Greek Taxi Driver Reaches 4.6 Million Kilometers in 1976 Mercedes-Benz 240D

A Greek taxi driver, Gregorios Sachinidis, has achieved an incredible feat, logging over 4.58 million kilometers (2.8 million miles) in a 1976 Mercedes-Benz 240D W115.

Record-Breaking Reliability

Sachinidis purchased the vehicle in 1981 with 220,000 kilometers on the odometer. Over four decades, it has been driven continuously, transporting passengers including Greek presidents and German footballer Gerd Müller, and even participating in humanitarian missions during the Balkan War. The car traveled an equivalent distance of eight trips between the Earth and the Moon.

The OM616 Engine

The 240D was powered by the renowned OM616 diesel engine, a robust and reliable design produced by Mercedes-Benz between 1958 and 1983. Originally designed for the W123 and W115 models, this 2.4-liter iron block engine earned a reputation as one of the most durable ever built, often resembling an industrial motor. The Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet (W100) was another example of Mercedes’ commitment to longevity, utilizing the M100 6.3-liter V8 engine.

Maintaining the Legend

Sachinidis’s meticulous maintenance and self-performed repairs, combined with the inherent durability of the W115 and the OM616 engine, are credited with the vehicle’s extraordinary lifespan. The car consistently operated flawlessly, functioning like a clock.