What's the outlook on the values of w115's especially 240d/300d cars?

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93' 190E Sportline LE
80' 450SEL 6.9
67' 250SE

Meaning, will they go up in value? Prob not much.

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- Brian


1989 500SEL Euro
1966 250SE Cabriolet
1958 BMW Isetta 600

Not much demand for them. Something to get if you personally like them and want one. Not an investment.

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1959 Gravely LI, 1963 Gravely L8, 1973 Gravely C12
1982 380SL
1978 450 SEL 6.9 euro restoration at 63% and climbing
1987 300 D
2005 CDI European Delivery
2006 CDI Handed down to daughter
2007 GL CDI. Wifes

Thanks. I have plans of ruining one.

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93' 190E Sportline LE
80' 450SEL 6.9
67' 250SE

What are you up to?

So why are W114/W115s poo poo'd so much, at least here in the USA? I've owned W123s and W115s and I much prefer the W115. Great handling and easier to see out of. Just a better feeling car all around. The "/8s" were loved in Europe back in the day (maybe still are?). What gives?

The chassis represents a turning point in Benz history. You've got the last of the Paul Bracq upright headlight body styles with new design running gear (ball joints, new rear end), and other stuff like the first center console. Is this the source of the W114/W115 "stepchild" status? The car is too "in between"? Not enough old, too much new? I personally find them interesting and I enjoy the heck out of operating one.

The R/C107s and W116 are ugly, I think. They didn't get that look right until the W123. But the W123 interior is lacking, and feels a bit too enclosed for my liking. I'm not really interested in Benz chassis after W114/W115 until you get to the W201 and W124. But, that's just me.

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- Greg -
1973 220D, The Prodigal Benz
1974 240D

I always liked the 115 as well but everyone I ever had seemed to be bad about breaking the bolts that held the steering box to the frame/unibody.

But they are excellent riding cars, and they do feel more open that the 123's in both the front and the back. At least they do to me.

I have no problem with them at all. But, boy are the diesel w115 slow. I just plan on lowering and repowering one. Seems like the engine bay is a bit on the narrow side.

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93' 190E Sportline LE
80' 450SEL 6.9
67' 250SE

I didn't think you had a problem with W115s. You must like them somewhat or more to be getting into a mod project with one. My questions are related to the more general question of why this chassis seems to be under-appreciated. Maybe I hijacked the thread a little?

Yeah, they can be slow. However, the '73 220D I've got has a later 240D engine, and with the lower gear ratio in the 3rd member the car has pretty good power. It surprises folks often. 3rd gear is relatively lively and we're at 5000 feet. Feels really nice at lower elevations.

Stick shift helps a lot in that department, too. Most of the diesel auto W115s I've ridden in were awful slow, but so were most of the W123 with NA engines and auto transmissions I've been in.

Have fun with your project. It doesn't sound like you're "ruining" the car. That's all subjective and I appreciate seeing all the different stuff folks do when modding cars. Have you seen the hot rod W108 with a 350 v-8 that is subject of some recent threads (the fellow looking for a new diff)? I'd never do it but I think it's a bad ass car, chopped springs and all.

The W114/W115 engine bay is narrow. MB only put in-line engines in them. A gasser with stick would be cool.

Sorry if I sounded like I was lecturing you - I wasn't! Party On!

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- Greg -
1973 220D, The Prodigal Benz
1974 240D

Haha awesome. I am a fan of engine swaps of any breed. I don't care if you're throwing an American v8 in a European car or throwing an Italian inline 4 in a Japanese car haha. But, yeah purist will raise hell. I'm not sure what engine I'm thinking about going with if I get the car. Could be Mercedes, could be Japanese, could be America, could be BMW haha. Just looking for a little pep while staying auto. Or maybe I'll sell it. Who knows.

My w123 is an om617 with a vgt turbo at 15psi and air to water intercool with a 4spd manual behind it. Yeah, I just cant do old NA diesels lol.

I took no offense to your post.

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93' 190E Sportline LE
80' 450SEL 6.9
67' 250SE

BMW 3.5? :-)

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- Greg -
1973 220D, The Prodigal Benz
1974 240D

I have seen a few engine swaps using Toyota fours but a problem seems to be the location of the Mercedes steering box.

Whatever swap you intend check this out before getting too deep into it. Using an engine with the intake and exhaust manifold on the passenger side of the car would seem like a good place to start.

Was thinking m104, m103, 3rzfe, or anything online 4 or 6.

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93' 190E Sportline LE
80' 450SEL 6.9
67' 250SE

Someone had a W114 250 posted on one of these forums with , of all things, a Buick V8 transplant. Seemed to fit OK in the picture. Though there wasn't a good under-hood view to see how well it cleared the steering or anything else.
My choice would be a small-block Ford V8.

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW