The History of the W114

Why "Strichacht"?

We are often asked where the name "Strichacht" (/8) actually comes from. People also sometimes struggle to match the W114 or W115 designations to specific models.

We’ll try to explain this a bit here. The "/8" designation refers to the model's launch year: 1968. It was intended to distinguish the new "/8" model from previous ones that shared identical model names—for instance, to differentiate the 200D/8 from the 200D "Heckflosse" (Fintail).

The "/8" designation appeared exclusively in writing; it never appeared as a badge or emblem on the car itself.

What do W114 and W115 mean?

The explanation for the /8 model designation system is also simple: all cars with six-cylinder engines—whether sedans or coupes—fall under the W114 series, while all cars with four- or five-cylinder engines belong to the W115 series.

The plan was likely—as had been the case with the "Heckflosse" (Fintail)—to produce two model series in parallel,

with slight variations.

It is likely that—as was the case with the *Heckflosse* ("Fintail")—there were plans to produce two model series in parallel, featuring slightly different bodywork for the four- and six-cylinder versions. These plans did not materialize, yet both series designations remained...

Crucially, these series designations have nothing to do with the specific "Series" classifications, the model years of the /8, or the body styles (sedan vs. coupe), as is often assumed.

The /8 Model Series

Broadly speaking, the /8 is divided into two series: Series 1 and Series 2.

However, so many changes were introduced during the production of Series 1 that experts divide it into three stages: Series 0.5, Series 1, and Series 1.5. All changes made during the production of the /8 model

are listed below (no guarantees implied):

Series 0.5 – production changes

· April 1968

driver's door armrest repositioned higher

· June 1968

modified heater valve

· July 1968

dual windshield washer nozzles instead of a single one

· December 1968

interior rearview mirror in the sedan finished in black instead of chrome

· January 1969

five-speed transmission available as an option for six-cylinder models

· February 1969

reclining seats made standard

· April 1969

debut of the /8 Coupe

· May 1969

changes to the front end (wider radiator grille and radiator itself, battery positioned diagonally rather than perpendicular to the vehicle's axis, modified washer fluid reservoir)

final drive ratio changed from 4.08 to 3.92 for models with four-cylinder petrol engines

Series 1 – changes introduced in August 1968

· dashboard with a different texture; model 250 features wood trim inserts on the dashboard and a larger, foil-covered speaker grille

· introduction of backlighting for ventilation controls and a "DEF" (windshield defrost) setting

· illuminated passenger-side glove compartment made standard

· center console · one-piece unit with an enlarged ashtray (not for cars equipped with air conditioning), new wood grain pattern, soft-touch console

· Model 250 with carpeting on the console side panels (not for cars equipped with air conditioning)

· vent window control knobs: push-fit mounting (previously screw-fixed), with circumferential ribbing and a redesigned face

· carpeting on the floor and door sills instead of rubber mats

· rear parcel shelf carpeted as standard

· new door panels featuring soft PVC foam instead of glass wool

· chrome trim strip on the door pockets only (instead of the door panels themselves), front and rear

· interior colors: beige and gray with a subtle metallic sheen

· seat backrest rear panels featuring trim strips (not with leather upholstery)

· quilted headrest and seat backrest upholstery (not with leather upholstery)

· fender-mounted right-side exterior mirror (optional equipment)

· plaid-patterned material for cognac-colored upholstery (Coupe only)

· hazard warning lights (indicators) as standard

· car jack with integrated crank handle

· key removable from ignition only in position 0 (previously also in position...)

Series 1 – changes during production

· October 1969

Becker Mexico Olympia Cassette Stereo (mono radio with stereo cassette player),

Becker Europa Stereo – first radio model stereo

· November 1969

six-cylinder models with a 3.69 rear axle ratio instead of 3.92 (with 5-speed gearbox: 3.92 instead of 4.08)

· January 1970

window crank handle attached via press-fit with a retaining clip (previously screwed on)

redesigned C-pillar chrome trim (sedan only)

· June 1970

H1 halogen bulbs fitted within the main headlight unit as an optional extra (previously, long-range driving lights were available as an extra-cost option mounted in the fog light position, with fog lights then mounted in a separate housing)

· July 1970

velour upholstery as an optional extra, for Coupé models only

· August 1970

quick-release (hand-operated) oil filler cap

· October 1970

automatic choke for models 200 and 220

padded gear shift lever

wiper arms with a cap (covering the mounting point) instead of an acorn nut

revised rear brake line routing

· November 1970

main exterior light switch with integrated fog light control; simultaneous relocation of parking lights within the main headlights and tail lights

· January 1971

symmetrical heater valve (???)

