Mercedes-Benz W123

Mercedes-Benz W123

Manufacturer	Daimler-Benz
Production	1976–1986 2,696,915 built^[1] 4-door: 2,397,514 Coupé: 99,884 Estate: 199,517
Assembly	Sindelfingen, Germany
Predecessor	Mercedes-Benz W115
Successor	Mercedes-Benz W124
Class	Executive car
Body style(s)	4-door saloon 2-door coupé 5-door estate 4-door limousine
Engine(s)	2.0 L I4 2.2 L I4 Diesel 2.3 L I4 2.4 L I4 Diesel 2.5 L I6 2.8 L I6 3.0 L I5 Diesel 2.0 L I4 Diesel
Transmission(s)	3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic 4-speed manual 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	Sedan: 2,795 mm (110.0 in) Coupé: 2,710 mm (106.7 in)
Length	Sedan: 4,724 mm (186.0 in)^[2] (euro-spec bumpers)
Width	Sedan: 1,784 mm (70.2 in)^[2]
Height	Sedan: 1,435 mm (56.5 in)^[2]
Curb weight	Sedan: 2,080 kg (4,585.6 lb) (turbodiesel, automatic)
Vehicles	Mercedes-Benz E-Class

W123 is the internal chassis-designation Mercedes-Benz used for their executive line of cars, manufactured between 1976 and 1985.

The W123 models surpassed their predecessor, the W114 and W115 models, as the most successful Mercedes, selling 2.7 million cars before replacement by the W124 after 1985. The additional range of smaller Mercedes-Benz W201 models were introduced in 1982.

1 Naming
2 Model history
3 Models (except North America and Japan)
4 North America and Japan
5 References
6 External links

Naming

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

C for Coupé
Lang (long-wheelbase)
T for Transport and Touring (estate/station wagon)

D for Diesel,
E for Einspritzung (fuel injection)

Model history

Mercedes-Benz introduced the W123 four-door versions in January, 1976.^[3] While there were 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 W115 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 W115 engines were carried over, with the 3 litre 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 litre 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 (2,710 mm (106.7 in) versus 2,795 mm (110.0 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 litre diesel engines.

It is a tribute to the car's instant popularity – and possibly to the caution built into the production schedules – that nine months after its introduction, a black market had developed in Germany for Mercedes-Benz W123s available for immediate delivery.^[4] Customers willing to order new cars from their local authorized dealer for the recommended list price faced waiting times in excess of twelve months.^[4] Models that were barely used and were available almost immediately commanded a premium over the new price of around DM 5,000.^[4]

From August, 1977, long-wheelbase versions (3,425 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 (40 kW; 54 hp) to 60 PS (44 kW; 59 hp) in the 200D, from 65 PS (48 kW; 64 hp) to 72 PS (53 kW; 71 hp) in the 240D and from 80 PS (59 kW; 79 hp) to 88 PS (65 kW; 87 hp) in the 300D; at the same time, the 220D went out of production.

The first Mercedes turbo diesel production W123 appeared in September, 1979. This was the 300 TD Turbodiesel, available with automatic transmission only. In most markets, the turbocharged 5-cylinder 3 litre diesel engine (Type OM617) was offered only in the T body style, while in North America it was also available in saloon and coupé guises.

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

In 1980/81 the carbureted 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 TD).

W123 production ended in January, 1986 with 63 T-models rolling out. 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, passenger side exterior mirror (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 controlled engine heating), self locking differential, sun roof, air conditioning, climate control, "Alpine" horn (selectable quieter horn), headlamp wipers (European market only), Tempomat (cruise control), power steering (standard after 1982/08), seat heating, catalytic 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 W123s.

Models (except North America and Japan)

