1973 Mercedes 220D

1973 Mercedes-Benz 200-Series Additional Info:

This is a well-maintained 1973 Mercedes 220D. It runs on standard diesel or biodiesel and gets a consistent 28 miles per gallon. This car is very FUN to drive and, in addition to years of trouble-free operation, it will bring you a steady flow of compliments.

Model: 1973 MERCEDES-BENZ 220D

VIN: 115 110 12 306239

Chassis:115.110

Engine: 615.912 (2.2L Diesel)

Transmission: 12 (automatic)

Serial#:306239

HISTORY

It was formerly owned by actor, Richard Thomas, who played John-Boy on television's 'The Waltons', and served as spokesperson for Mercedes Benz on Television. It is a Euro-spec vehicle with European license plates (beneath its California license plates) so likely, Mr. Thomas purchased the car in France while filming Hallmark's 'All Quiet on the Western Front' during the mid 1970's.

It has been a fantastic car. I am the third owner and purchased it in April, 2009. I drove it to Birmingham in October 2014 however, having spent from the mid ‘70’s until 2014 in California, it is still registered and predominately a California car. The odometer reads 8,901 and stopped working. I have put approximately 30,000 miles on it and estimate the mileage at 139,000.

The 220D Mercedes is one of the best cars I've owned. It has no known major problems and, since it is a diesel, it is very reliable. Keep up the service on this 4-cylinder, 2.2 liter automatic and it will probably outlast you. The beauty is its simplicity. It cruises comfortably at 75mph and always starts--even on the coldest mornings.

- Interior is in good condition

- Radio is the original, coveted Becker MEXICO

- Has the cool old Euro bumpers and license plates

- Is emission exempt

- *NEW suspension is softer than the W123 (240D and 300D) cars the ride is nice over potholes and uneven roads

- Trunk is GIANT. The dash cluster and steering wheel make you feel like you're driving something special

- Turning radius is truly impressive and it handles surprisingly well

- Uses a simple mechanical fuel injection with fuel hoses replaced with viton so it runs on biodiesel as well

WHAT'S NEW

In the last two years, I have fixed many things that were broken or needed refreshing, such as: a power steering housing, sway bar linkage, hood emblem, wiper blades, new sheepskin seat covers and Lloyd's floor mats. The Goodyear Integrity radials (185 70 R14) are about two years old. I don't drive it much so there is plenty of tread on them.

Four years (or about 10,000 miles) ago, a good, used injection pump was installed from Pacific Fuel Injection in San Francisco. The pump has its own oil reservoir so keep taps on the oil level and it will last.

Replaced the original glow plugs with a Bosch Duraterm system that is better than the original loop style. The system still uses the stock plunger to start and operates flawlessly for fast starts even in winter.

A stout steering box to frame support bracket was installed to reinforce what is known to be a weak area on these cars. The front brake pads were recently replaced.

The vehicle received a complete *NEW* suspension including new springs and shocks 2500 miles ago. At about the same time, the radiator was fitted with a new core, a good used oil cooler was sourced and an old section of exhaust was replaced. The alternator was rebuilt by Southern Armature and the valves were adjusted.

New turn signal switch, oil change and a new Bosch battery installed this past July. A can of Luqui Moly Diesel Purge was administered through the fuel system. It runs better than ever.

Parts are available and inexpensive. Just type, 'Mercedes 220D' into eBay and you can purchase most anything you need.

PARTS AND SERVICE PERFORMED

- new glow plugs and battery installed July 2017

- exhaust section replacement, April 2017

- replaced turn signal switch assembly April, 2017

- Liqui Moly Diesel Purge through fuel system, April 2017

- Oil change and checked oil in injection pump, April 2017

- valve adjustment, renew valve cover gasket - done Sept 2015

- replace center link and center stabalizer shock - done Sept 2015

- installed new shocks and new springs, new shims - done Sept 2015

- replaced oil cooler with good used part oil cooler p/n: 1081800265 1500 - done

- re-cored radiator (subed to Southern Armature), Sept 2015

- alternator rebuilt by Souther Armature

- replaced oil fill cap

- replaced front brake pads and renewed brake fluid

- vacuum intake hose repaired

- fixed left-rear parking light and brake lights

- replaced hood emblem part # 115 586 04 88

- Lloyds Lux floor mats

- sheepskin seat covers

- installed oil filter flow disc

- added steering box reinforcement plate

- injection pump rebuilt by Gus at Pacific Fuel Injection and installed by Joe at Tony's Automotive

- replaced fuel filters

- tightened transmission mount

- cleaned oil bath air filter and renewed oil

- adjusted transmission/throttle shift levers, vehicle now shifts on time even when cold

- lubricated engine control linkages and control shafts

- inspect all steering and suspension components for wear (idler arm, drag link, steering shock, tie rods)

- lubricated all zirks on chassis

- unclogged windshield fluid jets

- Replaced coolant with Zerex G05

WHAT'S WRONG

Some very small dents on the left-front fender, hood and some small doors dings as well. Paint is in fair condition. I considered repainting but there's something about the original paint that has character so I just keep it waxed. A/C is disconnected but the system is all there. Windshield fluid jets are clogged. Radio works but no longer plays tapes. Engine temp gauge does not work. I replaced it three times but the Classic Center kept sending me old-stock units that lost their diethyl ether. Fuel sending unit reads erratic and just needs to be cleaned. There is a quarter-sized chip on the passenger side windshield and the dash has some cracks as well, concealed by a dash cover.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

CLEAR TITLE, spare belts, oil filters and fuel filter, misc. parts, the original Mercedes Vehicle Service and Owner’s Manuals (on CD).

*NO RESERVE*

The vehicle is being sold as is/where is with no warranty.