1972 220D Questions
 

I have an aquaintance at work who has a 1972 MB 220d (W115)in wonderful shape. He is thinking of selling the car to the right buyer and I was thinking of maybe taking it off his hands. The car has just over 100k original owner miles on it and is in concours shape. Exterior is an ivory/light yellow with a darker tan MBTex interior.

About the only thing automatic on the car is the transmission. Crank windows, etc. I believe it has a similar engine to the 240d.

I'm not all that concerned with the mechanics of this car, as it has had excellent care and is relatively simplistic. I could "shadetree mechanic" most if not all items that would require attention.

I was a bit curious about how this car would perform in relation to my other diesels. My 300SDL isn't exactly a dragster but, given its relative bulk, it moves along respectfully once rolling. Is this what I should expect from the 220d? My Jetta TDI has a tuning chip and other mods that will allow it to easily outrun and stay ahead of a gas VW. I'm not thinking the 220d will be like that.

Back in the day, I had an 85 Olds 98 with a 4.3L V6 diesel. It only had 85hp and 165 ft/lb torque. 0-60 was in the neighborhood of
around 18 sec. That car was SO SLOW it was almost unsafe. Very scary to pass anything larger than road debris. Expressway merging was next to dangerous. With that car, it was pretty much floorboarded all the time until you were up to speed.

Also, any ideas what kind of $$$ I should expect to pay?

I had a 1969 220D for many years. We picked it up on European delivery back in 1969. My dad got the car with no options, so it had a 4 speed manual on the tree. I ended up with the car and drove it many reliable miles till I upgraded to a 1987 300TD. The car was a gutless wonder. I did learn how to get the most out of it. THe old sling shot approach on passing. TImeing the lights and the rest. I would imagine that the car with an automatic would be a dog. I fun dog, but a dog none the less. If it is a three speed auto, even more so. It is a simple realiable car that has great lines. When ever I see one, especially one in good shape, I get emotional. I learned to work on cars on a 220D. Mechanically it is a simple car to maintain and was my first real car. Learned how to drive in it, took it to my high school senior prom, sking, vacations and my daily driver for 10 years

Henry

I have the same car, except with the 4-speed. I can keep up with traffic OK, although it's very doggy going up a steep hill. It's fine on the LA freeways, although pretty noisy. Keeps up at 70 mph fine, as long as you don't mind the NOISE. Good fuel mileage, although not as good as my 300SD. I love my 220d because it's so simple and reliable.

I've only had mine for about 1-1/2 years. Paid $1000. It came with a completely new cooling system (radiator, water pump, new hoses and belts); and, five new Michelin tires.

Go for it!!