Chassis code	Years	Model	Engine	Power	Torque
W123.020	1976–1981	200	2.0 L M115 I4	94 PS (69 kW; 93 hp) @ 4800	158 N·m (117 lb·ft) @ 3000
W123.220	1979–1985	200	2.0 L M102 I4	109 PS (80 kW; 108 hp) @ 5200	170 N·m (125 lb·ft) @ 3000
W123.280	1980–1985	200T	2.0 L M102 I4	109 PS (80 kW; 108 hp) @ 5200	170 N·m (125 lb·ft) @ 3000
W123.120	1976–1979	200D	2.0 L OM615 I4 Diesel	55 PS (40 kW; 54 hp) @ 4200	113 N·m (83 lb·ft) @ 2400
W123.120	1979–1985	200D	2.0 L OM615 I4 Diesel	60 PS (44 kW; 59 hp) @ 4400	113 N·m (83 lb·ft) @ 2400
W123.126	1976–1979	220D	2.2 L OM615 I4 Diesel	60 PS (44 kW; 59 hp) @ 4200	125 N·m (92 lb·ft) @ 2400
W123.023	1976–1981	230	2.3 L M115 I4	109 PS (80 kW; 108 hp) @ 4800	185 N·m (136 lb·ft) @ 3000
W123.223	1979–1985	230E	2.3 L M102 I4	136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) @ 5100	201 N·m (148 lb·ft) @ 3500
W123.043	1977–1980	230C	2.3 L M115 I4	109 PS (80 kW; 108 hp) @ 4800	185 N·m (136 lb·ft) @ 3000
W123.243	1980–1985	230CE	2.3 L M102 I4	136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) @ 5100	201 N·m (148 lb·ft) @ 3500
W123.083	1978–1980	230T	2.3 L M115 I4	109 PS (80 kW; 108 hp) @ 4800	185 N·m (136 lb·ft) @ 3000
W123.283	1980–1985	230TE	2.3 L M102 I4	136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) @ 5100	201 N·m (148 lb·ft) @ 3500
W123.123	1976–1985	240D	2.4 L OM616 I4 Diesel	65 PS (48 kW; 64 hp) @ 4200 from 02/79 72 PS (53 kW; 71 hp) @ 4400	137 N·m (101 lb·ft) @ 2400
W123.125	1977–1985	240D LWB	2.4 L OM616 I4 Diesel	65 PS (48 kW; 64 hp) @ 4200 from 02/79 72 PS (53 kW; 71 hp) @ 4400	137 N·m (101 lb·ft) @ 2400
W123.183	1978–1986	240TD	2.4 L OM616 I4 Diesel	65 PS (48 kW; 64 hp) @ 4200 from 02/79 72 PS (53 kW; 71 hp) @ 4400	137 N·m (101 lb·ft) @ 2400
W123.026	1976–1985	250	2.5 L M123 I6	129 PS (95 kW; 127 hp) @ 5500 from 09/79 140 PS (100 kW; 140 hp) @ 5500	192 N·m (142 lb·ft) @ 3500 from 09/79 196 N·m (145 lb·ft) @ 3500
W123.028	1977–1985	250 LWB	2.5 L M123 I6	129 PS (95 kW; 127 hp) @ 5500 from 09/79 140 PS (100 kW; 140 hp) @ 5500	192 N·m (142 lb·ft) @ 3500 from 09/79 196 N·m (145 lb·ft) @ 3500
W123.086	1978–1985	250	2.5 L M123 I6	140 PS (100 kW; 140 hp) @ 5500 from 09/79 140 PS (100 kW; 140 hp) @ 5500	192 N·m (142 lb·ft) @ 3500 from 09/79 196 N·m (145 lb·ft) @ 3500
W123.030	1975–1981	280	2.8 L M110 I6	156 PS (115 kW; 154 hp) @ 5500	222 N·m (164 lb·ft) @ 4000
W123.033	1975–1985	280E	2.8 L M110 I6	177 PS (130 kW; 175 hp) @ 6000 from 1978 185 PS (136 kW; 182 hp) @ 5800	229 N·m (169 lb·ft) @ 4500 from 09/79 235 N·m (173 lb·ft) @ 4500
W123.050	1977–1980	280C	2.8 L M110 I6	156 PS (115 kW; 154 hp) @ 5500	222 N·m (164 lb·ft) @ 4000
W123.053	1977–1985	280CE	2.8 L M110 I6	177 PS (130 kW; 175 hp) @ 6000 from 1978 185 PS (136 kW; 182 hp) @ 5800	229 N·m (169 lb·ft) @ 4500 from 09/79 235 N·m (173 lb·ft) @ 4500
W123.093	1978–1985	280E	2.8 L M110 I6	185 PS (136 kW; 182 hp) @ 6000 from 1978 185 PS (136 kW; 182 hp) @ 5800	229 N·m (169 lb·ft) @ 4500 from 09/79 235 N·m (173 lb·ft) @ 4500
W123.130	1976–1985	300D	3.0 L OM617 I5 Diesel	80 PS (59 kW; 79 hp) @ 4000 from 09/79 88 PS (65 kW; 87 hp) @ 4400	169 N·m (125 lb·ft) @ 2400
W123.132	1977–1985	300D LWB	3.0 L OM617 I5 Diesel	80 PS (59 kW; 79 hp) @ 4000 from 09/79 88 PS (65 kW; 87 hp) @ 4400	169 N·m (125 lb·ft) @ 2400
W123.133	1981–1985	300D Turbo	3.0 L OM617a I5 Diesel	125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp) @ 4350	245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @ 2400
W123.150	1977–1981	300CD	3.0 L OM617 I5 Diesel	80 PS (59 kW; 79 hp) @ 4000 from 09/79 88 PS (65 kW; 87 hp) @ 4400	169 N·m (125 lb·ft) @ 2400
W123.153	1981–1985	300CD Turbo	3.0 L OM617a I5 Diesel	125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp) @ 4350	245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @ 2400
W123.190	1978–1985	300TD	3.0 L OM617 I5 Diesel	80 PS (59 kW; 79 hp) @ 4000 from 09/79 88 PS (65 kW; 87 hp) @ 4400	169 N·m (125 lb·ft) @ 2400
W123.193	1980–1985	300TD Turbo	3.0 L OM617a I5 Diesel	125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp) @ 4350	245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @ 2400

