Mercedes Stroke 8

Mercedes Benz (Daimler Benz) Stroke 8 w114/w115 Articles and links about the pretty 1968-1976 classic car 200 220 220D 230 240D 250 280 300D



Friday, September 09, 2005

Willkommen

After a long love affair with VolksWagen Beetles, since I was just a 14 year old sprog, I had gotten the bug, as it were, for German automotive engineering. Daimler and Benz both invented their own engines and automobiles, Porsche is synonymous with fine sportscars and VolksWagen (and Audi - VAG) are possibly the largest auto manufacturers in the world and the teutonic design and highly tolerant engineering of these manufacturer's cars is famous.

Since graduating from a beautiful Mexican made 1998 Beetle and a number of older Beetles, I've become hooked on the classic 70's Mercedes Benzs, both for the stalwart way they just keep on going and the classic lines of their design. I've long been an aficonado of timeless auto design; Porsche's infamous Beetle, still the longest running production vehicle ever, and with over 20million sold, people obviously love em, and the 911 evolutionary line; the Jaguar XK120, and their E-Type, both synonymous with luxury and speed; the Lotus 7, a somewhat raucous racing car that Colin Chapman thought would make a great roadcar (and he was right!); the MGA, for me, the archetype of a real British sportscar (you can keep your Heralds, Sunbeams, Midgets and Spitfires - the MGA looks and feels classy).

All these cars were in a class of their own, and so we come to the Mercedes W114/W115 200 series automobile.

The first real mass market Mercedes, made with bold new technology and new production line techniques, Mercedes made nearly 2 million during the 8 year production run of '68 - '76. For a luxury car, competing with the cheap Fords, Vauxhalls, Talbots, Triumphs, Morrises etc, this was quite a feat.

It introduced luxury to people who thought they could not afford it, and new safety technology just shy of the late 70's safety push, like all round disc brakes and full 3-point harnesses on all seats. With full independent suspension and a new design of rear axle, the car drove superbly and rivals many modern cars today, despite the 30 years that have gone by.

Get into a good example (or even an average one) and the doors still clunk like a Mercedes should, sitting square in the door frame, the switchgear is solid and lovely to touch, and the seats usually only hint at the miles the odometer reads. These cars were made in the era when cars were still built to last - most 20 year old cars barely stay together after a sharp bend, but a 30year old 200 series Benz will float round it like a nippy modern saloon, hugging the road like a sports car, with barely a nod to the forces of physics, the anti roll design being so forgiving.

I own two of these fine cars, both of 1971 vintage, one a 200, the other, my daily driver, a 220 with Webasto fabric sunroof. The 200 is in the process of restoration for sale, and it is in a lovely condition considering it has covered over 200k miles, a rare find indeed, but the 220 has suffered somewhat in the inclemental British weather, but still no worse than average, and with some continous restoration and elbow grease, she'll be ready to hit the classic shows.

The 220 pulls like a freight train from 2nd, a little clattering in first, although an engine and transmission strip down should sort that out. A little bouncy at first, but replacing the front shockers with some gas ones should do the trick. With the state of the interior being so lovely, I'm inclined to rebuild her to the same glory as she was when new, but I've also had a long term yearning to put in adjustable hydraulics in an old Benz and ride her low (but with the ability to raise the height at the classic car meets).

I'm about to fit a FuelCat fuel catalyser in the petrol tank, and claims of the manufacturers and customers testify to decreased fuel consumption, the ability to use unleaded fuel without additives and generally better engine operation. This remains to be seen, but I'm not sceptical, as the FuelCat technology has been around since WWII, and its been proven many times over. In fact, I would recommend that all classic car owners fit a FuelCat system in their motor, as it benefits not just the car, but the environment.
UPDATE: The FuelCat works great! From the moment I put it in the tank, the engine ran more lively and smooth, and although I've yet to see it give an improvement in consumption, I can categorically say that it runs on unleaded PERFECTLY without additives and without retarding the timing. I'm getting a FuelCat for every car I ever own from now on!

