1973 Mercedes 220D

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 is certain to 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 in Television commercials. It is a Euro-spec vehicle with German license plates (beneath its California license plates) so likely, Mr. Thomas purchased the car while filming Hallmark's 'All Quiet on the Western Front' in France during the mid-to-late 1970's.

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

- The interior is in good condition

- The radio is original and is the coveted Becker MEXICO

- It has the cool old Euro bumpers

- Is emission exempt

- The *new* suspension is softer than the W123 (240D and 300D) cars so it rides nice over potholes and uneven roads

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

- The turning radius is truly impressive. Turns on a dime with a nickel change and handles surprisingly well

- Uses a simple mechanical fuel injection and the fuel hoses have been replaced with viton to support Biodiesel and it runs on diesel 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 I sourced a good, used injection pump from Gus at Pacific Fuel Injection in San Francisco. The pump has it's own oil reservoir so keep taps on the oil level and it will last.

I 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.

A stout steering box to frame support bracket was installed to reinforce what is known to be a weak area on these cars--but not this one. The front brakes have been replaced.

The vehicle received a complete new suspension including springs and shocks about 2500 miles ago.

About 1500 miles ago, the radiator was re-cored and a good, used oil cooler was sourced. An old section of exhaust was replaced and the alternator was rebuilt. A new Bosch battery was installed this past July.

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

The car had a recent valve adjustment and a can of Luqui Moly Diesel Purge was administered through the fuel system. It runs better than ever.

PARTS AND SERVICE PERFORMED

- 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 Sept 2015

- re-cored radiator (subed to Southern Armature).

- replaced turn signal switch assembly April, 2017

- replaced oil fill cap

- renewed brake fluid

- replaced front brake pads

- vacuum intake hose fixed

- fixed left-rear parking light

- 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

- alternator rebuilt by Souther Armature

- new battery installed July 2017

- Cleaned fuels system with Liqui Moly Diesel Purge, April 2017

- fixed brake lights

- replaced fuel filters

- tightened transmission mount

- checked oil in injection pump

- 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

- Exhaust section replacement

- Oil change (use 10w40 in summer and synthetic in winter to help with starting)

- 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 Use Zerex G05

WHAT'S WRONG

There are some very small dents on the left-front fender, hood and some small doors dings as well. The 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. The A/C is disconnected and the windshield fluid jets are clogged again. The radio works great but no longer plays tapes. Engine temp gauge does not work. Fuel sending unit needs to be cleaned. There is a quarter-sized chip on the windshield passenger side and the dash has some cracks as well. They are covered with a dash cover.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

CLEAR TITLE, spare belts, oil filters and fuel filter, misc. parts, vehicle service and owner's manuals (on CD) purchased from Mercedes.

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