #7 11-29-2010, 01:22 PM

bought it!!!! photos coming soon thanks for the advice.

The car has all the original paperwork, including the metal badge from germany, etched with the vin, owners name and address(ive never seen) the original recipt, and window sticker. All for 1600, im extited!

79Mercy · #8 11-29-2010, 04:16 PM

Congrats on your new purchase, please post some pictures when you get a chance.

IVIuzzy · #9 11-29-2010, 06:16 PM

ill post some pics tomorrow, i spent all day going to get the car registered, then to a glass shop to get an appointment to get the window seals changed. where in fl are you located 79 mercy?

newtodiesel · #10 11-29-2010, 07:55 PM

looks like you got a good find...congrats!!! Cant wait to see the picts!!

79Mercy · #11 11-29-2010, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IVIuzzy

ill post some pics tomorrow, i spent all day going to get the car registered, then to a glass shop to get an appointment to get the window seals changed. where in fl are you located 79 mercy?

Window seals, that sounds like fun. haha. I replaced the front and rear windshield seals on my W115 myself when i first bought the car. I had trouble finding a rear windshield seal that worked. I finally ended up using FEBI seals. Dont even try and use a URO seal, it doesn't fit. Mercedes seals are the best but if you cant find them, try and find FEBI seals.

I live up in Jacksonville.

IVIuzzy · #12 12-15-2010, 12:14 PM

there was just a death in the family, so sorry on a delay. heres some photos of my find.

the radio still works! ill post some photos after its detailed inside. i have so many other things going on right now

IVIuzzy · #13 12-15-2010, 12:19 PM

more photos

ill make sure i keep everyone updated on how i come along.
i didnt take photos of the original badge that came on the grill of the car, it has all original paperwork, and the toolset that came with tire kit