list of differences between early w114 & late w114

[felixy69]

Just got into a 1975 w114
I want to know wat I have to change both inside n out to make it a early version of w114 ?

Thx

[Shortsguy1]

Without more details, it is hard to answer your question. Why not just buy an early w114 if that is what you want? It will cost more to convert one to look like an early one, than it would cost to just buy an early one. The other reason your question is hard to answer is that you don't say what level of exactness you require. For instance, there are obvious differences like engine capacity, steering wheels, bumpers, brake lights, etc. But there are much more subtle differences: the overflow nipple on my 1968 is soldered/brazed to the radiator neck, whereas on a 1973, it is a plastic nipple simply pushed through a hole on the radiator neck. Is that an important difference? Not to me, and probably not to you, but who knows???

[Jub]

Bumpers- big in late versions.

[felixy69]

WeL I just obtained a 1975 version
I noticed when I was searching for headlights that there are different versions of them
So I assume those would be earlier units
So I m motivated to change my interior n exterior to early versions.

What are their major difference ?
Post pics to compare if you can.
And what is the exact year of change ?

[Frank Reiner]

felixy:

With all respect, you would be well served to do a lot of research on your own, rather than coming here with a request (that in tone is close to a demand) that others do all the work for you. After you assemble a list of your own observations and information which you have culled, a request for specifics on each item will quite likely elicit useful responses.

[ScooterABC]

If you look on Wikipedia for Mercedes w114 you find some of the changes between early and late. Bumpers are not part of that change. Those change for a different reason.

[JimFreeh]

While 74 was the first year for the big bumpers, there are also a host of changes for 73, that differentiate the 73 from the earlier cars.

To answer two of your questions:

Interior. To do it right, everything needs to be changed... Different grain on the upholstery and trim, different wheel, etc.... 72 and earlier uses a leather grain, 73 and later, a pinpoint grain. Classic hard plastic wheel with horn ring changes to a urethane wheel in 73. Vent window and mirrors change in 74.

Headlights. You mean the headlight doors, right? Headlights are industry standard 7" sealed beams. Headlight doors have an early and late version. Very early version has an amber lens for the parking and signal light. Later version has a clear lens with an amber lens behind the clear outside lens. Change occurred around 69.

Jim

[pj67coll]

The hood, grill and possibly front end is different as well.

- Peter.

[euroamg]

Originally Posted by pj67coll

The hood, grill and possibly front end is different as well.

- Peter.

Yes, the early hood & grille is different from the later ones. Fenders are different too as i remember.
-Drivers door glass is smaller with the quarter glass installed.
-side mirrors are smaller on the 114's
-bumpers a few different versions
-taillights
-center console
-dash two versions
-interior door panels are different on the 114's
-chrome trims on the windshields are different
plus more stuff...

We have a 114 before that we converted quite few parts when the car was new in 1972. Door glass 1 piece, side mirrors, bumpers, tailights, windshield trims, center console piece, rear headrest etc..


It will be better to find a w114 if you really like that look. Or if you can find a donor car to switch all the parts to the w115... Oops.. i was comparing it to a w115..

[kraakevik]

Euroamg in the post above has listed many of the differences between the earlier and later cars. It is indeed feasible to mix and match various components--for instance, I put earlier taillight fixtures and lenses on a later sedan--see photo




Tim Kraakevik
kraakevik@voyager.net

[Palolo]

This is really easy.

Early 114 = elegant and stylish, somewhat modern (for Benz sedans of the era) yet with a foot in the past.

Late 114 = dorky and designed by a rubber baby buggy bumper design team.



Some things won't retrofit backwards and it is just better to get an early car if that's the look you want, since it pretty much boils down to looks.

[Tomas7]

Originally Posted by Palolo

This is really easy.

Early 114 = elegant and stylish, somewhat modern (for Benz sedans of the era) yet with a foot in the past.

Late 114 = dorky and designed by a rubber baby buggy bumper design team.



Some things won't retrofit backwards and it is just better to get an early car if that's the look you want, since it pretty much boils down to looks.

I agree, I hate my bumpers.