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Photo of a Mercedes-Benz /8

Mercedes-Benz /8

Mercedes-Benz's first million-seller: 1,919,056 built.12

Researched November 9, 2026 from 36 sources

Also called

  • Strich AchtGerman nickname derived from the /8 ID-plate code marking the 1968 launch.3
  • Stroke 8The spoken /8 nickname settled on the mid-size models, although the code initially covered all new models introduced that year.4
  • kraťasNickname used in former Czechoslovakia.5
  • žralokNickname given to cars with the revised nose after the 1973 facelift.5

At a glance

0100200
54–182 hpPower
050100
9.9–33.2 s0–100 km/h
0100200
125–200 km/hTop speed
0150300
113–238 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
1,330–1,565 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.39

Engine
Gas: 2.0-2.8 L inline-4/6; diesel: 2.0-3.0 L inline-4/53
Layout
Front engine, rear-wheel drive3
Built at
Sindelfingen, West Germany23
Units built
1,919,056 total; 67,048 coupes2

The story

Built as a separate mid-size alternative to its luxury cars, Mercedes-Benz's 1968 New Generation brought a new rear axle with semi-trailing arms and safety engineering tested in 26 crashes.134

1961: Development begins under Fritz Nallinger19611968: Six sedans debut at Geneva · 250 CE pioneers electronic injection · 8-seat sedans join the range19681972: 280 E brings twin cams and 200 km/h19721973: 230.4 and 240 D join the facelift19731974: 240 D 3.0: five cylinders, 79 hp1974 Mercedes-Benz 170 V family (W136): 1935–1955W136Mercedes-Benz 170 S family (W136 / W191): 1949–1955Mercedes-Benz 180/190 Ponton (W120 / W121): 1953–1962Mercedes-Benz Fintail (W110): 1961–1968W110Mercedes-Benz /8 (W114 / W115): 1968–1976Mercedes-Benz 123 series (W123): Introduced 1976W123 194019501960197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones3418192021
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1935–1955Mercedes-Benz 170 V family (W136)
1949–1955Mercedes-Benz 170 S family (W136 / W191)
1953–1962Mercedes-Benz 180/190 Ponton (W120 / W121)
1961–1968Mercedes-Benz Fintail (W110)
1968–1976Mercedes-Benz /8 (W114 / W115)
Introduced 1976Mercedes-Benz 123 series (W123)
1961Development begins under Fritz Nallinger
1968Six sedans debut at Geneva
1968250 CE pioneers electronic injection
19688-seat sedans join the range
1972280 E brings twin cams and 200 km/h
1973230.4 and 240 D join the facelift
1974240 D 3.0: five cylinders, 79 hp
  1. 1961

    Development begins under Fritz Nallinger

    Planning begins for an independent mid-size model, with a dedicated body instead of the existing shared design.4

  2. 1968

    Six sedans debut at Geneva

    The 200, 220, 200 D, 220 D, 230 and 250 form the opening range, shown to the public at Geneva in March.4

  3. 1968

    250 CE pioneers electronic injection

    November brings the 250 CE coupe, the first production Mercedes-Benz to use Bosch D-Jetronic electronic fuel injection.46

  4. 1968

    8-seat sedans join the range

    December adds a 65 cm wheelbase stretch; the 220 D and 230 seat 8 in 3 rows, chiefly serving as taxis and hire cars.4

  5. 1972

    280 E brings twin cams and 200 km/h

    New M 110 twin-cam sixes power the 280 and 280 E; the injected 280 E combines 200 km/h with a 12.5 L/100 km DIN consumption rating.47

  6. 1973

    230.4 and 240 D join the facelift

    A lower, wider grille and dirt-shedding ribbed taillights arrive; the 230.4 replaces the 220, and the 240 D brings 64 hp.34

  7. 1974

    240 D 3.0: five cylinders, 79 hp

    The 240 D 3.0 debuts on July 12 as the first production five-cylinder passenger car: 79 hp, 148 km/h and 9.5 L/100 km.38

Every generation

  • Mercedes-Benz 170 V family
    W1361935–1955
  • Mercedes-Benz 170 S family
    W136 / W1911949–1955
  • Mercedes-Benz 180/190 Ponton
    W120 / W1211953–1962
  • Mercedes-Benz Fintail
    W1101961–1968
  • Mercedes-Benz /8
    W114 / W1151968–1976
  • Mercedes-Benz 123 series
    W123Introduced 1976

Power over the years

From 54 hp to 182 hp in 4 years.

