Hello, New to the Forum, Restoring a w115

[merc4him]

Hello,

New to this forum, I just bought a 1975 300D w115, it runs, not sure how well, interior and seats are in poor shape, body needs some attention, I would guess a 5 out of 10. Picked it up for $300.

So I will be hanging out here asking for help, as I am a complete novice in this area. But am a quick and eager learner. My goal is to get in shape by next spring.

I will try and post some pictures later.

Keith

[Adler]

Keith
Welcome to the forum .Here you will find lots of friendly Help or ,advise .Do.start off with a specific question .
Regards
Ad

[billhard]

Welcome! You will find a lot of great advice here, the diesel forum will also prove info rich.

I am trying to bring a 1975 240D 4-speed back to road worthy status right now so we are in the same boat. Be careful MB diesel fumes have proven to be addictive.

[meltedpanda]

glad you are here, be glad to help W115 's hold a special place in my heart

[merc4him]

Thanks for the warm welcome, I have to report a first Victory, the motor starts up and runs, oil was coming in large drips from the bottom pan? But it does start up! Not much works on the dash, no turn signals, or dash functions, but I am feeling good about the motor!

The Oil is dark, so is that a the oil pan seals? It didn't start dripping until I fired up the engine.

[meltedpanda]

dark oil is normal on a diesel , even after you first change it , but if yours is old change it and all fluids as a first step. Oil pan seal can leak as can valve cover gasket and other areas as well , just gotta find the source

[merc4him]

Originally Posted by meltedpanda

dark oil is normal on a diesel , even after you first change it , but if yours is old change it and all fluids as a first step. Oil pan seal can leak as can valve cover gasket and other areas as well , just gotta find the source

Is this a matter of taking the bottom pan off and putting a new seal? Or lifting it then looking until I find the leak via eye sight?

[carnut]

Best to steam clean the engine and transmission, then purchase a leak detector dye thats added to the oil. The dye glows when a black light is shown onto the area. A leak covers the engine with residue making it hard to locate the source. Having it on a lift or alignment rack makes it easier to do the search.

[merc4him]

What model can I interchange parts for, can I put seats from the w123 into the w115, what about other parts?

[junqueyardjim]

Welcome to the Forum. I had a 115 many years ago and often wished I would have kept it. Some parts are interchangeable with the W123. Here is the URL to the "Russian EPC". You are allowed in the USA to download the Mercedes EPC also, but I find it hard to use. This one is easy. You will find the W115 about middle of page, then bring up your favorite model and most of the important part numbers are listed. Then you could bring up a W123 240D model and compare. Also, at the top of this page is "Parts" This Forum is supported by Fast Lane, so that is a good reason to buy from them - also the price is usually very good. So you can go to "parts", check on the item you need and then check on a 240D to see if it is the same.

http://www.everythingbenz.com/z/epc-mercedes-parts-info-diagrams

[hobyu]

Just finished my 1975 240D.....I've had it for 31 years my uncle for the first 6 years...post pictures later.....love the old style and not in a hurry to get anywhere fast!

[t walgamuth]

the 115 300d is a wonderful car with only a few weak points. rust, horsehair pads on the seats, and perhaps the alternator adjuster. The most aggrivating is probably the frankenstein bracket which is used to hold the ac compressor.

Its a good well built car with excellent design.

Good luck with it!