Another thing i forgot to mention is that the size of the grill has nothing to do with W114 or W115!!! I have came across a 1974 230.6 which is a W114 and has a wide radiator grill. In August 1973 both W114 and W115 were face-lifted
In 1972 the W116 was launched, and beside a W116 the W114/115 seemed quite antiquated, so Mercedes-Benz had to change several details to let them look younger.
The major visual changes:
a. The license plate is fastened to the front bumper itself instead of below the front bumper
b. All models have the same single front bumpers. The "monster bumpers" on US versions were introduced - as far as I know - at the same time.
c. The radiator grill is much wider - and a little bit less high too. This for the W115 as well as for the W114 (It's only a question of the year!) Also the pedestal of the Mercedes star is smaller.
d. No triangle window in the front doors (except for the coupé)
e. New much bigger outside rear-view mirrors
f. New back lights (their non-flat surface prevents them from getting too dirty)
Technical changes: New automatic transmission with torque converter (the older automatic transmission had a hydraulic coupling instead).
At the same time two new engine versions were launched (both W115) a 230.4 (4 cyl.) The 230.4 didn't replace the 6 cyl. 230, which was offered since 1968. So from 1973 to 1976 two different versions of 230s were offered, both with 2.3 litre engines, but different number of cylinders. To distinguish them, from 1973 on the 6 cyl. 230 was called 230.6. The 230.4 was a replacement for the 220, which wasn't built any longer (So there was never a face-lifted 220 petrol version, only a 220 D) and there was a 240 D (4 cyl. Diesel) as well. In 1974 the last W115 model was introduced: a 240 D and 300D (5 cyl. Diesel).
Hope this information helps guys!
