Mercedes-Benz W123

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Mercedes-Benz W123
Mercedes-Benz W123 (230 CE)
Mercedes-Benz W123 (230 CE) Eurospec
Manufacturer Daimler Benz
Production 1976–1985
2,696,915 built[1]
4-door: 2,397,514
Coupé: 99,884
Station Wagon: 199,517
Predecessor Mercedes-Benz W115
Successor Mercedes-Benz W124
Class Executive car
Transmission(s) 4-speed automatic
4-speed manual
5-speed manual
Vehicles Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The Mercedes-Benz W123 cars were produced from 1976 through 1985.

The W123 models surpassed their predecessor, the W114/W115 "stroke-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 were introduced in 1982.

Contents

[edit] Naming

As usual, model names were related to engine sizes, type of engine and chassis type

  • D for Diesel,
  • E for Einspritzung (fuel injection)
  • Lang for Long Wheelbase
  • T for Transport and Touring (estate/station wagon)
  • C for Coupé

[edit] Model history

US-spec Mercedes-Benz W123 wagon
US-spec Mercedes-Benz W123 wagon
non-US-spec Mercedes-Benz W123 coupe with US-spec headlights
non-US-spec Mercedes-Benz W123 coupe with US-spec headlights
Mercedes-Benz W123 sedan (Eurospec)
Mercedes-Benz W123 sedan (Eurospec)

Mercedes-Benz introduced the W123 four-door versions in January, 1976[2]. While there was some technical similarities to their predecessors, the new models were larger in wheelbase and exterior dimensions. The styling was also updated, although stylistic links with the /8 while were maintained. Initially, all models except 280/280E featured quad unequal-size round headlights and the latter large rectangular units. When facelifted these units became standard across the range. All /8 engines were carried over, with the 3 liter 5-cylinder diesel model being renamed from 240D 3.0 to 300D (as it had already been called before in North American markets). The only new engine was the 250's 2525 cc inline-six (Type M123, a short-stroke version of the 2.8 liter six Type M110) that replaced the old 2496 cc Type M114 six.

In the spring of 1976, a Coupé version was introduced on a shorter wheelbase than the saloon (2710 mm (106.7 in) versus 2795 mm (110 in)) for the saloon. This W123C/CE was available as a 230C (later 230CE) and as a 280C/CE in most markets; in North America there were additional 300CD versions with naturally aspirated, later turbocharged 3 liter diesel engines.

From August, 1977, long wheelbase versions (3425 mm (134.8 in)) were produced. These were available as 7/8 seater saloons with works bodies or as a chassis with complete front body clip, the latter serving as the base for ambulance and hearse bodies by external suppliers like Binz or Miesen. These "Lang" versions could be ordered as 240D, 300D and 250 models.

At the Frankfurt Auto Show in September, 1977 the W123T estate was introduced; the T in the model designation stood for "Touring and Transport". All engines derivative except "200TD" were available in the range. T production began in March, 1978 in Mercedes' Bremen factory.

In early 1979, the diesel models power output was increased; power rose from 55 PS (54 hp/40 kW) to 60 PS (59 hp/44 kW) in the 200D, from 65 PS (64 hp/48 kW) to 72 PS (71 hp/53 kW) in the 240D and from 80 PS (79 hp/59 kW) to 88 PS (87 hp/65 kW) in the 300D; at the same time, the 220D went out of production.

The first Mercedes turbo diesel production car appeared in September, 1979. This was the 300 TD Turbodiesel, available with automatic transmission only. In most markets, the turbocharged 5-cylinder 3 liter diesel engine (Type OM617) was offered only in the T body style, while in North America it was also available in sedan/saloon and coupe guise.

June 1980 saw the introduction of new 4-cylinder petrol engines (Type M102). A new 2 liter four with shorter stroke replaced the old M115, a fuel-injected 2.3 liter version of this engine (in 230E/TE/CE) the old carburetted 230. Both engines were more powerful than their predecessors.

In 1980/81 the carburetted 280 versions went out of production; the fuel-injected 280E continued to be offered.

