Need help identifying this car

[Nate]

Hey all, I have a decrepancy with this car, I am not familer with it. If anybody knows the year I'd really appreciate it

http://photobucket.com/albums/v644/NathanEbert/?action=view&current=152184bc.jpg

I dont have any better pictures uploaded onto my computer yet, as my camara is broken.

Thanks alot
~Nate

[nhdoc]

I can't tell if there is an antenna at the front right fender or not. In 1974 they had them up front, from 1975 on they moved them to the back. From the photo all I can tell is that it looks like a 115 body (240D or 300D or the 280 or 280C Gas version). If I had to guess I would say 1975-76 since I don't see the antenna.

[sreams]

I'd add that it looks to be a grey market car (if it exists in the US). Those driving/fog lights didn't exist on cars sold in the US.

-S

[leenart]

Fog lights were available on this car. However the question is this; why are you having a problem IDing this car? I know what this car is and so does the owner, if you don't, why is that you do not know? BOS or registration should list the year of sale
Give me more info here as this sounds hocky
Leonard

[300SDog]

I think its a 114 w/ 6cyl twincam 280 engine, judging by the wider grill style that came out in 1974. Thats a USA front bumper and those driving lamps are hard to find if they're original equipment.

[Mark DiSilvestro]

Its a 1974 to 1976 US-market W114 or W115 sedan. Before '74, the foglamps were most often seen on the W114 Coupes. I salvaged a pair from a '70 250C for my '72 250 sedan. After '73, with the introduction of the 5 mph bumpers, foglamps became more common on the sedans. In fact, most of the big-bumper W114/115 sedans that I've seen have had the foglamps. Without more information, it could be a 230, 240D, 280 or 300D.

Happy Motoring, Mark

[alabbasi]

Roof line is too high and it has those huge bumpers.

[Nate]

Inshured as a 75, door says it meets the emmisions for 76... and my book for a 76 doesnt look correct. The car belonged to my father before he passed, and has been sitting for 7 years. I've changed the antifreeze and hoses, changed the oil (with cheap stuff, but the car is still sitting, and will be changed with synthetic that he ran before), the transmission fluid and filter and changed the battery. It does start, run, and drive, but the car sits right now... The antenna is on the back fender, and I do not know the histroy of the car at all. And I'm 15, and will be getting my temps in 8 days. I do plan do drive the car next summer IF i get a few little things taken care of (w/s spritser doesnt work, the seat foam is deteriorating, and a few other things that arent critical, just not how this car should be)... And theyres no way this will EVER see the school parking lot, or the harsh winters of WI.
Thanks
~Nate

[250 Coupe]

Nate,
Give us the VIN number from the drivers windshield pillar or call 1 866 mbclassic with the number. MB will send you a build sheet if you ask with all of the options that were on your car when it was built. They can also tell you the date it was built and at what factory.

I've had several cars that were titled and insured with a different year (usually one year later) than the build date. My current 250C was built 12/70 as shown on the door jam but is titled and insured as a '71.

Michael

[Nate]

ok, the VIN that is on the piller is 115.114-12 051339
I will be calling MB classic (thanks for their number) later when I get a chance (going to be working all day for the next few)

Thanks alot
~Nate

[250 Coupe]

Ok Nate, according to Nitske, the VIN decodes as follows;

115 = 115 chassis, same as the 114 except spot welds are closer together. Used for diesel and four cylinder gas models.

114 = the first 1 indicates diesel, next two are model.

12 = first 1 is left hand drive, next digit is automatic transmission.

051339 = the serial number. Some Ebay vendors belive this qualifies as rare


The only model I see that would matches 1976 with the number produced is the 1976 300D also known as the 240D 3.0. Either of these sound right?


Always have the VIN when getting parts as the were frequent changes during model years. You may need a supplement to your manual to get the exact options and controls for your car but I would just check every thing from 1973 to 1977 and you'll probably find all the bits bolted to your engine.

Michael

[Nate]

Thank you, It says 300d on the trunk. So the 115 is a stronger chassis with the welds being closer together?

Now how it being insured as a 75 be explained? Do they just not know/care about the diffrence, or is it the wrong vehical...?

In my manual it shows theres a oil filter housing infrount of the power stearing resivour... There isnt on this car (I changed the oil last year and had help from my neibor, and dont remember the location... other than it took a long time to find)

Thanks alot, again I really appreciate it
~Nate

[250 Coupe]

Nate,
Your insurance documents should show the same VIN as the car. They may have used the build date which could be different from the model year date. If the VIN matches, what year they use isn't that important.

Michael

[CT18fireman]

Anyone have a source for Fenders for a 75 300d or do I need to go back to Mercedes?

[cth350]

aftermarket fenders are easy to find. However a good bodyman will have to "fix" the cheap asian stuff to fit right.

Next best thing is good, used arizona sheet metal. Easily findable from guys like tristar pete. Visit www.car-parts.com for that.

Or mercedes for factory. I doubt the car is worth the expense of factory fenders. But, it's your car; your call.

-CTH