The Mercedes-Benz 250S from 1967 holds a special place in automotive history, representing a blend of classic Mercedes engineering and distinctive styling. For those considering a vintage European sedan, particularly a 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250S used, understanding its nuances is crucial. This review delves into the experiences of a long-term owner, offering insights into what makes this model a compelling choice for the right enthusiast.
The Engine: A Durable, If Thirsty, Heart
Under the hood of the 1967 250S lies a robust single-cam engine, a design philosophy harking back to Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to longevity, reminiscent of practices also seen at Rolls-Royce in previous decades. This engine, while built to last, was known for its considerable oil consumption right from the factory. The blow-by system, venting through the valve cover to the carburetors, and the minimal valve guide seals contributed to this characteristic. Effectively, it was a controlled oil leak, designed to lubricate internal components, including valves, by feeding oil into the combustion process. At high speeds, exceeding 100 mph, owners might see oil consumption as high as a gallon per thousand miles, and even in city driving, a quart every couple of fuel tank refills was typical.
Despite this seemingly alarming oil usage, these engines are renowned for their exceptional durability. Many have clocked hundreds of thousands of miles and, upon teardown, reveal remarkably little wear. This characteristic, however, didn’t resonate well in the American market at the time, leading to its relatively short import period before Mercedes-Benz redesigned their engines for later models like those in the 114 series. It’s important to note that the engine in the later 250 models was not the same as the one found in the 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250S.
Transmission Innovation: The Early Lock-Up Clutch
A notable feature of the 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250S is its unique automatic transmission. This was Mercedes-Benz’s first in-house automatic transmission, pioneering a lock-up clutch system instead of a traditional torque converter. Located on the front carburetor is a small switch, resembling a points system, which controls this clutch. At idle, this switch opens the clutch, allowing the engine to idle smoothly at a stop. Once the engine reaches around 800-900 rpm, the clutch engages, and all subsequent gear changes occur with the clutch locked. This innovative design was an early precursor to the lock-up clutches that became more common in American cars in the 1980s, aiming to minimize power loss associated with torque converters, especially crucial for the smaller engine of the 250S.
However, this system can present a maintenance challenge. Many mechanics unfamiliar with this early design might misdiagnose issues, particularly the oil consumption, as requiring an unnecessary transmission overhaul. Understanding this unique transmission is key to properly maintaining a used 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250S.
Driving and Ownership Experience
The 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250S is praised for being surprisingly light for its size, making it an excellent car for cruising at speed. Its touring capabilities are further highlighted by its ability to comfortably pull trailers, as experienced by owners who have used it for hauling motorcycles across North America.
However, potential owners of a used 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250S should be aware of the specialized maintenance requirements. Finding mechanics familiar with the twin carburetors and the clutch-operated automatic transmission can be difficult. Many may misinterpret the characteristic oil consumption as a problem needing fixing, rather than understanding it as an inherent trait of the engine design.
Conclusion: A Rewarding Classic for the DIYer
In conclusion, the 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250S is a “great car,” especially for those who appreciate classic Mercedes-Benz styling and are willing to engage in DIY maintenance. Its unique engine and transmission, while robust, require a specific understanding to maintain correctly. If you are someone who enjoys working on your own vehicles and appreciates a distinctive and handsome classic capable of comfortable cruising, a used 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250S could be a very rewarding ownership experience. Its blend of classic design and engineering innovation sets it apart, making it a truly special piece of automotive history for the informed enthusiast.
