My 1974 Mercedes 240D had all the rust removed when I bought it in 2000. It was repainted the original Ivory color.
My transmission had to be replaced at 187,000 miles. I replaced it with a four speed automatic from a 300d.
The brake booster began to work improperly at 190,000 miles.
The master cylinder was replaced at 198,000 miles.
The car has a tendency to eat through tires, and I have to replace one about every 2000 miles.
The vacuum pump diaphragm began to leak at 189,000 miles. I promptly replaced it.
This car achieves an average of 34 miles per gallon. This tends to vary, as I get 30 in the city and up to 46 on the highway.
The vehicle is extremely comfortable, and has a strong air conditioning system, luxurious interior and chrome appointments.
The car is slow in accelerating, but it cruises well at 60 MPH.
This vehicle is extremely reliable, and has inexspensive maintenance costs.
The vehicle looks gorgeous, with chrome sidings and a lovely classic body style.
The vehicle handles well, and is very safe, being equipped with disc brakes, independent suspension and 3 point seat belts.
A 1974 Mercedes 240D should not eat tires. It should get 40K miles on a good matched set of radials. Mine did. It is a relatively light car with a good suspension.
I fixed my tire problem. I bought a brand new set. so far all is well.
A 240 4 speed will average around 30 mpg. 35-37 highway and 27-29 city.
I have a 74 240D and was getting poor mileage on the highway, around 24 at 65 to 70 mph. It came with a 3.63 rear end ratio. I installed a 3.07 from a W123 300 turbo. Wow, now I am getting 38 on the highway! The car is a little slower, but much nicer to drive.
I owned a 75 240D with 4 spd manual trans for about 4 years. My wife and I once drove it fom Vancouver to LA and back via Reno. Cruising at 60-65 mph gave about 41 mpg (imperial gallon). Pushing it to 70 would drop the economy down to about 33-35 mpg. Worst I ever got was the long climb from Bakersfield up to Lake Tahoe where it dropped to about 27 mpg.
Guys, I'm seriously thinking of getting a 1974 Mercedes... I'm almost convinced... should I? And which engine should I get? 240d? or 200? or?
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