My ideal car would be a 240D, tax free (pre-1973), but 240D's started production in 1974, hence the only way this could happen is to replace an earlier car with a 2.4 diesel engine. Given such a thing, I would invariably run it on vegetable oil, as I dislike the polluting effects of petroleum (yes, yes, I know I own two gas-guzzling Mercs, but they're also good because they are 'recycled' cars, and will probably still be in use in 10 years time, not thrown away like modern cars are today).

However, I'm probably more likely to find a 220D, which the 240D replaced in '74, and so I have my eyes peeled for one of these, although they seem even rarer than the 240D.

The 240D has long been held in great regard, especially the W123 models which replaced the W115 in 1976. But the W115 is such a prettier shape than the W123, I would rather have the earlier model, although if I can't find a decent example, I will settle for the W123.

Anyway, that's enough chatter, lets get through some of those resources!

Tchüss

Thursday, September 08, 2005

Miscellaneous Notes and Things

Hmm, when I bought my white 200, the clutch master cylinder was leaking, a £50 part from Mercedes Benz.

Or so you think.

Well, little known fact, many of the odd little parts like servo cylinders, joints, suspension rubbers etc, can be sourced from other German cars, in particular, the clutch and brake cylinders seemed to be shared by Volkswagen Beetles of the same vintage, which stands to reason, as they probably shared the same OEM manufacturer.

So when you're stuck for a part on your vintage Merc, take a look at period VWs, cos those parts are plentiful and still made new across the world!

Saturday, August 27, 2005

Engine

K & N, the name synonymous with performance serviceable air filters do a range for the W114 and W115 models.
Need for Speed stock these to bolt straight on the Stromberg carburettor.
K&N air filter element

Brakes, Suspension & Wheels

Need some proper braking?
The 200 series has assisted brakes and stops like any modern car, quickly and safely. Need some new brake pads? EBC make some fast stopping green stuff for the W114/W115 discs stocked at Need for Speed
EBC Green Stuff brake pads
EBC also make some regular Black Stuff pads for the W115, supplied by Need For Speed
EBC Black Stuff
EBC also make replacement discs to complement their pads and they have a wide selection for most if not all the 200 series W115 models, again stocked at Need for Speed in pairs, so good value.
EBC brake discs
Black Diamond make Predator pads to fit, supplied by Need for Speed
Black Diamond Predator rear pads
Black Diamond also make some performance brake discs, if you want upgraded braking for your 200. Need for Speed stock the rear disc in pairs.
Black Diamond rear disc
Need for Speed also stock 2 types of Tarox performance discs, sold in pairs, so quite good value, though only for the 240D it seems, but I'll find out if they fit other models
Tarox G88 grooved brake discs pair
Tarox Sport Japan brake discs pair

Mercedes still stock all the OEM parts for W114/W115 models, but if you want something a bit more special, you can usually find it. Spax manufacture an adjustable shock absorber to vary the rebound and damp for W114/W115 200 series models and Need for Speed stock them at a great price
Spax adjustable shocks
I am about to fit a similar set of KYB Adjustable Gas Shocks on the front of the 220, in an effort to tighten the front suspension a little without the expense of getting new springs, in which case I'd rather replace most of the suspension components, as the rubber bushings are close to perishing and the undercarriage components need restoring or replacing.
These came new with the car when I bought it, so I presume they can be found in most auto factor places, about £40 each.

Replacement springs I have found manufactured by a Swedish company called Lesjofors and are stocked by most autofactor places.
The Lesjofors part numbers are:
Front: 4056804
Rear: 4256801
If anyone knows of other suitable springs or shocks, please feel free to add a comment below or email me.

Friday, August 26, 2005

Panels

Here is a German Company which supplies some panels for W114/115 cars.
translated: 1968 - 1973 (original)
translated: 1973 - 1976 (original)
I'm trying to ascertain if the panels for the pre-'73 models and the post-'73 models are the same, which I assume they are, but for some reason they are separated on that website. I know that some of the mechanicals are a little different, but they should be interchangeable between years.