· February 1971

new paint finish for taxis "hellelfenbein" (623) instead of black (040)

· April 1971

Becker Mexico Cassette (same as Olympia, renamed)

· May 1971

Chassis number moved from the frame to the upper crossmember (near the radiator)

· June 1971

Gear selector markings (for automatic transmission): R-P-D-S-L instead of R-P-4-3-2

· August 1971

Plastic radiator grille instead of sheet metal (W115) or cast aluminum (W114)

· October 1971

Heated rear window with timer

Series 1.5 – changes introduced in April 1972

· new body colors such as yellow (*Gelb*) or red (*Signalrot*); some older colors remained available

· upholstery and interior trim colors completely revised

· dashboard plastic components now finished in textured MB-Tex material

· new upholstery materials

· redesigned, higher-quality door panels

· floor carpets color-matched to the door panels

· for models 250 through 280CE, center console carpeting extended higher up; areas around seat rails remained uncovered

(still no carpeting in these areas for models equipped with air conditioning)

· plastic gear selector surround (on the center console) for automatic transmissions (previously metal on W114/W115 Series 0.5/1 models)

· headrests with ratchet-style adjustment

· modified front fender design near the grille

· black interior rearview mirror stem (previously chrome; Coupe models only)

· ignition lock with a flap covering the key slot (similar to door locks)

· laminated windshield as standard equipment

· intermittent wiper function

· push-button hazard light switch (*Tippkontakt*)

· extensively revised power steering system (optional equipment)

· front end of new 280 models lacks the front bulkhead support strut

· diagonal hood brace · engine with a recess for the air filter housing (for models 280 and 280C)

· screw-on fuse box cover (replacing the push-fit type)

· introduction of models 280, 280E, 280C, and 280CE

· introduction of the 250 model with a 2.8-liter engine in Europe (previously an engine version available only in the USA)

· discontinuation of models 250 (2.5), 250C (2.5), and 250CE

Series 1.5 – production changes

· June 1972

· H4 halogen headlights replacing H1 (optional equipment)

· July 1972

· headlight wipers and washers (optional equipment)

· October 1972

· seat frame with integrated comfort padding (models 200D through 230)

· modified leather upholstery stitching (for models 250 through 280E from the start of production)

· narrower parking brake pedal

· automatic (retractable) seatbelts replacing static ones

· headrests available only in pairs

· removal of "Automatic" badge

· November 1972

· quartz clock

· February 1973

· soft, safety-design steering wheel

· steering-column-mounted lever (likely gear selector) in black instead of chrome

· washer fluid reservoir without "VDO" marking

· introduction of "Taxi" packages International”

Becker Mexico Cassette – fully stereo radio-cassette player (previously a stereo cassette player and mono radio)

Becker Grand Prix Stereo

· March 1973

front headrests standard

automatic seatbelts standard

front bench seat (replacing individual seats) removed from the optional equipment list

large plastic rear fog light

Series 2 – changes introduced in August 1973

· front license plate moved to the bumper

· plastic valance panel under the front bumper (*Haifischmaul* – "shark's mouth") replacing the trim strip

(200D through 230) or the double bumper (250 through 280CE)

· grille wider and flatter; Mercedes star base significantly smaller

· dirt-deflecting fins on the A-pillars

· roof gutters with plastic edging

· water-channeling profile in the chrome rear window frame

· no front quarter-lights (sedan)

· large, internally adjustable exterior mirrors and enlarged front door windows; recess in the upper door panel modified accordingly (to accommodate the new window); on the Coupé, new exterior mirrors mounted

at the rear corner of the (fixed) quarter-lights

· right-hand mirror (optional equipment) moved from the fender to the door (identical to the left, also internally adjustable)

· charging indicator lights · battery, fuel reserve, and brake warning lights featuring symbols instead of text labels; wider high-beam indicator light

· dashboard wood trim made more durable (better protected)

· gear shift lever boot (manual transmission) smooth (previously a pleated bellows)

· ribbed tail lights, made entirely of plastic

· widened trunk lid handle

· model designation font (badge) larger and more angular

· new bumpers (meeting collision regulations) for the US market

· automatic transmission equipped with a torque converter instead of a hydraulic clutch (allows starting in second gear)

· wiper motor reduced in size and featuring a plastic housing

· electric coolant temperature gauge for all models

· carburetor (for four-cylinder engines) positioned lower (deeper) due to oil sump integration (?)

