Mercedes-Benz W123

The Mercedes-Benz W123 is a range of executive cars produced by German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz from November 1975 to January 1986. The W123 models surpassed their predecessor, the Mercedes-Benz W114 models, as the most successful Mercedes, selling 2.7 million units before the production ended in the autumn 1985 for saloon/sedan and January 1986 for coupé and estate/station wagon.[4]

Mercedes-Benz W123
1980 Mercedes-Benz 300 D (W123)
Overview
ManufacturerMercedes-Benz
Also calledKaensaeng 88 (North Korea)
Mercedes-Benz Tiger (Indonesia)
Production1976–1986
2,696,915 built[1]
4-door: 2,375,410
Coupé: 99,884
Estate: 199,517
Limousine: 13,700
Chassis: 1,353
LWB chassis: 7,020
Assembly
DesignerBruno Sacco, Friedrich Geiger (Saloon & coupe: 1973, T-Model: 1975)
Body and chassis
ClassExecutive car (E)
Body style4-door saloon
2-door coupé (C123)
5-door estate (S123)
4-door limousine (V123)
LayoutFR layout
RelatedMercedes-Benz E-Class
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission4-speed 722.1 automatic
4-speed 4G-TRONIC automatic
4-speed manual
5-speed manual
Dimensions
WheelbaseSaloon: 2,795 mm (110.0 in)
Coupé: 2,710 mm (106.7 in)
Limousine/ambulance/hearse: 3,425 mm (134.8 in)
Length4,725 mm (186.0 in)[3]
4,849 mm (190.9 in) (US bumpers)
4,640 mm (183 in) (Coupé)
4,763 mm (187.5 in) (Coupé US bumpers)
5,355 mm (210.8 in) (Limousine)
WidthSaloon: 1,784 mm (70.2 in)[3]
HeightSaloon: 1,435 mm (56.5 in)[3]
Curb weightSaloon: 1,625 kg (3,582.5 lb) (turbodiesel, automatic)
Chronology
PredecessorMercedes-Benz W114
SuccessorMercedes-Benz W124

The W123 became a hit with the public due to its modern look. Following the slow build-up during the first year of production as to ensure the high and consistent quality, the customers who placed their orders faced a lengthy waiting period of nine to twelve months. A black market emerged for the customers who were willing to pay more for immediate delivery. The slightly used W123 commanded about 5,000 Deutsche Mark premium over its original sale price.[5]

Like its predecessors, W123 gained the reputation of being over-engineered, well-built, durable, and reliable. Many taxi companies chose W123 for this reason, and they were common sight in Germany. Reaching 500,000 or 1,000,000 km with minor mechanical issues was common with W123 used as taxicabs. Once the W123 reached the end of service life, they were often shipped to Africa and third world countries where they were highly esteemed for ability to travel on rough roads and further without frequent maintenance .

W123 production ended in January 1986 with 63 final T-models rolling out. Most popular single models were the 240 D (455,000 built), the 230 E (442,000 built), and the 200 D (378,000 built).

Design

W123 shares technical similarities with its predecessors including engines, steering system, and suspension system. The design is updated with styling cues from its larger sibling, Mercedes-Benz W116, namely wider ribbed taillights, horizontal headlamps and front turn signal indicators on the outer edge, and pull-to-open door handles. The interior is revised with larger instrument panel, central round ventilation outlets, HVAC control panel, single row of control switches in the centre.

The instrument panel has three large gauges placed behind a single plastic cover. The manual HVAC control panel has three large dials with left and right dials for individual temperature control and centre dial for fan speed control. Air flow is controlled by two slides (left for upper zone and right for lower zone). If the optional air conditioning unit is ordered, a temperature roll dial is fitted to the row of control switches. The automatic HVAC control panel is simplified with single roll disc on the left for temperature control, a row of push buttons in the middle for directing the air flow and switching the system on and off, and a vertical set of button on the right for controlling the fan speed and switching automatic control on and off.

All models except 280, 280 E, and coupé feature larger round headlamps with smaller round fog lamps with large glass plate covering entire headlamp housing and acting as diffusing lens. This setup is same for the North American models with the sealed beam units and glass plate partially covering the headlamp housing. The 280, 280 E, and coupé models use large rectangular headlamps with round fog lamps. The headlamp washers and wipers set are optional.

Nomenclatures

Per Mercedes-Benz tradition (prior to the 1994 change), model designation corresponded to the engine displacement, chassis type (coupé or estate/station wagon), fuel type (for diesel engines only), and availability of fuel injection system (for petrol engines only):

  • C for Coupé
  • T for Tourismus und Transport (estate/station wagon)

No designation was given for the long-wheelbase: it was simply called "Lang" (long) in the brochures and order forms.

  • D for Diesel
  • E for Einspritzung (fuel injection)

When the diesel engine is turbocharged, TURBODIESEL is affixed to the right side of the boot lid.

As for the chassis codes, W123 is the saloon/sedan, S123 the estate/station wagon, C123 the coupé, V123 the long-wheelbase saloon/sedan a.k.a. Lang, and F123 refers to the bare long-wheelbase chassis as used for ambulances and other conversions.

