found an old Mercedes, any advice?

[fslay]

I don't have much experience when it comes to German cars, but I have a very broad question...
One of my grandmother's friends has this old Mercedes-Benz. Based off some quick research, this car looks like what's called a "220" in other thread discussions. It is a smaller Benz, and is a beautiful tan color. Has a 4-cylinder engine and round headlights. Anyway, I figure it to be about a '73 model. It was replaced with a new Mustang GT a couple years ago, so it's been sitting in her garage. I'll get a better look at soon, but I was wondering if there are any cars from that vintage I should avoid, and what are some things I can look for when I look at the car closer? What kind of gas mileage would something like a 220 get? I am looking for something I can also drive to school. I know my information isn't much to go on, but I think it is a good possibility I can get the car for VERY reasonable. It appears to be in excellent shape. This will be my first Benz.
Thanks for anything/everything,

fslay

[Jim B.]

W115 series, if it's a '73 or so, wonderful classic build quality (but check for rust) very nice to look at but SLOOOOOOOOOOW!!

Probably pretty thrify on regular gas though, and purchase price should be inexpensive.

I think they had about 75 or 80 hp.

Full service history available for it? No deferred maintenance issues? (Neglected ones can cost a mint to put right)

It might work for you.

[meltedpanda]

wonderful old benz, get some more details and we will be better able to help, easy to work on ,parts available, rust can be an issue
post pictures, and above all if you don't want it we might!!!

[ctaylor738]

Way better as a hobby car than one you depend on for daily transportation.

[300SDog]

Driven daily these cars will have fewer problems than if they're mothballed - especially regarding the carbs. Figure the 220 will give you mid-low '20s in fuel mileage and do an easy 80mph. Superb handling and enough acceleration to keep you happy. Open it up on windey country roads and it will handle like a sports car. And if you're still in school its a perfect vehicle thats reliable enough to be extremely economical. And the old Mercedes will be a chick magnet like you wont believe. Without hesitation buy the 220 and you'll be glad you did.

[meltedpanda]

and....with the seat belts attached and used....... a very safe car

[t walgamuth]

gas or diesel?

tom w

[locomas]

agree with taylor, not good for frequent daily stuff..

Looks like we have a split decision!

Not alot of info to go on, but if its in ok shape id say it can be a good student car. Hell, especially if its a diesel (you didn't need to get there that quickly anyhow!). Two years ago I took a w114 out of an 8 year storage and it was quite reliable after the kinks were taken out.

Watch the rubber fuel lines for cracks, replace all filters and make sure there is no rust in the tank (a clear in-line filter can help alot!). Flush the brakes and change the lines.

If the car is rusty...beware.

cheers,
dan r.

[POS]

Nice, but not worth much.

[Tristar1959]

About as good and nice simple, reliable, comfortable Basic Transportation as you'll ever find - with the provisos that it'll help if you're at least a brown belt shadetree mechanic and have verified it relatively free of rust and major mechanical problems (yes, "problems", not "issues").
Have emailed you re: same.

But, for now, see meltedpanda's saga, in
1971 220
to learn what can be involved in a 220 restoration. Not to get scared of it, but to observe the process in painful detail
With luck, this beast will have fewer needs than did "Libby".

Happy Looking!

Stan

[250 Coupe]

I've driven W114 coupes daily for years without too much trouble. I've lost a water pump and been stranded a mile from home by a mystery failure that cleared up a day later.

They’ve all leaked around the window rubber. One was way rustyier then the other.

I never pay more than $1500USD for them.

I switched to the W116 450SEL cause a car seat won’t fit in the coupe. I’m gonna miss my coupe!

Michael