North America and Japan

In these markets the following models were offered:^[5]

Model	Years	Engine	Power	Torque
230	MY 1977–1978	M115	93.0 hp (69 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 1977–1981	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 1978–1981	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
300TD	MY 1979–1980	OM617.912	77 hp (57 kW) @ 4000	115 lb·ft (156 N·m) @ 2400
300TD Turbo	MY 1981–1985	OM617.952	125 hp (93 kW) @ 4350	181 lb·ft (245 N·m) @ 2400
300D	MY 1981–1985	OM617.952	125 hp (93 kW) @ 4350	181 lb·ft (245 N·m) @ 2400
300CD	MY 1981–1985	OM617.952	125 hp (93 kW) @ 4350	181 lb·ft (245 N·m) @ 2400

The North American W123s differ from the European W123s due to United States Department of Transportation requirements.

Notable exterior differences included:

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

References

^ Oswald, Werner (2001). Deutsche Autos 1945–1990, vol.3. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. p. 99. ISBN 3-613-02131-5.
^ ^a ^b ^c "Autotest: Mercedes-Benz 200". Autocar 149 (nbr 4271): Pages 26–31. 16 September 1978.
^ All dates in this paragraph according to: Oswald, Werner (2001). Deutsche Autos 1945–1990, vol.3. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. pp. 96–111. ISBN 3-613-02131-5.
^ ^a ^b ^c "Sterntaler: Mercedes-Wagen zu Schwarzmarktpreisen". Auto Motor u. Sport Heft 18 1976: Seite 8–9. date 1 September 1976.
^ Mike Covello: Standard Catalog of Imported Cars 1946–2002. Krause Publications, Iola 2002, ISBN 0-87341-605-8, p. 539-43.

External links


Class	Model	Body	1980s										1990s										2000s										2010s
Class	Model	Body	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1
Mini	A	Hatch																			W168							W169
Small	B	Hatch																										W245
Compact	C	Saloon			W201											W202								W203							W204
Compact	C	Estate																	S202					S203							S204
Executive	E	Saloon	W123					W124										W210							W211							W212
		Limousine	V123										V124																				V212
		Estate	S123						S124										S210							S211							S212
Luxury	S	Saloon	W126											W140								W220							W221
		Limousine	V126											V140								V220							V221
		Pullman	W100																	VF140			VF220										VF221
		Landaulet																		A140
Compact	CLC \| C	Coupé																						CL203							CL203
Executive	CLK \| E	Coupé	C123							C124									C208							C209						C207
	CLK \| E	Cabriolet												A124						A208							A209						A207
	CLS	Coupé																											W219					W218
Luxury	CL	Coupé	C107		C126										C140							C215							C216
Sports	SLK	Roadster																			R170								R171					R172
Sports	SL	Roadster	R107									R129														R230
Exotic	SLS	Coupé																															C197
	SLR	Coupé																								C199
		Roadster																												R199
		Speedster																														Z199
Small	Vaneo	MPV																							W414
Executive	Viano																		W638								W639
Luxury	R																												V251
Compact	GLK	SUV																													X204
Executive	M																				W163								W164
Luxury	GL																												X164
Utility	G		W460											W461
	G												W463
	Vito	LCV									MB100								Vito								Vito
	Sprinter		T1															W901 - W905											NCV3
	Vario		T2						T2										W670
Class	Model	Body	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1
Class	Model	Body	1980s										1990s										2000s										2010s

Mercedes-Benz E-Class lineage, 1935–present

W136 (1935) · W120 (1953) · W121 (1956) · W110 (1961) · W114 (1968) · W123 (1976) · W124 (1984) · W210 (1995) · W211 (2002) · W212 (2009)