fintail sedans - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

davestlouis · #1 01-31-2006, 11:40 PM

Would a mid-60's W111 gas sedan with automatic transmission be usable in rush-hour traffic? I don't need any of my cars to be daily drivers except the 420SEL W126, but would like to be able to go 35 miles each way, mostly interstate, safely and comfortably. Any thoughts?

blueeagle289 · #2 02-01-2006, 07:41 AM

Back in the 60's, I drove a 220Sb every day and had absolutely no problems. It did need some mech and maint every once in a while -- like any other car. Those cars were more simply designed, without all the electroncs and were basically more dependable on the road than some of the new beauties. The key is the condition of the car of course. If it has been well maintained in every way, it should be very dependable -- just as it was when new.

I just bought a very nice original 230S, which has been maintained, garaged all its life and which should require normal maintenance and repair. I plan to drive it quite a bit in Dallas; along with 3 other cars I expect to have. (Selling my 76 450SEL ASAP -- it is just one car too many!)

ANOTHER QUESTION -- Where can I get a manual for the 68 230S?? I have visited Heckflosse and other sites, but haven't seen a reference to manual availability. Perhaps it is there somewhere ... Can anyone help with this?

Thanks, Ben Carter

300SDog · #3 02-01-2006, 01:14 PM

That St.Louiis overpass is probly the worst in the nation for left and right hand exits sneaking up around corners. I was warned about it in trucking school and then later faced it driving an 18 wheeler myself.

Tie breaker has gotta be your knowledge of the road. But it sounds like manueverability and acceleration is your chief concern. Meanwhile spending an hour in an old finbody is a pleasure in itself. I wouldnt worry if it was me.

Benzcrusher · #4 02-01-2006, 07:04 PM

Are you looking for an owner's manual?

snp8990 · #5 02-01-2006, 07:42 PM

Ben its Nilesh,
Here is a link to a owners manual,I suggest that you call to order it rather than buy it online.The number should be at the bottom of the page.Enjoy the 230S!

Tristar1959 · #6 02-02-2006, 01:48 AM

Used to commute regularly with 65 250SE/C coupe - 6-piper mechanical fuel injection M129 and 4-speed manual; the only problems I recall were occasional irritating blue lights appearing behind me until I pulled over, and once having to replace the electric fuel pump.
If you're considering a carb'd 220S or Sb or 250S or the spritzer 250SE, have to balance carb probs against the considerable cost of Bosch rebuilding the mechanical fuel injector of the type on mine's M129; plus the normal concerns of auto tranny vs stick repair costs. However, it was a superb road car and had no trouble commuting or running (once indicated 105 mph and still accelerating on the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel; the scary part was that it didn't FEEL like that kind of speed, and I backed off).

davestlouis · #7 02-02-2006, 07:20 PM

I just keep finding myself drawn to the look of the car, especially the bigger sedans...the W112 LWB sedans are gorgeous. If I can get a decent one without spending my kids' college fund I may do it.

Tristar1959 · #8 02-03-2006, 02:55 PM

Respectfully advise against any "airbaggers", no matter how delicious...and not much point in even the later "iron" W109 300SE's. Now a 6.3....
The latter 450SEL's were one of the finer cruisers ever, for comfort, handling, and sedan performance. If you like twincams, look for an equivalent 77 280SE. If you like gas stations and the kids can get by on their HS diplomas, look for a 6.9.

davestlouis · #9 02-03-2006, 09:33 PM

I keep trying to tell myself to stick to simple models...less to go wrong and all that, but the high end cars tend to be much bigger and physically impressive, and I just can't help myself. I know a guy with two 6.9's but both have rusty rockers and quarters and tons of miles on them...if I ever win the lottery there would be a 600 Pullman in my garage...but given that I don't normally play, I guess the chances of that are slim-to-none.

blueeagle289 · #10 02-16-2006, 08:09 AM

I need the under dash panels that fit up under the dash itself to hide the wires etc. there. Panels from a 230, 230S or poss even a 220 model should fit. I am not sure about panels from a 250 etc.
Also, need the battery hold down system which I believe consists of the two "J" bars for each end and a top clamp or rectangle that they fit into. the base for the battery is good.
Thanks, Ben Carter (Dallas, TX)

Tristar1959 · #11 02-16-2006, 11:31 AM

Which body do you have, your 230S - a 114/115 or a 108 big-body? I might be able to come up with a 114/115's, but I doubt any underdash panels are identical between the "New Generation" and the S's, although I stand ready to be corrected and surprised...

Benzcrusher · #12 02-16-2006, 08:24 PM

Sounds like he is looking for panels for a w111, although 1968 is a rare year for the w110/w111 sedans. The underdash panels are hard to find, they were made from pressboard about 3mm thick. I've had several w110's/w111 sedans, only one had the underdash panels. I'd try to fab my own...

blueeagle289 · #13 02-17-2006, 06:40 AM

Yes, mine is a W111 -- only 80 of these made in 68 I believe. I think fabbing the under dash box or panels is a good idea .... Where can I see a picture or drawing of that assembly in order to duplicate it??

t walgamuth · #14 02-17-2006, 08:30 AM

a fintail diesel that was for sale here a couple of years ago. i expected it to drive "older". it didnt feel much different from a 115 or a 123. it was pretty far gone though and i passed on it.

a good example of the 220b should be just fine in traffic. it wont win any races (except with 240s, maybe) but you should feel safe.

and it wont be any tougher to keep on the road than a new car. be sure to keep the king pins greased though. they will sieze up if you dont.

tom w