Mercedes Stroke 8

Willkommen

2005-09-09T21:51:00.000Z

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

Miscellaneous Notes and Things

2005-09-08T14:40:00.000Z

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!

Engine

2005-08-27T01:14:00.000Z

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

2005-08-27T01:13:00.000Z

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.

Panels

2005-08-26T13:12:00.000Z

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

2005-08-26T13:00:00.000Z

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

Links

2005-08-03T08:08:00.001Z

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.