You need to have the engine cranked by hand if it has been sitting for a while. This you do with the drive shaft pully and a 22 mm I believe deep socket. I would remove the glow plugs and put in a few drops of oil and crank gently by hand. Get the history of the vehicle and have it inspected by a mechanic. Test or make sure glow plug circuitry is working. Look for rust under carpets and under car. Try to get some history on the car, mileage ect. oil changes ect.

Valve adjustements are important so see when that was done last or at all. Best test for the engine is how it starts in the cold after a glow charge.

I am looking at a 1972 220D as well with 198K miles on it. These cars are a blast but they are for driving. If you want a piece of furniture to run in the parade once a year get a gasser. These should never be put out to pasture. run the piss out of em on the highway.

Regards Tom 1979 240D