In September, 1982, all models received a mild facelift. The rectangular headlights, previously fitted only to the 280/280E, were standardized across the board, as was power steering. Since February, 1982, an optional 5-speed manual transmission was available in all models (except 300 TDT).

W123 production ended in November, 1985. Most popular single models were the 240D (455,000 built), the 230E (442,000 built) and the 200D (378,000 built).

W123 introduced innovations including ABS (optional from August, 1980), a retractable steering column and an airbag for the driver (optional from 1982).

Available options included MB-Tex (Mercedes-Benz Texturized Punctured Vinyl) upholstery or velour or leather upholstery, interior wood trim, right hand side exterior mirror (LHD models, standard on T models), 5-speed manual transmission (European market only), 4-speed automatic transmission (standard in turbodiesel models), power windows with rear-seat switch cut-outs, vacuum powered central locking, rear-facing extra seats (station wagon only), Standheizung (prestart timer controller engine heating), self locking differential, sun roof, air conditioning, 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, from fall (autumn) 1984 also in Germany for the 230E of which one thousand were built).

Power (vacuum servo) assisted disc brakes were standard on all W123's.

[edit] Models (except North America and Japan)

Chassis code Years Model Engine Power Torque
W123.020 1976–1980 200 2.0 L M115 I4 94 PS (93 hp/69 kW) @ 4800 158 N·m (117 ft·lbf) @ 3000
W123.220 1979–1985 200 2.0 L M102 I4 109 PS (108 hp/80 kW) @ 5200 170 N·m (125 ft·lbf) @ 3000
W123.280 1980–1985 200T 2.0 L M102 I4 109 PS (108 hp/80 kW) @ 5200 170 N·m (125 ft·lbf) @ 3000
W123.120 1976–1979 200D 2.0 L OM615 I4 Diesel 55 PS (54 hp/40 kW) @ 4200 113 N·m (83 ft·lbf) @ 2400
W123.120 1979–1985 200D 2.0 L OM615 I4 Diesel 60 PS (59 hp/44 kW) @ 4400 113 N·m (83 ft·lbf) @ 2400
W123.126 1976–1979 220D 2.2 L OM615 I4 Diesel 60 PS (59 hp/44 kW) @ 4200 125 N·m (92 ft·lbf) @ 2400
W123.023 1976–1981 230 2.3 L M115 I4 109 PS (108 hp/80 kW) @ 4800 185 N·m (136 ft·lbf) @ 3000
W123.223 1979–1985 230E 2.3 L M102 I4 136 PS (134 hp/100 kW) @ 5100 201 N·m (148 ft·lbf) @ 3500
W123.043 1977–1980 230C 2.3 L M115 I4 109 PS (108 hp/80 kW) @ 4800 185 N·m (136 ft·lbf) @ 3000
W123.243 1980–1985 230CE 2.3 L M102 I4 136 PS (134 hp/100 kW) @ 5100 201 N·m (148 ft·lbf) @ 3500
W123.083 1978–1980 230T 2.3 L M115 I4 109 PS (108 hp/80 kW) @ 4800 185 N·m (136 ft·lbf) @ 3000
W123.283 1980–1985 230TE 2.3 L M102 I4 136 PS (134 hp/100 kW) @ 5100 201 N·m (148 ft·lbf) @ 3500