· glove compartment light operates only when the ignition is on

· smaller door contact switches

· improved trunk lighting

· model 220 (petrol) removed from the lineup

· new 230.4 four-cylinder engine

· six-cylinder model designation changed from 230 to 230.

· new 240D diesel engine

· new chassis numbering for Series 2 models, starting at:

100,000 for models 250, 280, 280E, 250C, 280C, 280CE,

200,000 for models 200D, 200, 230.6,

400,000 for model 220D

Series 2 – production changes

· December 1973

front seat backrests raised by 20 mm

· February 1974

metallic paintwork available as an option for the sedan (previously only for the Coupé)

· March 1974

ignition switch with black surround

· May 1974

hood with dual safety latches

· June 1974

firewall (bulkhead) between engine bay and cabin featuring a recess for the modified washer pump

radial tires as standard

locking fuel cap as standard

· July 1974

introduction of the 240D 3.0 model; modified stitching pattern on velour and leather upholstery (including Coupé models)

· August 1974

rear-mounted radio antenna (moved back to the front for models 200D through 250 starting November 1974)

heated seats available as an option

· December 1974

velour upholstery available as an option for the sedan (available from the start of production for 280 and 280E models)

· February 1975

power steering as standard for models 280 through 280CE

· March 1975

Becker Monza Cassette

· June 1975

felt lining (needle-punched felt)

rear parcel shelf area and under-seat areas

· January 1976

Five-speed transmission not available

Becker Monza Cassette Kurier, Becker Europa Kurier stereo radio

Between 1969 and 1976, only 67,048 coupés were produced, representing an estimated 14.5% of the total number of cars manufactured in the W114 series. Of these, 24,669 were 280C and 280CE models, and 42,379 were 250C and 250CE models.

Earlier 250C and 250CE models used the 2.5-liter M114 engine, whereas later 250C models used

the 2.8-liter M130 engine. In contrast, all 280C and 280CE models used the 2.8-liter M110 engine.

0 to 100 km/h in 13.30 seconds, top speed 175 km/h, curb weight 1,355 kg,

The W114 230 features a naturally aspirated inline-6 gasoline engine with the engine code M 180 V 23 / 180.954.

This engine develops a maximum power of 120 hp (118 bhp – 88 kW) at 5,400 rpm and a maximum torque of 178 Nm

at 5,400 rpm. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels (RWD) via a driveshaft and a 4-speed manual transmission. Regarding the chassis details responsible for road holding, handling, and ride comfort:

Front suspension: The W114 features coil springs, control arms, ball-jointed steering linkages, and a stabilizer bar.

Rear suspension: Coil springs, semi-trailing arms, half-shafts, and a stabilizer bar.

Braking: The W114 230 braking system features disc brakes at both the front and rear.

The W114 is a sedan manufactured by Mercedes-Benz; it was sold new between 1967 and 1976.

It is currently available on the used market.

Equipment:

– radio,

– seatbelts.

Originally a Norwegian-market vehicle. A "Series 1" model retaining all characteristic features,

including front windows with vent panes, small side mirrors, two short bumper sections beneath the main front bumper, small taillights, and a narrow trim strip on the trunk lid. The car has undergone a comprehensive restoration, having been stripped down to the last screw and reassembled.

All components have been either refurbished or replaced with new parts. Work performed included, among other things:

– necessary bodywork repairs and a complete respray – covering the body, undercarriage, cabin, and engine bay,

– refurbished carburetors,

– new distributor cap, distributor, spark plugs, and ignition leads,

– new master cylinder, new brake booster, refurbished brake calipers, and new discs and pads,

– a new complete exhaust system,

– new fuel pump and a fuel tank that underwent bodywork restoration,

– a new interior – upholstery, carpets, door panels, and all seals.

The car is fully functional, registered, insured, and road-ready.

This car is a dream come true for me, and in the future, we will spend many wonderful moments together on the road and at classic car meets.

Ryszard Kalinowski