Mercedes-Benz W123
The Mercedes-Benz W123 cars were produced from 1976 through 1986.
The W123 models surpassed their predecessor, the W114 "slash-8" models, as the most successful Mercedes, selling over 2,5 million cars, before being replaced by the W124 after 1985. Also, the additional, smaller range of Mercedes-Benz W201 models was introduced in 1982.
Naming
As usual, model names were related to engine sizes, type of engine and chassis type
- D for Diesel,
- E for Einspritzung (fuel injection)
- T for Transport and Tourism (estate/station wagon)
- C for Coupé
Models
- 200
- 200 D
- 200 T
- 220 D (1976-1979)
- 230 (1977-1980)
- 230 E
- 230 C
- 230 CE
- 230 T
- 230 TE
- 240 D (1977-1983)
- 240 TD
- 240 D (long wheel base)
- 250
- 250 T
- 250 (long wheel base)
- 280
- 280 E (1977-1981)
- 280 CE (1978-1985)
- 280 TE
- 300 D (1977-1981)
- 300 TD (1979-1980)
- 300 TD turbodiesel (1981-1985)
- 300 D turbodiesel (1982-1985) (North American market only)
- 300 CD (1978-1981) (North American market only)
- 300 CD turbodiesel (1982-1985) (North American market only)
Specs
The W123 was the first Mercedes to have a factory-offered station wagon version designated as T-model (for Transport), as earlier models were converted to station wagons, and long-wheelbase ambulances and hearses only by private companies. The W123 300 TD (Transport Diesel) was one of the first turbodiesel cars on the European market. Because of the peculiar power band, the turbodiesel cars were only available with automatic transmission.
Long wheel base models of the 250 and 240D were also available, with 7 seats, intended primarily for use as taxi cabs.
Other innovations that its predecessor lacked, included ABS (Not available on Diesel models), a retractable steering column, self-levelling suspension (station wagon only), and a safety-padded dashboard.
The 3-litre diesel engine was actually a 5-cylinder derivate of the 2.4 litre engine from the 240 D.
Available options included MB-Tex (Mercedes-Benz Texturized Punctured Vinyl) upholstery, velour upholstry, wooden trim, right hand side exterior mirror (US LHD models), 5-speed manual transmission (European market only), 4-speed automatic transmission (standard, turbodiesel models), 4-speed manual transmission, power windows with rear-seat switch cut-outs, vacuum powered central locking, rear-facing extra seats (station wagon only), Standheizung, airconditioning, climate control, headlamp wipers (European market only), Tempomat (cruise control), power steering (standard after 1982/08), seat heating, CO converter (available from 1984 for California only).
Vacuum power assisted braking was standard on all W123's.
American version
The American W123's differ from the European W123's, due to U.S.-legislation. Notable differences:
- Much larger bumpers
- Sealed-beam headlights
- Location of ID-tag