More than fifty years after its introduction, the Mercedes-Benz 200D W115 still known for its solidity and timeless appearance. The W114 and W115 series form the basis of what would later become the E-class – cars that retain their value, both technically and emotionally. Ronald knows all about that; he has owned his white Mercedes 200D W115 for twenty years and praises the solid construction and reliable character of this classic every day.
Restoration of the Mercedes-Benz 200D W115: a labor of love
Ronald's adventure with his Mercedes-Benz 200D W115 started on the Dutch side of the Afsluitdijk. The car seemed like a nice base at first glance, but soon it turned out to be in need of a complete restoration. The diesel engine was tired, parts of the bodywork were corroded and the previous owner feared that the end was near.
Ronald, who has had a soft spot for the three-pointed star for years, saw mainly possibilities. “They should not disappear from the streets,” he says firmly. Determinedly, he took the car apart, renewed the engine and brought the sheet metal back into top condition. After a lot of work, a Mercedes-Benz 200D W115 appeared again as it once left the factory: fresh, powerful and ready for many years of driving pleasure.
Driving pleasure and experience
The Mercedes-Benz W115 is a car that inspires admiration, not only because of its characteristic headlights and white paint, but especially because of its appearance. Ronald is an active member of the Mercedes W114/W115 club and likes to share his knowledge and parts with other enthusiasts. His wife Pietsje enjoys the summer rides just as much; her approving smile on the way shows that this classic makes people happy. Ronald says: “What makes this car special? You experience times gone by, you drive a car with history. Owners of the W115 are social drivers; it is not a toy for the rich, but a car to enjoy. We beam with pride together!”
Every month the leaf falls Auto Motor Klassiek on the doormat – a party for enthusiasts, admirers and tinkerers of youngtimers, classics and vintage cars. For only €49,50 you will receive twelve issues full of inspiring stories, such as Ronald and his Mercedes-Benz 200D. You can register via our website.
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Such a “Strichacht” does something to me, but I have no interest at all in its successor (W 123?).
By the way, I just noticed that this is a very early one, from the first production year, February 1968! 👍
Travelling is speeding. In other words: a 200D gave you a wonderful travel feeling. Large steering wheel, spacious seats and a star as a guide* on the nose. The diesel block strummed super-reliably 1:13. Except when worn out in the winter: starting… no way. In a wet forest path: no grip. And they rusted too. But despite that, I have beautiful childhood memories of it.
* Tip from the past: keep the star pointed straight at the right side of the road. Even if you were a bit drunk, you would drive home safely. They say.
My father drove such a Mercedes new in 1970 Green with beige leatherette upholstery every day on the then narrow and reasonably traffic-jam-free A2 from Oisterwijk to Amsterdam where at the time the head office of the SRV (mobile shops) was located at the Osdorpplein. Such a 200D had to pre-heat for a minute in the winter before the Mercedes, which ran like a tractor engine, started. Dad, not at all without any technical knowledge, then drove away at full throttle, leaving the street or village behind in a blue cloud of smoke. At Putters (dealer at the time) they were very surprised that after half a year (!) and barely 20000 km a new engine had to be installed. Completely destroyed and still under warranty. Well, that's how it can be. Acceleration like a turtle and dad thought that previous Opel Rekord 1900 was a bit faster (even on gas) the rest is history
Yes, beautiful cars and rock solid.
I've had a series 27 for 1 years myself
With a 617 engine (5cyl. 3.0) from a series 2
With the “diagonal pendulum” the /8 w114/115 had better driving behavior than the then S-class until 1972
By the way, the 200D and 220D were available together at the same time
Not to burn forward, but wonderfully comfortable, safe and solid. Later the engine of the 220 diesel came in.
The pedal (hand)brake and the possibility to set the idle higher were nice. And of course the windscreen wipers that turn towards each other. 4 gears if I'm correct.
Driven quite a few kilometers, first without and later with power steering.
Beautiful car, take care of it!
I will never forget the car I first drove when I went to help a farmer/farmer near my grandparents' country house about 50 years ago when I was 10 years old. It was a rock-solid car with the pre-heater choke still on the dashboard, oh nostalgia!
I don't care for Mercedes but this type has something!
55 HP in the 200D, 185 HP in the 280E. Looked the same. One was in front of your wheels, the other flashed you out of the left lane. Those were wild times!