050100150200 1968197019721974 hp 1968 · 54 hp · 200 D1968 · 59 hp · 220 D1968 · 94 hp · 2001968 · 103 hp · 2201968 · 118 hp · 2301968 · 148 hp · 250 CE1972 · 158 hp · 2801972 · 182 hp · 280 E1973 · 64 hp · 240 D1973 · 109 hp · 230.41974 · 79 hp · 240 D 3.0 182 hp 280 E 54 hp 200 D
3
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
196854200 D
196859220 D
196894200
1968103220
1968118230
1968148250 CE
1972158280
1972182280 E
197364240 D
1973109230.4
197479240 D 3.0

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • 200 / 220 / 200 D / 220 D

    Standard

    200 / 220 / 200 D / 220 D

  • 230 / 230.4 / 230.6

    Standard

    230 / 230.4 / 230.6

    1968–1976

  • 240 D

    Standard

    240 D

    1973–1976

    64 hp

    126,148 built

  • 240 D 3.0 / 300 D

    Standard

    240 D 3.0 / 300 D

    1974–1976

    79 hp

    53,690 built

  • 250 C

    Standard

    250 C

    1968–1976

  • 280 / 280 E

    Performance

    280 / 280 E

    1972–1976

  • 250 CE

    Performance

    250 CE

    1968–1972

    148 hp

    21,787 built

  • 280 C / 280 CE

    Performance

    280 C / 280 CE

    1972–1976

    24,669 built

  • Long-wheelbase eight-seat sedans

    Special

    Long-wheelbase eight-seat sedans

    9,895 built

  • Binz / Miesen ambulances and coachbuilt hearses

    Special

    Binz / Miesen ambulances and coachbuilt hearses

  • Special

    Crayford estates / Dachshund

How to spot one

Look for

  • Tall, vertical headlights give the front end its upright expression.14
  • Squared-off three-box bodywork gives the family a straight-edged profile.3
  • Coupes pair a low roof and broad rear pillars with a substantial-looking rear end.12
  • Coupes have no center pillar and use frameless, fully retractable side windows.6
  • US cars have sealed-beam headlights, separate fog lamps and fender-mounted side markers.3

Year by year

  1. 1972

    The new 280 and 280 E sedans bring twin tailpipes and a rear bumper extending to the rear wheel openings.4

  2. 1973 facelift

    The grille becomes lower and wider, double front bumpers disappear, and the front plate moves onto the bumper.34

  3. 1973 facelift

    Front quarterlights disappear, while larger mirrors become a quick side-view clue.3

  4. 1973 facelift

    Ribbed, dirt-shedding taillights and a wider trunk handle mark the updated rear.415

  5. 1974

    North American cars gain much larger impact bumpers.3

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Mercedes-Benz /8
    /8
    Photo of a Mercedes-Benz W108/W109
    Mercedes-Benz W108/W109

    Mercedes-Benz W108/W109

    The /8 is more compact; beside a W108, its shorter front and rear overhangs are the clue.31012

  • Photo of a Mercedes-Benz /8
    /8
    Photo of a Audi 100 GL (C1)
    Audi 100 GL (C1)

    Audi 100 GL (C1)

    The Audi 100 GL has twin headlights; the /8's headlights are tall and vertical.101617

Against its rivals

  • BMW 2000

    /8 vs BMW 2000

    0–100 km/h lower is better

    /816.4 s
    BMW 200016.5 s
    16
  • Audi 100

    /8 vs Audi 100

    Rated power

    /894 hp
    Audi 10084 hp
    16

Prices

Value today $15.3K–$31.3K242526

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$10K$20K$30K$40K 19801990200020102020 Value today: $15,250–$31,250 1975 · $10,023 · US 240D, sticker with options 2024 · $15,250 · 1973 Euro 280CE 5-speed, 6k km shown (TMU), BaT2024 · $13,000 · 1970 Euro 250C 4-speed, 42k miles shown, TMU, BaT2025 · $39,000 · 1973 220D 4-speed, 35k miles shown, BaT2025 · $7,500 · 1974 240D 4-speed, 2,200 miles shown, TMU, BaT2026 · $31,250 · 1971 250, 38k miles shown (repaired odometer), BaT2026 · $24,000 · 1975 240D 4-speed, 63k miles shown, BaT2026 · $2,800 · 1976 300D, 51k miles shown, BaT2026 · $20,000 · 1974 280, 55k miles shown, BaT2026 · $13,000 · 1972 250C, 99k miles shown, BaT2026 · $9,000 · 1968 230 4-speed, 56k miles shown, BaT $39.0K BaT, 2025
24252630313233343536
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1975Price when new$10,023US 240D, sticker with options
2024Auction sale$15,2501973 Euro 280CE 5-speed, 6k km shown (TMU), BaT
2024Auction sale$13,0001970 Euro 250C 4-speed, 42k miles shown, TMU, BaT
2025Auction sale$39,0001973 220D 4-speed, 35k miles shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$7,5001974 240D 4-speed, 2,200 miles shown, TMU, BaT
2026Auction sale$31,2501971 250, 38k miles shown (repaired odometer), BaT
2026Auction sale$24,0001975 240D 4-speed, 63k miles shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$2,8001976 300D, 51k miles shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$20,0001974 280, 55k miles shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$13,0001972 250C, 99k miles shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$9,0001968 230 4-speed, 56k miles shown, BaT
2026Value today$15,250–$31,250