Another company, in, of all places, Taiwan! Taiwan has always had a thriving commercial environment, and a culture of nouveau rich after the Chinese revolution, so, like all Asian countries, a hunger for Mercedes Benz'! No prices, but just email.
Liang's Industrial Corporation

Technical Data

Technical data of the Stroke Eight (Strich Acht) cars
translated from the MB StrichAchtClub (http://www.strichachtclub.de)
The tables are quite wide so scroll across to see all cars.


Diesel models

Type 200 D 220 D 240 D 240 D 3.0
Type of engine COM 615 COM 615 COM 616 COM 617
Cylinders 4 4 4 5
Bore/stroke 87x83,6 mm 87x92,4 mm 91x92,4 mm 91x92,4 mm
Capacity 1988 ccm 2197 ccm 2404 ccm 3005 ccm
Power PS/rpm 55/4200 60/4200 65/4200 80/4000
Max. torque Nm/rpm 113/2400 126/2400 137/2400 172/2400
Compression 21 21 21 21
Oil volume max/min 4.0/2.5 l 4.5/3.0 l 5.0/3.5 l 5.5/4.0 l
Volume cooling system 10.7 l 10.7 l 10.0 l 10.8 l
Generator 14 V/35 A 14 V/35 A 14 V/35 A 14 V/35 A
Battery 12 V/66 ah 12 V/88 ah 12 V/88 ah 12 V/88 ah
Maximum speed 130 km/h 135 km/h 138 km/h 148 km/h
Tire size 175 SR 14 175 SR 14 175 SR 14 175 SR 14
Fuel consumption l/100km 8,1 8,5 9,5 10,8
Max fuel
65 l 65 l 65 l 65 l
Unloaded weight
1360 kg 1370 kg 1390 kg 1430 kg
Permissible total weight 1880 kg 1890 kg 1910 kg 1950 kg
Trailer weight, braked 1200 kg 1200 kg 1200 kg 1200 kg
Trailer weight, without brakes 715 kg 720 kg 750 kg 750 kg
Launched 12/68 6/70 6/73 11/74




Gasoline models - four-cylinders

Type 200 220 230.4
Type of engine M 115 M 115 M 115
Cylinders 4 4 4
Bore/stroke 87x83,6 mm 87x92,4 mm 93,75x72,8 mm
Capacity 1988 ccm 2197 ccm 2307 ccm
Power PS/rpm 95/4800 105/4800 110/4800
Max. torque Nm/rpm 156/2800 179/2800 186/2500
Compression 9 9 9
Oil volume max/min 4.5/3.0 l 4.5/3.0 l 5.0/3.5 l
Volume cooling system 10.7 l 10.1 l 10.0 l
Generator 14 V/35 A 14 V/35 A 14 V/45 A
Battery 12 V/55 ah 12 V/55 ah 12 V/55 ah
Maximum speed 160 km/h 168 km/h 170 km/h
Tire size 175 SR 14 175 SR 14 175 SR 14
Fuel consumption (l/100km) 10,9 11.1 l 11,4
Max fuel
65 l 65 l 65 l
Unloaded weight
1325 kg 1325 kg 1350 kg
Permissible total weight 1845 kg 1845 kg 1870 kg
Trailer weight, braked 1200 kg 1200 kg 1200 kg
Trailer weight, without brakes 700 kg 700 kg 710 kg
Launched 6/70 6/70 6/73

In the Mercedes manuals, average oil consumption figures state roughly a litre in 300 miles! That's quite an oil thirsty engine! But Mercedes Benz knew what they were doing, for all their engines of this era are well known to be capable of very high mileage, with the diesel variants topping millions of miles without major overhaul.



