1976 Mercedes-Benz W115 300D diesel from North America

Summary:

For a 35+ year old car, this Mercedes puts newer cars to shame in looks, reliability and performance

Faults:

Water pump needed replacement. The seat supports are due for reconditioning.

General Comments:

This car is a true testament to the reliability of the Mercedes diesel marque. The 115 handles beautifully, and accelerates just like a gas powered car. It gets excellent fuel economy, and is extremely reliable on the highway for long trips. I went for a long trip towards California, and this car kept up with the 2007 model Porsches and BMW's on the highway, and at 120 km/p/h, the car was solid and sturdy like a tank. The engine purrs like a kitten, with minimal noise in the cabin.

The Mercedes W115 is roomy and very comfortable, with sofa like seats, and lots of leg and headroom. A beautifully crafted interior, the W115 has a very inviting cabin. The ergonomics on the dashboard are excellent for the time period, and it has really good heat and cool air. The air conditioner is very powerful and blows ice cold. The trunk has ample room for luggage and more.

This is an awesome car. I would recommend the Mercedes 300D W115 to anyone!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th March, 2011

30th May 2026, 04:01

The W115 and W123 were indestructible, especially the diesel versions.

I think it was one of the best cars ever made. They were among the first diesel cars introduced in the US in the 70s, when seeing diesel cars here was extremely rare.

I remember seeing one a few years ago, beige with a light brown interior. A real beauty. I even had the pleasure of driving it. It doesn't look like a car from the 70s; it's a joy to drive.

1976 Mercedes-Benz W115 300D 5 cylinder diesel from North America

Summary:

The best car Mercedes ever built

Faults:

Transmission has started to shift a little rough on occasion.

General Comments:

This car is an incredible piece of work. A pleasure to drive, accelerates very quickly, and is in excellent condition. The car handles like a sports car and has an incredible turning radius.

The car is built like a tank, and is arguably the best design Mercedes styled for a 4 door sedan.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th September, 2009

1976 Mercedes-Benz W115 240 d from North America

Summary:

It is great!

Faults:

The air conditioning is not blowing coldly. I don't know what to do to get it working correctly. I also, have notice that the back seat is rusted and the fuel gauge is not working correctly. Also, heat comes from the engine to the feet area. But, besides these minor issue my baby Vanilla Ice is running great!

General Comments:

I love my car as it makes me feel very important when I drive it. I make my car look so great when I step out of it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 17th January, 2006

1976 Mercedes-Benz W115 240D 2.4 from North America

Summary:

Wonderful car, would like to fix the smoke screen problem

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong yet. I just purchased this car from the original owner in Grand Junction Colorado. It seems to run great minus the fact that it blows more smoke than any car I have ever seen. Think "Uncle Buck" this is that car. I really am looking for any advice from anyone who might know where to start. Acceleration is typical black, which is ok. The second I let off the pedal it starts pouring out white and sometimes blue. At idle it runs high and just belts out blue smoke!!

The car is mint other than this annoying problem.

General Comments:

Love the car for the price runs great other than above problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th October, 2004

29th Oct 2004, 00:57

In general:

-blue smoke = car consumes oil; for instance when O-rings and/or valve stems are worn

-white smoke = water (sometimes due to condensation) in the mixture; for instance when the head gasket is gone

Hope that helps.

27th Nov 2004, 18:26

Hi, I have a 71 220D that does the same thing- I have been told it is a problem of the diesel injection pump-I live in Oklahoma City and it won't start if temp falls into the high 30's- I am looking for suggestions, as well- I love the way the car rides and drives- it actually runs good except for the cloud of black smoke- it also puts out a lot of blue smoke on a cool morning!! Thanks and good luck!!

View 5 more comments