Resurrecting a 1973 W115 Mercedes 220 Gasser
 

Resurrecting a 1973 W115 Mercedes 220 Gasser. Bought this car with a broken timing chain. I was going to rebuild the engine however however parts, time and the fact I am not a skilled engine rebuilder led to look for a used engine from a rusty car and I found a 1976 Mercedes 230 Gasser European model that I will be using as a donor parts car. Should be a straightforward swap. Does the european model have different suspension parts such as springs? Here are couple of videos I made of the cars. Thanks Danny
Video of both cars:
https://youtu.be/WbDlR44LpGo
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WbDlR44LpGo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Video of parts car running:
https://youtu.be/805Mkimp3Rk
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/805Mkimp3Rk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The Euro model may have different springs and/or spring pads. There is a big section in the FSM regarding these combinations, worth picking that up.

Good luck with it!

The most likely difference between European and US versions is the addition of air conditioning - this is heavier and usually requires different springs

If you clean up the springs you can normally find a part number stamped in the coils - might help tracking down what you've got

Doesn't really matter about the springs. There is only one spring rate available in the U.S. no matter what someone's catalog claims. They all supersede/cross over to the one listing.

I haven't been able to locate the front pads in anything but the stock configuration for the front. Rear, yes, three different heights but zilch for the front. Some catalogs list them but when you go to order them they cross link to the rear pads which will not work.

No numbers on the springs. You can measure the wire size on the coils to get a small clue and if the paint markings are still on the coils you can get into the ball park. No way to tell the height without removing and measuring.

The Classic Center will be your best bet regarding the original build data on your car. Give Tom a call and using your VIN he can give you the low down on it.

I've got a set of used stock springs from my 280C (1974) you can have if you need them for the shipping and handling charge.

Sounds like you haven't cleaned up the springs well enough before Mike! The part numbers are stamped into the outer ends of the coil springs - not easy to find - but they are there.

Ahh, I see. So you'd have to remove the springs anyway to find the numbers? That is probably why I was unaware of them.

Definitely - remove the spring - attack the bugger with an angle grinder and wire brush and you might find the numbers (if you're lucky)!

Yup, sho 'nuff! Twenty minutes of cleaning with a wire wheel and there they are, buried under a thick coating of rust proofing on the outside of the bottom coil. No wonder I never saw them.

Attachment 138997