Gasoline models - six cylinder

Type 230.6 250 250,2.8 280 280 E
Type of engine M 180 M 114 M 130 M 110 M110
Cylinders 6 6 6 6 6
Bore/stroke 81,75x72,8 mm 82/78.8 mm 86,5x78,8 mm 86x78,8 mm 86x787,8 mm
Capacity 2292 ccm 2496 ccm 2778 ccm 2746 ccm 2746 ccm
Power PS/rpm 120/5400 130/5400 130/5000 160/5500 185/6000
Max. torque Nm/rpm 179/3600 ca.200/3200 216/3200 226/4000 238/4500
Compression 9 9 8,7 9 9
Oil volume max/min 6.0/4.5 l 6.5/4.5 l 5.5/4.5 l 6.0/4.5 l 6.0/4.5 l
Volume cooling system 10.0 l 9.9 l 10.5 l 10.5 l 10.5 l
Generator 14V/55 A 14V/55 A 14V/55 A 14V/55 A 14V/55 A
Battery 12V/55 ah 12V/55 ah 12V/55 ah 12V/55 ah 12V/55 ah
Maximum speed 175 km/h 180 km/h 180 km/h 190 km/h 200 km/h
Tire size 175 SR 14 175 HR 14 175 HR14 185 HR 14 185 HR 14
Fuel consumption (l/100km) 11,2 11,7 12,5 12,5 12,5
Max fuel
65 l 65 l 78 l 78 l 78 l
Unloaded weight
1355 kg 1375 kg 1390 kg 1440 kg 1450 kg
Permissible total weight 1875 kg 1895 kg 1910 kg 1960 kg 1970 kg
Trailer weight, braked 1200 kg 1200 kg 1200 kg 1200 kg 1200 kg
Trailer weight, without brakes 715 kg 725 kg 730 kg 750 kg 750 kg
Launched 11/72
11/72 11/72 11/72




Coupés

Type 250 C 250 C 2.8 250 CE 280 C 280 CE
Type of engine M 114 M 130 M 114 M 110 M 110
Cylinders 6 6 6 6 6
Bore/stroke 82/78.8 mm 86,5x78,8 mm 82x78,8 86x78,8 mm 86x787,8 mm
Capacity 2496 ccm 2778 ccm 2496 ccm 2746 ccm 2746 ccm
Power PS/rpm 130/5400 130/5000 150/5500 160/5500 185/6000
Max. torque Nm/rpm ca.200/3200 216/3200 216/4500 226/4000 238/4500
Compression 9 8,7 9,5 9 9
Oil volume max/min 5.5/3.5 l 6.0/4.5 l 5.5/3.5 l 6.0/4.5 l 6.0/4.5 l
Volume cooling system 9.9 l 10.5 l 9.9 l 9.7 l 9.7 l
Generator 14V/35 A 14V/55 A 14V/55 A 14V/55 A 14V/55 A
Battery 12V/55 ah 12V/55 ah 12V/55 ah 12V/55 ah 12V/55 ah
Maximum speed 180 km/h 180 km/h 190 km/h 190 km/h 200 km/h
Tire size 175 HR 14 175 HR14 175 HR 14 185 HR 14 185 HR 14
Fuel consumption (l/100km) 11,7 12,5 11,7 12,5 12,5
Max fuel
65 l 78 l 65 l 78 l 78 l
Unloaded weight
1360 kg 1390 kg 1380 kg 1440 kg 1450 kg
Permissible total weight 1880 kg 1910 kg 1900 kg 1960 kg 1970 kg
Trailer weight, braked 1200 kg 1200 kg 1200 kg 1200 kg 1200 kg
Trailer weight, without brakes 715 kg 730 kg 725 kg 750 kg 750 kg
Launched 11/71 8/72 11/71 8/72 8/72

Wednesday, August 03, 2005

Links

http://www.thebenzbin.com/techtip.html
http://www.thebenzo.com
In the Midlands and need servicing and repairs? Try here: http://www.aimpronet.com/andygayle/index.htm
Stock Control and Inventory, sales, invoice and dispatch management software for your autofactors.