1969 Mercedes Benz 220D

Description

RELISTED: BUYER THOUGHT IT HAD AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.
I bought this car from someone in FL and have been driving it regularly ever since. It is an excellent example of an older MB diesel- it starts right up, steers, shifts,stops and handles well and is rock solid feeling and ver, very comfortable, especially on long trips. It gets about 28 MPG!I have done the following to it since I got it:Valve job- new valves guides springs, gaskets and fuel injectors.Replaced door pockets.Cleaned and got seatbelts working.Replaced battery.Worked on air conditioning. I replaced the receiver- drier, thermostatic expansion valve, new compressor oil and bought a thermostatic actuator( not installed). Unfortunately, I believe it will need a new York compressor( 300-400 on eBay), or change to a newer radial style compressor. It will hold a vacuum indefinitely, but wouldn't suck in the R12 when I tried to charge it.The body is amazing for the car's age. It is rust free! Body, frame rails and floors are rock solid and near dent free- there are dents on the SS trim on the trunk lid. The paint is so-so. It looks great from a distance, shines nicely, but appears to be a MAACO style respray of the original color. They painted over existing scratches and left overspray on some trim.The interior is original, but nice, except for a hole in the driver's seat bottom. The seats are MBtex vinyl. The carpet is mediocre; new carpet is available and about 200.00, but would be easily hidden by period correct cocoa mats. The dash has a few cracks that should be visible in the pictures. Everything else works except for the clock and the radio. It was working until I removed the console for the AC work. I assume either power or ground is hooked up incorrectly. The speedometer or its cable squeal once in a while. It goes away quickly and doesn't seem to effect accuracy.Like most diesels, it smokes, especially when cold. The valve job made that a lot better, but I think it needs a mixture adjustment. I have no experience with working on these engines. The cylinder walls looked great when I had the head offIt has a very complete set of original owner's literature- owner's manual, AC manual, parts catalog, dealer directory and the original "build sheet"- actually a computer punch card with options, colors component numbers, etc in an original pouch. It also has the original jack and lug wrench. It doesn't have a tool kit.The car is a hoot to drive! Once you get used to starting it- you have to hold a knob out to heat the glow plugs for about half a minute, and how leisurely it accelerates- you have to be careful pulling out in front of traffic, you will cruise in extreme comfort. It will cruise in the high 70s all day long once it gets going.Parts are fairly easy to find, though it really shouldn't need anything any time soon, other than tires. They have plenty of tread, but I don't know how old they are.You can certainly drive the car as it is. In fact, you can come get it and drive it home. If you are looking for a car to restore, this is an ideal candidate- numbers matching, original and needing little or no bodywork before repainting.
Feel free to ask any questions!