W123.123 1976–1985 240D 2.4 L OM616 I4 Diesel 65 PS (64 hp/48 kW) @ 4200
from 02/79 72 PS (71 hp/53 kW) @ 4400		 137 N·m (101 ft·lbf) @ 2400
W123.125 1977–1985 240D LWB 2.4 L OM616 I4 Diesel 65 PS (64 hp/48 kW) @ 4200
from 02/79 72 PS (71 hp/53 kW) @ 4400		 137 N·m (101 ft·lbf) @ 2400
W123.183 1978–1986 240TD 2.4 L OM616 I4 Diesel 65 PS (64 hp/48 kW) @ 4200
from 02/79 72 PS (71 hp/53 kW) @ 4400		 137 N·m (101 ft·lbf) @ 2400
W123.026 1976–1985 250 2.5 L M123 I6 129 PS (127 hp/95 kW) @ 5500
from 09/79 140 PS (138 hp/103 kW) @ 5500		 192 N·m (142 ft·lbf) @ 3500
from 09/79 196 N·m (145 ft·lbf) @ 3500
W123.028 1977–1985 250 LWB 2.5 L M123 I6 129 PS (127 hp/95 kW) @ 5500
from 09/79 140 PS (138 hp/103 kW) @ 5500		 192 N·m (142 ft·lbf) @ 3500
from 09/79 196 N·m (145 ft·lbf) @ 3500
W123.086 1978–1985 250T 2.5 L M123 I6 129 PS (127 hp/95 kW) @ 5500
from 09/79 140 PS (138 hp/103 kW) @ 5500		 192 N·m (142 ft·lbf) @ 3500
from 09/79 196 N·m (145 ft·lbf) @ 3500
W123.030 1975–1981 280 2.8 L M110 I6 156 PS (154 hp/115 kW) @ 5500 222 N·m (164 ft·lbf) @ 4000
W123.033 1975–1985 280E 2.8 L M110 I6 177 PS (175 hp/130 kW) @ 6000
from 1978 185 PS (182 hp/136 kW) @ 5800		 229 N·m (169 ft·lbf) @ 4500
from 09/79 235 N·m (173 ft·lbf) @ 4500
W123.050 1977–1980 280C 2.8 L M110 I6 156 PS (154 hp/115 kW) @ 5500 222 N·m (164 ft·lbf) @ 4000
W123.053 1977–1985 280CE 2.8 L M110 I6 177 PS (175 hp/130 kW) @ 6000
from 1978 185 PS (182 hp/136 kW) @ 5800		 229 N·m (169 ft·lbf) @ 4500
from 09/79 235 N·m (173 ft·lbf) @ 4500
W123.093 1978–1985 280TE 2.8 L M110 I6 177 PS (175 hp/130 kW) @ 6000
from 1978 185 PS (182 hp/136 kW) @ 5800		 229 N·m (169 ft·lbf) @ 4500
from 09/79 235 N·m (173 ft·lbf) @ 4500
W123.130 1976–1985 300D 3.0 L OM617 I5 Diesel 80 PS (79 hp/59 kW) @ 4000
from 09/79 88 PS (87 hp/65 kW) @ 4400		 169 N·m (125 ft·lbf) @ 2400
W123.132 1977–1985 300D LWB 3.0 L OM617 I5 Diesel 80 PS (79 hp/59 kW) @ 4000
from 09/79 88 PS (87 hp/65 kW) @ 4400		 169 N·m (125 ft·lbf) @ 2400
W123.133 1981–1985 300D Turbo 3.0 L OM617 I5 Diesel 125 PS (123 hp/92 kW) @ 4350 245 N·m (181 ft·lbf) @ 2400
W123.150 1977–1981 300CD 3.0 L OM617 I5 Diesel 80 PS (79 hp/59 kW) @ 4000
from 09/79 88 PS (87 hp/65 kW) @ 4400		 169 N·m (125 ft·lbf) @ 2400
W123.153 1981–1985 300CD Turbo 3.0 L OM617 I5 Diesel 125 PS (123 hp/92 kW) @ 4350 245 N·m (181 ft·lbf) @ 2400
W123.190 1978–1985 300TD 3.0 L OM617 I5 Diesel 80 PS (79 hp/59 kW) @ 4000
from 09/79 88 PS (87 hp/65 kW) @ 4400		 169 N·m (125 ft·lbf) @ 2400
W123.193 1980–1985 300TD Turbo 3.0 L OM617 I5 Diesel 125 PS (123 hp/92 kW) @ 4350 245 N·m (181 ft·lbf) @ 2400

[edit] North America and Japan

In these markets the following models were offered[3]:

