Check out this W115 240D
 

I'll try to go check it out this weekend. Might be tempted to buy it on the spot. Sounds really nice for $1500. Owner says it has a little rust, new tires and AC is non-op. The interior looks real nice in the pics and great color. Only 135k also.


http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/1658090800.html

W115's are nice but I am sure the car is not a pristine example based on the asking price. Lift the floor mats, look in the trunk, and the jack points and you'll probably see rust. Also the mileage is most definitely not 135k since those odometers always fail and they have only 5 digits. Check the blowby and of course how well it starts up cold.

How much different is the ride from say a W123 240D auto and W115 240D auto?

That is more of a test drive answer. It really depends on the suspension condition of the whole car and then comparing it to your car.

The W115 is presumably sprung softer than the W123 but they should be similar.

That looks like a very nice 115. From the picture it might me a standard.
1 family car, this should be good.
Check for rust on the fire wall also under break booster.
I wonder if the seats are any good front and back.
Seals for front and back windshields are hard to come by.
The 115 cars are a blast to drive they are nothing like the 123 cars.
Good luck

Having owned both a 115 and a 123, I prefer the 115 myself. Fun to drive, better looking and a less harsh ride than the 123 I had. Not saying the 123 was a bad car, just I prefer the 115 more.

240D
 

I owned a 76 240D 4 speed always looking for that 5th speed, great car bought it sight unseen in San Antonio, flew down drove it home to Chicago, kept it 2 1/2 years sold it with 280000 miles on it. Very easy to work on and if the family has all the records then you can verify mileage. Slower than you think, can't be in a hurry to get any where
Kchemers

I love my W115, I use mine as a daily driver. I think it handles better than a W123, but thats just me.