Mercedes-Benz W115 buyer's guide

The four- and five-cylinder '/8' — home of the indestructible diesels.

Years: 1968–1976 · Models: 200, 220, 230.4, 200D, 220D, 240D, 300D

Overview

The W115 was the smaller-engined half of the Stroke Eight range, and its diesels — above all the 240D and the five-cylinder 300D — became the benchmark for durability, with taxi service lives measured in hundreds of thousands of miles. These were working cars, so condition today varies enormously: many were simply used up, and the good survivors stand out sharply.

Engines

Petrol fours (M115); the OM615 and OM616 four-cylinder diesels; and the 3.0-litre five-cylinder OM617 diesel in the 300D.

What to check

• On diesels, cold starting, compression, and blow-by; check for smoke at start-up and under load, and ask about injector and pump service.
• The vacuum system, which runs the door locks and (on automatics) influences shifting — leaks cause a cluster of odd symptoms.
• Rust in the same Stroke Eight areas as the W114: sills, floors, arches, and the battery tray.
• On high-mileage cars, front suspension and steering wear; these cars were driven far, and it shows underneath first.
• Interior wear consistent with the claimed mileage — a diesel's odometer reading should match its pedal rubbers and seat condition.

Values

The 300D leads the W115 market, with well-kept 240Ds behind it; low mileage with service records is the whole story, since buyers are purchasing demonstrated durability. Petrol cars are the affordable entry to the range.

Buying tips

A cold start, watched in person, is the single best W115 diesel inspection. Favour records over odometer claims: these engines outlast their instruments, and paperwork is what proves care.

See the 4 W115 cars currently listed.