Greetings,

There is a '76 230 with 95k miles for sale in Hemmings. Other than the usual issues (rust!), is there any reason to avoid a 4 cyl. gas Benz with an auto tranny of this era?

Thanks,

Peter

Having owned the 1972 - 220 version, the 4 cylinder pulling a 3000 pound car doesn't get great gas mileage. Mine got around 22 MPG highway and around 15 city. Around town, mine was a bit of a slug with the AC on, especially pulling up hills, but would cruise effortlessly at any highway speed. The AC installation and carbuetor plumbing made servicing much more difficult on the 4 cylinder than on the 6 cylinder 250 that I acquired later. I'd recommend, for best economy, a 240D with a stickshift or, for a smoother, more powerfull car, one of the 6 cylinder versions - 250, 280. (and my 250 gets about 1 MPG less than my 220 did - not a bad trade off!) I'd recommend finding a non-rusty one.

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW

Here's a mechanic's point of view:

I would generally stray away from the gasoline-engined 114 cars, as they were overall just not great cars per se. Servicing the carburetor is usually a hassle (mostly because of past incorrect repairs), the carbs themselves are rather unreliable and some repairs on these cars require much fussing about (i.e. removing the A/C compressor bracket for some things) and your investment into the car is not likely going to be returned. They are not particularly valuable by vintage MB standards and have proven tough cars to sell when you're tired of them. Now, all of you 114/115 owners out there, no flames please. They ARE still classic Mercedes and ARE still of excellent build quality but if you're hell-bent on a classic MB for a daily driver, then get a 108 unless of course, you want a diesel.

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Regards,
Aaron