1967 - 1976
W114 /
Mercedes-Benz 280
1968 - 1976
The Mercedes-Benz W115 is a series of mid-sized cars produced between 1968 and 1976. This series, also known as the "Strich-Acht," is characterized by its robust construction, reliability, and elegant design. It was very popular and is still highly valued among classic car collectors. The W115 was introduced in 1968 along with the 114 model and featured four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines, with the diesel models designated with a "D" to distinguish them from the gasoline models. The 115 series was produced only in a sedan version and offered a lower standard of equipment with fewer luxury features compared to the 114 model.
This model was designed for more economical use. The Mercedes-Benz W115 is known for being a very durable car.
In 2004, Greek taxi driver Gregorios Sachinidis donated his 1976 Mercedes-Benz 240D to the Mercedes-Benz Museum collection, having 4.6 million kilometers (2.9 million miles) on the odometer. This vehicle is recognized as the Mercedes-Benz with the highest recorded mileage to date.
In September 1973, the entire 114/115 series underwent extensive model revisions; numerous details that had been gradually introduced into the SL and SLC types, as well as the S-Class, were now incorporated into the less prestigious product line models, thereby enhancing the overall safety concept. To mention just a few examples: exterior rearview mirrors that could be adjusted from inside the car, dirt-repelling trim strips on the A-pillars that kept the side windows clean even in bad weather, contoured dirt-repelling rear lights, and a roof strip at the rear window.
The four-spoke safety steering wheel, a familiar feature of the 107 and 116 product lines, was integrated into the production of the "Stroke Eight" models half a year before the model revision.
From March 1973, headrests and automatic seat belts became standard equipment in the 114/115 series models. As part of the facelift carried out in August 1973, two new four-cylinder engines were introduced; the 240 D now became the top diesel model, and the 230.4 replaced the 220 model. The suffix “.4” in the designation of the new 230 model was necessary to avoid confusion with the original 230 model with a six-cylinder engine, which was still available as the 230.6.