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 11 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “4.6 million km in a Greek 240 D”
    • “The first Mercedes family to sell a million”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 6 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 36 sources
  1. 50 lat limuzyn Mercedes-Benz W 114/W 115 media.mercedes-benz.pl
  2. MB-Club Deutschland e.V. - Technical Data, History and Figures strichachtclub.de
  3. Mercedes-Benz W114/W115 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. The "Stroke 8" - 114/115 series - MercedesHeritage mercedesheritage.com
  5. Mercedes-Benz W114/115: Tyhle Mercedesy ještě vydržely věčnost. Je jim padesát | Auto.cz auto.cz
  6. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  7. MB-Portal.Net - Alle Modelle - Mercedes-Benz Baureihe 114/115 Strich-Acht mb-portal.net
  8. 50 Jahre 240D 3.0 - Mercedes-Benz Oldtimer-Ticker mvcoldtimerticker.de
  9. Typ 200 mbclubs.de
  10. 縦目の新世代　メルセデス・ベンツW114／W115型　4ドアサルーンと2ドアクーペ　前編 - ライブドアニュース news.livedoor.com
  11. W114 „Strich-Acht“ - Baujahre 1968 bis 1973 - MBIG - Club für klassische Mercedes-Benz Fahrzeuge mbig.de
  12. Kaufberatung: Mercedes 250 CE W 114 /8 - AUTO BILD KLASSIK autobild.de
  13. Crayford Convertible Car Club - Mercedes Benz crayfordconvertibleclub.com
  14. Paul Bracq in die FIVA Heritage Hall of Fame aufgenommen - Mercedes-Benz Oldtimer-Ticker mvcoldtimerticker.de
  15. W 114 / 115 Serie 2 mbclubs.de
  16. Audi 100 LS Mercedes-Benz 200/8 BMW 2000 - AUTO BILD KLASSIK autobild.de
  17. Mercedes /8 im Preisvergleich mit der Konkurrenz der 70er: Test - AUTO BILD KLASSIK autobild.de
  18. Mercedes-Benz W136 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  19. Mercedes-Benz 170S - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  20. Mercedes-Benz W120/W121 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  21. Mercedes-Benz W110 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  22. FIA Historic Database historicdb.fia.com
  23. Strich Achter wird Kinostar - Mercedes-Benz Oldtimer-Ticker mvcoldtimerticker.de
  24. No Reserve: Euro 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280CE 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $15,250 on December 17, 2024 (Lot #174,449) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  25. No Reserve: 1971 Mercedes-Benz 250 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $31,250 on January 6, 2026 (Lot #225,851) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  26. 1975 Mercedes-Benz 240D 4-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $24,000 on June 17, 2026 (Lot #248,109) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  27. Mercedes-Benz (W114) 280 CE For Sale & Price Guide | TCV theclassicvaluer.com
  28. Mercedes Benz W114 W115 Buyer Guide & Common Repairs mb115.com
  29. Mercedes Strich-8 (W114/W115) kaufen: Ratgeber autozeitung.de
  30. No Reserve: 20-Years-Owned 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300D for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $2,800 on October 2, 2026 (Lot #266,304) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $20,000 on August 24, 2026 (Lot #259,359) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. No Reserve: 1972 Mercedes-Benz 250C for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,000 on July 2, 2026 (Lot #250,542) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve: 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 4-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $9,000 on March 18, 2026 (Lot #233,941) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. No Reserve: 35k-Mile 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220D 4-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $39,000 on September 17, 2025 (Lot #210,448) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. No Reserve: 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240D 4-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $7,500 on June 6, 2025 (Lot #194,867) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. No Reserve: Euro 1970 Mercedes-Benz 250C 4-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,000 on July 22, 2024 (Lot #155,416) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • media.mercedes-benz.pl
  • strichachtclub.de
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • mercedesheritage.com
  • auto.cz
  • media.mbusa.com
  • mb-portal.net
  • mvcoldtimerticker.de
  • mbclubs.de
  • news.livedoor.com
  • mbig.de
  • autobild.de
  • crayfordconvertibleclub.com
  • historicdb.fia.com

Photo credits

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