1974 w115 300D confusion - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Mt2385 · #1 02-04-2018, 07:53 PM

I recently bought my 1974 w115 300D 4 speed manual transmission and subsequently joined this forum.

My question is why is it that any parts website or local parts store does not show 1974 having a 300D (pelican included). The only thing that comes up for 74 is 240D. 1975 comes up with a 300D though.

Thanks in advance for any input.

Shortsguy1 · #2 02-04-2018, 08:51 PM

A 1974 300D does in fact exist (actually called 240D 3.0), but I wonder if it wasn't sold in the U.S. I have always only seen 75s and 76s here. My understanding is that every w115 300D shipped to the U.S. was an automatic, so maybe your car was not originally sold in the U.S. Or maybe it just had a tranny swap or engine and tranny swap at some point.

gmog220d · #3 02-04-2018, 11:25 PM

I looked in a book I have by a guy named Robert Nitske, "Mercedes-Benz Diesel Automobiles". Sure enough, the 300D was introduced in 1974 as the 240D 3.0. I always thought it was '75. There's a promo shot showing a '74 300D for the US market, diving boards and all. They made 7,650 for that year, and then 34,420 for 1975. The book also says all of them came with automatic transmissions. It doesn't say how many of those '74s came to the US market.

I'd guess that nobody lists parts for your '74 because it was rare. I think you're safe looking up parts for a '75/'76 300D. As for the transmission/clutch related items it might make a difference if your car has the earlier style cast iron box versus the later all aluminum style. I believe the cast iron boxes were in them up to '73 and they went to the later style aluminum ones in '74. Which transmission does your car have, Mt2385? All aluminum, or aluminum bell housing with cast-iron box?

We would love to see some photos of your car!

Mt2385 · #4 02-05-2018, 05:50 PM

Thanks guys for all your help and info. I took some pictures of her today. Found some interesting info in the owners manual pouch which says a lot. It was actually a 240D but someone put the om617 in it and kept the 4 speed manual.