Greetings and questions

[nealjpage]

Found this forum by accident and have been trolling it a bit for the past few days. Looks like there's quite a bit of knowledgeable folks associated with it. Hello to all and I look forward to working with you

I'm writing because I know nothing about Mercedes-Benz automobiles. I've owned Fords and Pontiacs and Chevies and Chryslers but never a Benz. The local craigslist has a '62 200b listed for sale for $175. No motor, tranny, or interior. Needs glass. I'm going out to look at it tomorrow and need to know where to start looking at it, other than the obvious floors and rockers and such.

My end goal is a sort of daily driver. I don't drive much during the week, but often on the weekends find myself making a 200 mile trip to Portland, Oregon. Ultimately I'd like to retro a diesel to run on veggie oil--is this car a good candidate? I assume the 200b was a gasoline burning car, right? Will I be able to find a diesel motor/tranny that'll bolt up? Let me add that usually I'd be doing all of these things myself in my garage, but I now live in an apartment without space to work on a car, so I'm going to go to a mechanic for any work that needs to be done.

Thanks in advance, guys. I really appreciate any advice you can give me!

[Jim B.]

It is what it is.

And it sounds like one of these, a Fintail series.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_W111

Do some searching on the archives about WVO SVO and Biodiesel.


For $175 I think I see a parts car here!

Probably at least $8,000 to make a diesel driver out of it, and you'll need a LOT of parts. You can still get them , but it would be expensive.

Not a viable proposition. Mercedes Diesel cars are HOT on the used car market because everyone has the same idea as you, gas prices are too high and people want to convert biodiesel. Especially bad in Oregon.

If you are very very lucky, you might find a nice one for $2000-$2500 in good shape but it will probably be in California somewhere. A couple of guys guys on here got really nice ones, one owners, ready to go for that kind of price, but they were knowledgeable, astute buyers.

Lietuvai, a member near Portland, REALLY knows these cars, and likes to comb the ads in your area all the time for cars like this. I bet people like him could help you - but remember, these cars when bargains are found, sell really fast - everyone wants one.

You will hear the slogan - "The most expensive used Mercedes is the cheapest one"

And it is true. Buying the best condition one you can find, is always the best, even if it costs more.

AVOID cars with rust - their biggest enemy.
Probably you can find one like this in your budget.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_W114


The largest number of them are these, everyone loves them, but they cost more for the good ones, but are worth it. If lucky you can find one cheap:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_W123

A dedicated following of them, especially for the W123, on thewww. benzworld.org site, and Diesel discussion, right here. Tons of people
who love them and willing to help. I have met some of them, and they are real great.

Good luck.

Let this example go by, though it is a parts car. Not really a viable builder.

[Larry Delor]

A good price for a parts car, like Jim said.
I can also echo Jim, by recommending a W123 instead. Parts are found easier, and cheaper. You can get tons of support (not financial! ) from here, and you will probably spend less on a good 123, than you would on converting the '62.
IF....if the '62 is in very good shape, then you might want to think about restoring it...but a lot of stars would have to be in alignment for that to be the case.

[nealjpage]

Kinda what I figured. I remember well working on cheap cars that seemed like a good idea at the time. 1965 F100 that only needs a tranny? Sure, no problem! After brakes, driveshaft, carborater, and heaven knows what else, it was fine. But the time and money spent on that could've bought me a nice driver.

Here's the ad:

http://medford.craigslist.org/car/411929606.html

Looks like I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for something that will require a little less work! Thanks guys.

[calgary 280cguy]

there's a diesel here in calgary for sale, I looked at it, told the owner to give me a call when he really wants it gone.
he wanted 850, I offered him 200.
it still ran good, but had 270 k on it, and all four jacking points were rusted out, don't think it could pass a safety.it's a 77 240d, I was thinking of putting it in my 74 280c, but fear it would be pretty anemic on the road. he refused to believe that it was only good for parts, and says it only needs some bodywork.