Model Years Engine Power Torque
230 MY 1977−1978 M115 86 hp (64 kW) @ 4800 125 lb·ft (169 N·m) @ 2500
240D MY 1977−1983 OM616.912 62 hp (46 kW) @ 4000
from MY 1981 67 hp (50 kW) @ 4000		 97 lb·ft (132 N·m) @ 2400
280E MY 1977−1981 M110 142 hp (106 kW) @ 5750
from MY 1980: 140 hp (104 kW) @ 5500		 149 lb·ft (202 N·m) @ 4600
from MY 1980: 145 lb·ft (197 N·m) @ 4600
280CE MY 1978−1981 M110 142 hp (106 kW) @ 5750
from MY 1980: 140 hp (104 kW) @ 5500		 149 lb·ft (202 N·m) @ 4600
from MY 1980: 145 lb·ft (197 N·m) @ 4600
300D MY 1977−1983 OM617.912 77 hp (57 kW) @ 4000
from MY 1981: 83 hp (62 kW) @ 4200		 115 lb·ft (156 N·m) @ 2400
from MY 1981: 120 lb·ft (163 N·m) @ 2400
300CD MY 1978−1983 OM617.912 77 hp (57 kW) @ 4000
from MY 1981: 83 hp (62 kW) @ 4200		 115 lb·ft (156 N·m) @ 2400
from MY 1981: 120 lb·ft (163 N·m) @ 2400
300D
(unofficially "300DT")		 MY 1982−1985 OM617.952 120 hp (89 kW) @ 4350
from MY 1984: 123 hp (92 kW) @ 4350		 170 lb·ft (230 N·m) @ 2400
from MY 1984: 184 lb·ft (249 N·m) @ 2400
300CD
(unofficially "300CDT")		 MY 1982−1985 OM617.952 120 hp (89 kW) @ 4350
from MY 1984: 123 hp (92 kW) @ 4350		 170 lb·ft (230 N·m) @ 2400
from MY 1984: 184 lb·ft (249 N·m) @ 2400
300TD
(unofficially "300TDT")		 MY 1979−1985 OM617.952 120 hp (89 kW) @ 4350
from MY 1984: 123 hp (92 kW) @ 4350		 170 lb·ft (230 N·m) @ 2400
from MY 1984: 184 lb·ft (249 N·m) @ 2400

The North American W123s differ from the European W123s due to US DOT requirements.

Notable exterior differences:

  • Larger bumpers
  • Round, sealed-beam headlights/fog lamps. Early cars were delivered with clear fog lamps thru model year 1979, later units with yellow
  • Location of ID-tag on A-pillar
  • Emission control devices

Common European features not seen on US spec cars:

  • Cloth seats
  • Air conditioning removed
  • Headlamp wipers
  • Rear fog light
  • Rear headrests
  • Center Armrest removed
  • Adjustable headlamps
  • Trailer hitches
  • Manual Windows and Sunroof
  • Door Armrests without grab handles
  • Vinyl Trim deleted from Window Door frame surrounds
  • Heated Seats
  • Warning Triangle in Trunk (Boot) (included on US-Spec vehicles Delivered new in Germany)
  • Variations on Amount of Wood Trim on Dashboard and centre console,
  • Variations on rear seat belts
  • Parcel nets often deleted from the backs of the front seats
  • Traffic Radios
  • Manual radio antennas (if installed) often mounted to right front fender

[edit] References

  1. ^ Oswald, Werner (2001). Deutsche Autos 1945-1990, vol.3. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag, 99. ISBN 3-613-02131-5. 
  2. ^ All dates in this paragraph according to: Oswald, Werner (2001). Deutsche Autos 1945-1990, vol.3. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag, 96-111. ISBN 3-613-02131-5. 
  3. ^ Mike Covello: Standard Catalog of Imported Cars 1946-2002. Krause Publications, Iola 2002, ISBN 0-87341-605-8, p. 539-43.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

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Entry-level C W201 (190) W202 W203 W204
Mid-size
car		 E W123 W124 W210 W211
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