If I died today...

[thysonsacclaim]

I'd want to drive this first:

1967 Mercedes 200 Diesel (W110)

The seller is only asking $2150 and he claims to have owned it for over 43 years.


I love the look of these Fintails so much that I would consider swapping my 116 for one... MAYBE. I haven't any idea how hard it is to get parts for these cars, but it sure is beautiful. Would it be a worthwhile purchase?


I've been stricken with the vintage Mercedes addiction... anyone have the Mercedes Anonymous number?

[Mforcer]

It sure is a nice car. I really like the lack of centre console in the older cars.

Still no where near as nice as a W116

[thysonsacclaim]

I don't know as for performance, quirks, part finding, how to work on it, etc for these cars so I would be hesitant to buy it unless in nice condition. I could realistically afford to keep the 116, but we have 5 or 6 vehicles already where I live (one is mine).

But from the post:

Original Owner - willing to sacrifice his prized possession of 43+ years , Lovingly Maintained - Garage Kept



Runs Great.



Original Upholstery; Original AC Unit; AM/FM Cassette Player (original Becker radio as spare). Lots of original accessories.

Some other spare parts also available with owner; Factory Service maintenance & repair manual.

Manual Transmission.



Runs great - Looks great - Excellent Addition for a Vintage Car collector of Mercedes. Motivated.

Because of my old age unable to take care of it. Motivated to sell. Make reasonable offer to get my prized posseion for the last 43+ years.

[Squiggle Dog]

I've got one of those! In fact, I drive it to work every day while I try to get my W116 roadworthy. Last summer I drove it 2,000 miles across 4 states. I've not had a problem getting parts.

[Squiggle Dog]

By the way, the 200D in that ad is a European model!

[thysonsacclaim]

By the way, the 200D in that ad is a European model!

Wow! How can you tell? Is it the front lights?



They really are pretty. What is the power like? I did look on Autohaus, but I didn't find many parts. Also, how hard is it to work on?

[UTn_boy]

Hey Adam.  Thought id give my two cents worth here.  A W110 200Diesel is a very simple car to work on, especially since it is a stick shift. 

The most complicated and important things to keep up with are making sure the timing chain is replaced at about 80,000 mile intervals, that the injectors and pre-combustion chambers are kept tip top shape,(and of course glow plugs), making sure the valve lash is correct and adjusted every 15,000 miles, and lastly, making sure that the injection pump is correctly timed to the engine.(I just use the flow timing method).  Sometimes the bushings for the alternator mounting bracket wear out and have to be replaced, but you'll notice this really easily since the whole alternator will be sitting crooked. 

The front end upper and lower, inner and outer control arm bushings, king pins, and sub frame mounts are often overlooked and horribly worn.  About a year ago I rebuilt a front end on one of these, and the parts alone cost the customer around $3,000, but bear in mind I got everything from the dealer because the aftermarket parts just don't fit right.  The good thing is, a new front end will last you 80,000 to 100,000 miles.  Also pay attention to the center mount for the rear differential. (Accessible from inside the trunk)  They go bad and the rear end will sink in and move around while you drive. 

Be aware of the flex discs and drive shaft u-joints and center support bushings wearing.  Shift linkage bushings are always worn out. Also pay attention the flattened motor mounts, as well as the rear mount.

Not many parts can be found from aftermarket places such as Autohauz, but most things are still available through the dealer.  Many many donor cars out there, as there were thousands and thousands of these made.  Make the EPC your best friend, and go from there. haha.   

Look at the condition of all the door seals, and especially the front and rear glass seals.  They dry rot, let water in, and rust the floor boards out.

Interestingly, this car not only has either clear or faded front turn signal/clearance lamp lenses, but it also has a late W108/109/113 steering wheel on it.  A 200D should have the early style steering wheel with the chrome horn ring.  I would imagine that maybe there were a few W110/W111 four door cars that left the factory with the later style steering wheel, as the 230S was still being made in 1968. 

Regardless, they are really neat cars, and fun to keep up.  I drove one for two years in my college days.....and that was just back in 1997-2000.  Mine was astral silver metallic with black M-B tex interior.  Please let me know If I can be of any help.  Thanks, and have fun!!  AARON

[Squiggle Dog]

You can tell it's a Euro model by the dark ring around the headlights, the turn indicators with built-in fog lights, and Behr air conditioning (as opposed to Kuhlmeister/Thermoking).

I get most of my parts from The Mercedes-Benz Classic Center, but I also get a lot of parts from http://www.germanautoparts.com .

Practically every single mechanical part of my car has been serviced or replaced. Aaron is right about these cars typically being neglected and needing everything.

The W110 and W111 chassis sedans built from 1967-1968 have the later style steering wheel and column, larger inside door handles, larger dash and crank knobs, larger outside mirrors, and reflective side markers. Mine is a 1968.

I find that my 200D has as much acceleration as the average car. In fact, I find it to be faster than a lot of cars I have driven. I have no problem merging onto the freeway and holding 75 MPH, even up steep hills. I am usually in the fast lane passing everyone else by. I'm not sure why these cars have a reputation for being slow. Sure, they would lose a race to a Corvette, but what do you expect, it's an economy car?

Here are some videos of my car: http://www.youtube.com/user/bicyclesfordogs

[thysonsacclaim]

My you guys are on your game! Thanks for your input.


I *really* wanted one of these older M-Bs and I have a neighbor who also has a black fintail down the road I see everyday on my way to school.

I do love the 116, but I have always loved the styling of the 50s and 60s, regardless of what kind of car. I will probably wait on getting a 110 for now as I'm not sure I could part with the 450SE. If I had more parking spaces, I'd have them both!

Just out of curiousity, what do these cars run for where you live? I spent a few minutes trying to find some for sale online, but I came up short. So, I really don't know what their value is dollar-wise.

I bought the 450SE for ~$900 and I'd consider it in decent shape minus the maintenance work and adjustments it needs. I got pretty lucky that all my injection parts are working/within spec and really I think the dealer sold it at a near loss unless he got it free. He replaced several things before garaging it for a year.

Anyway, if I can convince the neighbors to turn their house into a personal parking lot for moi, I'll be a 110/116 lifer, too!

[TJ 450]

They are nice cars, I've always had a desire to own one.

I do prefer the specced up 230 fintails though (the ones without the round headlights)... Most of them dissapeared off the roads as quickly as the fins went out of fashion, which is unfortunate!

Tim

[Hemersam]

If you ever buy the car and come to Dallas, make sure you enter the freeway on a downward-sloping entrance ramp (I speak from experience). Car looks neat; good luck with it, and enjoy.
Hemersam

[Squiggle Dog]

There's one in excellent condition locally that has a bad engine for $800. I would sell mine for $1,500. You can get crusty ones for around $300. There are lots of Mercedes in Washington, especially Euro spec ones.