OK, here are the details on a Barn Finds Classifieds reference for a 1970 Mercedes-Benz 220D sedan. This is one incredibly clean sedan, with reasonable mileage, especially considering that it has been in existence for over half a century. There’s no denying the purposeful lines of Mercedes cars of this era – they meant functional business! This beautiful Benz is located in Glendale, California and is available, here on Bring a Trailer for a current bid of $2,000.
I’ll admit it, I’m not a fan of anything diesel unless it’s a Class 8 truck or a railroad locomotive but there is no way to argue that a Mercedes’ diesel engine is not known for durability and fuel economy. Our subject car has only experienced 79K miles which is essentially just a break-in for this 220D. But back to its purposefulness of design, that’s is this 220D’s strong suit – it’s a fine-looking, refined functional design built on chassis design known as 115 and closely related to the six-cylinder equipped chassis 114. Other 115s included the 200, 220, 230, and 240D. The 220 D was offered from 1968 through 1976 and generated a total production output of over 400K units.
Our subject car presents excellently in a shade known as Horizon Blue. It’s not said if it is the original finish but my guess is that it’s the born-with wrapper. The seller notes some imperfections, road rash really, but nothing of consequence. This walkaround video will provide a bit more insight into this Benz’s exterior condition. The listing has over 200 images so be sure to check them all out.
Inside is an “MB-Tex” leather-like blue vinyl environment that shows some signs of wear, both front seats have rips and the dash pad is cracked. All of that said, however, it all still shows well and those items should be reasonably repairable. As with the exterior, the interior is a typical Germanic “all-business” setting – no messin’ around going on here.
The D in 220D means a 60 HP, 2.2-liter in-line four-cylinder diesel engine, which in this case operates through a four-speed automatic transmission. The seller adds, “Work performed in preparation for the sale included the replacement of the alternator and the alternator wiring, relay, and belt as well as the lower and return hoses for the radiator, the rear fuel tank hose, the water pump gasket, and the voltage regulator along with replacement clamps and a replacement battery”. It’s not said how this Mercedes runs and drives but one can imagine probably with a leisurely but steady cadence.
The backstory on this car is that it’s a life-long resident of southern California and was placed in storage in the ’80s only to remerge earlier this year. The reason for the long slumber is not detailed but the long snooze has done this 220D well, it really appears to need little to no attention. The listing is very extensive and nicely details all of this car’s fine points. If you have ever considered a Benz from this most prolific generation, and you’re OK with diesel power, this is one to consider, wouldn’t you agree?
As a previous owner of a W114 you could have this chassis in 2 flavors. The 250 inline 6 with twin carbs or the 4 pot diesel. Later ones could be had with the 5 cylinder diesel. One offers decent economy the other is somewhat thirsty. I still lean towards a gasser but this car is so clean I would be tempted. It would definitely benefit having a manual transmission over the automatic. The A/C probably takes half of the available power so it’s best rationed when all power is needed to accelerate. Still a very comfortable driving car and the first Mercedes chassis to have 4-wheel independent suspension. Others still made due with a swing axle design. I think this chassis to date received the most product development of any Mercedes. Also the R and C107 convertible and coupe shared the same underpinnings as the W114 and W115 cars. And to confuse matters more W114 was designated to all gasoline powered cars and the W115 was the diesel variants.
Love the W114 models, but having been in a diesel variant I can tell you that you don’t measure the 1/4 mile speed in seconds. lol…(mostly) kidding, but it’s good that MB realized the benefit of adding a turbo to their stinky pipe models ’cause they were slowwww to get on the freeway for sure
They are very well built cars.
I had a w 114 , 280 E, which ran at 120 mph with enviable stability so this diesel powered one would meet another need.
I had a 220D in grad school and early in my teaching career. I bought with `150,000 miles and sold it with 45000 miles. Never missed a beat. I di go through several sets of tires. 220D with a 4 spd. 0-60 in 24 hours. Averaged 38 MPG with the A/C going. Ended up selling it for more than I paid for it.
It was bullet proof.
How did you reduce the mileage? Did you drive in reverse?
OOPS! 450000 miles
Awesome looking car! I’ve always loved these old-school Mercedes-Benz Diesels. Given its condition, I’d think it’d be worth between $2,000 and $4,000. I would particularly appreciate one with an automatic gearbox.
Having worked for MB when these diesels were new, they are thrifty to own and operate. Not a lot of acceleration, but known get impatient drivers off your tail. Cough, cough! This car is a great example of what the looked like new, love it.
Well, she’s got a lot of life left in her!
The World Record for a Mercedes car with the highest mileage belongs to a 1976 Mercedes 240D who had 4.6 million-km on the odometer.
Aren’t these the ones when driving on the highway, the rear window gets more bug strikes than the windshield?
Seriously though. Am consisting this one. I love the sound of these old Benz diesels.
Would be a big change of pace from my 04 sl600!
I’m generally not a fan of diesel engines unless it comes with a turbocharger. This naturally aspirated diesel is fine for around town driving, but hardly appropriate for freeway driving.
U had 1970 220D while I was stationed in Spangdahlen, GE. This car was impossible to kill. Only difference between the sale car was mine had a four on floor.
There was a hill between Spang and Bitburg where I lived. Military folks called it 9K Hill for the obvious reasons. The politzi would close the highway at the first hint of snow. I drove around the barricades and went home. Never ever got stuck. In fact one time I stopped to pull a Passat out of a snowbank.
She was not the fastest cat on the autobahn, but she managed to stay with the flow. One of the best, most reliable cars I ever had. Bought her for $3k, took out some rust, drove her around 70k and sold her for $4.5k.
Love these old MBs. If only it were closer but transport would cost me more than the purchase price.
Had a 1960 190 D- Ponton. 4 on the tree. Tailgater? Drop to third and they dropped back. Could run it up to 70.
My favourite Mercedes-Benz look are the Ponton, the Heckflosse (tail), up to the W123. All Diesel powered.
Loved the 220 (automatic) we had. People would honk at us when pulling away from stop signs (traffic lights), soooo slow. Sold at a profit. Buyer moving from So. Cal to Oregon. Advised car did not like hills, get a running start.
I had 1975 240D with a four speed on the floor.
It was a great car… practically bullet proof, but you wouldn’t break any speed records with it.
I only wish that this one wasn’t so far away…
I agree with you. I don’t think that’s the point of diesel engines. They’re more for durability and longevity. If you want speed and acceleration, buy an SL Mercedes.
You’re right. It’s definitely not a light-to-light street racer, it doesn’t particularly like hills and it takes quite a while to get to highway speeds. But, it will get there. I used to cruise the autobahn at 130 kmph or 80 mph for the USA.
I like where the gear selector on the steering column.
Seeing a hitch. Wondering what you could tow with 60hp motor in something this big. ?
Dad used mine to tow a small Jon boat on a light trailer. Didn’t seem to bother the car at all. I never tried to tow anything, but Dad used mine for his fishing trips. I think because he didn’t want to get his 300TD covered in fish innards and he knew I’d clean mine up.
Sold for$7,700.