W114 & W115 - differences?

Here's a question for all: What are the differences between the W114 and W115 body styles? The number of body welds I hear is one; are there any others? And, why the different number of body welds? I have a '69 W114. Thanks.

[Mark DiSilvestro]

I always thought the diference was that the 114 was 6 cyl gas and 115 was diesel/4 cyl gas. Other than the differnce required to install the various powertrains, I never heard of a "number of welds" comparison. Which body is supposed to have more welds? Could the 115 have more welds because those engines vibrate more or could the 114 have more because it carries more weight and power?

Happy Motoring, Mark

Here's the breakdown of the models as found in Nitske's book of production models from 1946 to 1990:

114:
230 1967-1976
250 1967-1972
250C 1968-1976
250 1970-1976
280 1971-1976
280E "
280C "
280CE "
230/6 1973-1976

115:
200 1967-1976
200D 1967-1976
220 1967-1973
220D 1967-1976
230/4 1972-1976
240D 1973-1976
240D 3.0?300D 1974-1976

These include models produced for Europe as well as the USA.

I can't see any relationship between weights since some of the 6 cyls are 114s. Of course, some 6 cyls are lighter than diesels. But there are a lot of 115s that are 4 cyl gas models!

Cal Peterson

[Mark DiSilvestro]

From the list it looks like all the 114s are 6 cyl and all the 115s are 4 or 5 cyl gas or diesel. It could still be a power or vibration issue. I know that on the '72 220-115 I used to have, the AC compressor bracket was much more complicated, with more mounting bolts than the one in the '72 250-114 I have now. How this translates into body welds, I don't know. Did your source say which body had more welds?

Happy Motoring, Mark

[73MB280SEL]

I believe the 115 body was said to have more closely spaced spot welds. I think this was to make them more suitable for taxi service.

Sholin

My source said the W115s have more body welds. But why he couldn't say. Makes sense that the diesels have more welds; some of those are still making it as taxis in Europe. Just recently saw a 121 (190D) running around Lisbon as a taxi! But there's one guy in Ft. Worth with a 220S, 6 cyl gas, with over 700,000 miles on it - as he's the original owner! They will all go a long way with the fluids changed often regardless of the welds!

[Mark DiSilvestro]

I remember those green over black 'Ponton' diesels from my 1968 stay in Lisbon. Amazing to learn they're still running around over there. The Lisbon police used blue and grey VW beetles.

Happy Motoring, Mark