I recently stumbled upon a 1973 Mercedes 220D Auto when I was out with some friends. I only know what I read on the 'For Sale' sign in the window. Like I said before, it's a 1973 Mercedes 220D; Automatic transmission, it has 260K miles and it said the engine was rebuilt at 200k and it's a one owner car. I emailed the shop's owner to get some more info, but all he could tell me is that it does in fact run. He said it belonged to one of his customers and he gave me the owner's info for me to call him and get some of my other questions answered. I plan on calling him later this week.

My question is.... What should I look out for? What are some common problems with them? Anything I should know about the 220D before I buy it? And any other info you think I should know would be greatly appreciated!

Here's a few crappy pics I took with my cell phone. Yes, the body has some rust; lower front fenders, rocker panels, and rear quarter panels. The rust doesn't really bother me because I already looked up the price of new panels and they aren't crazy expensive. Couldn't find front fenders though.... I looked under the car with a few flashlights and didn't see any rust through the floor boards and the trunk happened to be unlocked so I took a look and the trunk floor is good as well. Other than the fading paint on the trunk, the rest of the paint looks pretty good if you ask me





Thanks in advance for you info/advice!!!
-Fred-

 

I just purchased a 220d (manual) 1973 about 3 weeks ago.. I have had a little bit of trouble with my belts.. Mainly the one running the Alternator- The alt is the tensioner and mine came lose- but can be fixed easy-
My ac compressor clutch also seized (What luck!) but didnt work to begin with so no biggie..

Anyway- I would look into that engine and see why it needed a rebuild, who did it, and blah blah blah..
I'd say with all the proper documentation and a proper (hard) test drive go for it.. But also take a look around and see what you can find.. The Manual is really quite nice

Good luck

Also, without being too nosy- what price are they asking? That should help give a good answer.

AND (one last thing) there is a good thread in here or 10 about general buying, take a search on those and you'll see common rust spots and other problems to keep any eye out for.

- Chris