For decades, the Mercedes Benz marque has been synonymous with luxury, engineering excellence, and timeless design. The models from the early 1970s, particularly the 1973 Mercedes Benz, often evoke a romantic vision of classic motoring. However, owning a vintage vehicle, especially as a daily driver, can come with unique challenges. This review, based on 33 years of experience with a meticulously maintained, similar era Mercedes, delves into the realities of 1973 Mercedes Benz ownership, separating the dream from the practicalities.
While the allure of cruising in a beautifully preserved 1973 Mercedes Benz is undeniable, potential owners should be prepared for the commitment involved in keeping these classic machines on the road. Having owned a 1974 model, remarkably similar in mechanics and build to the 1973 variant, and maintained it to a high standard, I can offer insights into the common issues and maintenance demands you might encounter. This isn’t to dissuade enthusiasts, but rather to provide a realistic perspective for those considering a 1973 Mercedes Benz.
Common Issues in Classic Mercedes Benz Models
Several age-related problems are typical in these vintage Mercedes Benz vehicles. While these cars were built to last, time and mileage inevitably take their toll.
Wiper System Quirks
The wiper system, while functional, is prone to issues. Like many components of this era, the rubber grommets on the wiper push rods become brittle and fail. This results in excessive play in the wiper arms, often requiring manual adjustment to ensure they park correctly and don’t obstruct the driver’s view. Accessing these components for repair necessitates dashboard disassembly, a task that can be more complex than anticipated. If your 1973 Mercedes Benz wipers are completely non-functional, the issue could range from a faulty multi-switch or motor to wiring problems, requiring a thorough diagnosis.
Engine Idle and the Air Slide Valve
Engine idling problems are almost a rite of passage for these classic Mercedes Benz models. The air slide valve is a common culprit, particularly when experiencing erratic idling during cold starts. Symptoms include the engine revving high and then dropping, cycling in this manner until the engine warms up. While the air slide valve itself is a relatively simple component to replace, sourcing a new one can be challenging and expensive. Be prepared for a potentially significant cost and possible delays in obtaining this part for your 1973 Mercedes Benz.
Air Conditioning: A Vintage Luxury with Modern Drawbacks
Let’s address the air conditioning system in a 1973 Mercedes Benz directly: it’s likely to be underwhelming by modern standards. Investing heavily in repairs may still yield unsatisfactory results, especially in hotter climates. Even when functioning “as it should” for its time, the system struggles to adequately cool the cabin. Owners often resort to coping strategies like using sweat rags and towels to manage in-cabin temperatures. Furthermore, the air conditioning system can place additional strain on the engine, potentially causing overheating in stop-and-go traffic. For practical purposes, consider the air conditioning in a 1973 Mercedes Benz as a vintage feature with limited modern-day effectiveness.
Beyond the Common: A Cascade of Age-Related Repairs
Beyond these typical issues, owning a 1973 Mercedes Benz, or similar models from this era, often involves addressing a range of other age-related failures. Over a four-year period, a well-maintained 1974 model experienced a series of repairs that highlight the ongoing maintenance demands:
- Turn Signal Flasher Failure: The flasher unit, located behind the instrument cluster, can fail, requiring replacement.
- Window Malfunctions: Issues with the fuse block can lead to power window failures, requiring electrical troubleshooting.
- Rear Sway Bar Problems: Components of the rear sway bar can loosen or fail, causing unsettling noises and potentially affecting handling.
- Fuel Pump Failure: Fuel pump failure is a common issue in older vehicles, and the 1973 Mercedes Benz is no exception.
- Fuel Injector Issues and Fuel Line Degradation: Fuel injectors may require replacement, and critically, the rubber hoses connecting the fuel rail to the injectors are prone to becoming brittle and leaking. This poses a significant fire risk and necessitates proactive replacement of these hoses.
- Battery Drain Mystery: Unexplained battery drain can be a persistent problem, sometimes requiring the use of a battery tender to prevent complete discharge.
- Door Safety Bar Weld Failure: Even structural elements like the safety bar within the doors can suffer from weld failures, leading to rattles and requiring creative solutions for temporary fixes.
- Front Suspension Overhaul: Expect to address front suspension components such as tie rod ends, steering dampers, and control arm bushings due to wear and tear.
- Timing Chain Noise and Wear: Timing chain slap against the valve cover upon startup is an indicator of wear, potentially requiring replacement of the timing chain and tensioners.
- Radiator Replacement: Radiators in older vehicles are susceptible to corrosion and failure over time.
- Fuel Tank “Moan”: A peculiar “moaning” sound from the fuel tank area when fuel levels drop below two-thirds full may indicate a check valve issue or necessitate venting adjustments.
- Shift Bushing Degradation: Worn shift bushings can lead to imprecise gear selection, and in extreme cases, the shift rod can detach entirely, rendering the car undrivable.
- Intermittent Starting Issues: Ignition switch problems can cause intermittent cranking or complete failure to start, leading to unexpected breakdowns.
Alt text: A gleaming, well-maintained 1973 Mercedes Benz classic car, showcasing its elegant lines and timeless design, parked in a garage, embodying the beauty and potential upkeep considerations of vintage Mercedes Benz ownership.
These accumulated repairs can lead to significant expenses. In the case of the 1974 model referenced, repair bills reached approximately $8,000 over four years, eventually prompting the owner to sell the vehicle due to increasing maintenance fatigue.
The Verdict: Beauty vs. Practicality of a 1973 Mercedes Benz
A 1973 Mercedes Benz is undeniably a beautiful car, a testament to classic automotive design and German engineering. They are a joy to behold and can provide a rewarding experience for leisurely drives and classic car events. However, based on extensive ownership experience, it is strongly advisable against considering a 1973 Mercedes Benz as a daily driver, unless you have a reliable backup vehicle and a substantial budget for ongoing maintenance and repairs.
Prospective owners should be prepared to invest not only in routine maintenance but also in addressing age-related issues across various systems, from the suspension and fuel system to the engine and electrical components. While visually stunning and rewarding to own in many ways, the practicalities of daily driving a 1973 Mercedes Benz require careful consideration and a realistic understanding of the potential financial and time commitments involved. Embrace it for its classic charm, but approach daily use with informed caution.
