Hi Guys!
I had a question for the Classic Mercedes group family here.
I recently sold my 1964 Mercedes 220SE (fuel injection) it was 4 on a tree Manual transmission. I drove this car daily as my daily driver.
I am intrested in buyig a classic Mercedes Automatic. I actually found a 1963 Mercedes 220S Automatic near my home. It has "dual carburetor" which was rebuilt 1 year ago. The car has a choke as well.
So my question is I have no experience or knowledge about carburetor cars. I am interested in the 1963 220S thats near my home, but I have been warned by my mechanics that carburetor are finicky and have issues with cold start and elevation. I wanted to ask, would I be able to daily drive a carburetor car? And does it have issues with elevation? Can I daily drive the 1963 Mercedes 220S carburetor?
Hi Michael,
The 1963 Mercedes 220S with dual carburetors can definitely be a daily driver, but there are a few things to consider:
- Cold Starts: Carburetors need manual choke adjustment during cold starts, which takes some getting used to.
- Elevation Sensitivity: Carburetors can struggle at high altitudes without adjustment but should be fine if you're not frequently changing elevations.
- Maintenance: Carburetors require more frequent upkeep than fuel injection, but regular use and care help maintain reliability.
Tips Before Buying:
- Test cold starts and ensure smooth idling.
- Check for proper operation and recent maintenance on the carbs (especially since they were rebuilt a year ago).
- Ensure the automatic transmission shifts smoothly.
With proper care, the 220S is robust enough for daily driving, offering a rewarding classic experience.