Model variations
Mercedes-Benz 280 CE (C123) (Euro-spec)
Mercedes-Benz 280 CE (C123) rear (Euro-spec)
Mercedes-Benz V123 "Lang" or Long Wheelbase (Euro-spec)
Mercedes-Benz 280 TE estate
Mercedes-Benz 240D (W123) saloon (Euro-spec)
Mercedes-Benz 240D (W123) saloon rear (Euro-spec)


Saloon (W123)

The four-door version went on sale on 29 January 1976.[6][7]

Coupé (C123)

In the spring of 1977, a coupé version was introduced on a shortened wheelbase (2,710 mm (106.7 in) versus 2,795 mm (110.0 in) for the saloon). The C123 was available as 230 C (later 230 CE) and as 280 C and 280 CE in most markets. Unlike W123 saloon, the rectangular headlamps were fitted to C123 regardless of engine type.

Limousine (V123)

From August 1976, a long-wheelbase version (3,425 mm (134.8 in)) with seating for seven to eight was produced. The limousine is built on an stretched W123 saloon/sedan chassis with lower side panels from the coupé behind the rear passenger doors. The elongated roof has the same C-pillar form as on the saloon/sedan. The rear passenger doors are custom-designed in rectangular shape and of the same length as the ones on the saloon/sedan. The engine options were 250, 240 D, and 300 D. A few 280 E limousines were built per special order.

Chassis (F123)

The stretched limousine version was offered with complete front body clip (B-pillar forward) and strengthened chassis as the base for ambulances or hearses to be built by the conversion specialists such as Binz and Miesen. F stands for Fahrgestelle (chassis).

Estate (S123)

At the 1977 IAA in Frankfurt, the first-ever factory-built estate, S123, was introduced. The letter T in the model designation stood for Tourismus und Transport (Touring and Transport). Previous estates had been custom-built by the coachbuilders, namely Binz. S123 production began in April 1978 at Mercedes-Benz Bremen factory. All engines except the 2-litre version of M115 were available in the range.

Convertible

While Mercedes-Benz never built its own convertible, they have been built by external companies such as the St. Tropez models by Crayford in the UK, and also by Niko-Michaels in New York, USA. In the city of Hagen, Germany, until 2016 one small family owned firm- Baehr [not be mistaken with Baur, which have for many years built BMW-based cabriolet conversions], have produced cabrio versions of the C123 Coupe models, and also sold kits for cabrio conversions of the same model.[8] [9]

Engine

All engines from W114/W115 are carried over. The single new engine was SOHC 2.5-litre M123 inline six. The 3-litre five-cylinder diesel engine received a proper nomenclature for W123, matching the engine displacement: 300 D instead of 240 D 3.0 on previous W114/W115.

In the autumn 1978, the power output was increased in 240 D from 65 PS (48 kW; 64 hp) to 72 PS (53 kW; 71 hp) and in the 280 E from 177PS to 185 PS. In early 1979, the power output rose from 55 PS (40 kW; 54 hp) to 60 PS (44 kW; 59 hp) for 200 D and from 80 PS (59 kW; 79 hp) to 88 PS (65 kW; 87 hp) for 300 D. 220 D was deleted from the model range for 1980.

In June 1980, the new M102 four-cylinder inline petrol engine replaced the M115. The 2-litre version was available with carburettor only while 2.3-litre version was available with fuel injection only. The carburetted version of 2.8-litre M110 engine in 280 and 280 C was discontinued in 1981, leaving 250 as sole carburetted six-cylinder inline engine.

The world's first turbocharged diesel engine for passenger vehicle, OM617 A was finally introduced in W123 models in September 1979, exclusive to 300 TD TURBODIESEL for European market. The same engine is offered in the North America and Japan in 1981 as 300 D TURBODIESEL, 300 CD TURBODIESEL, and 300 TD TURBODIESEL.[10]

Racing the W123
1977 280E that won 1977 London–Sydney Marathon in MB Museum

One notable achievement was in the 28,200 km (17,500 mi)[11] 1977 London–Sydney Marathon road race, where the 280E won first and second, ahead of the third and fourth place Citroën CX. [12]

Equipment and features

The standard and optional features are extensive along with larger number of engine and gearbox options. The customers could choose cloth, MB-Tex vinyl, velour, or leather material for the upholstery as well as interior wood trim for dashboard and centre console. The paint and interior colour palettes are extensive as well.

The driving dynamic enhancement options for extra cost became more extensive over the time: ABS (from August 1980 onward), self-locking differential gear, five-speed manual gearbox (introduced in 1982 for European market only), Tempomat cruise control system, power steering system (standard from 1982 onward), passenger-side external rear view mirror (standard on S123 model), "Alpine" horn with selectable loudness (popular in Switzerland due to strict noise regulations), retractable steering column (from 1982 onward), and so forth.

The extra cost options for creature comfort includes power windows (with cut-off switch for rear passenger door windows), vacuum-powered central locking system, sunroof (manual and electric), air conditioning system (manual or automatic control), seats with orthopaedic support, electrically heated seats (all seats are individually ordered), pre-heating system (for heating the passenger compartment at pre-selected time when the engine is not running), different assortment of radios with and without cassette players, rear seat head rests, etc. The W123 destined for North American market tend to have more optional features as standard, reflecting the American customer's preference for luxury accessories. For the first time in the executive saloon from Mercedes-Benz, W123 has the option of upgrading to full automatic climate control for extra cost if the customers choose to do so. This option is popular feature in the North American and Japanese markets. The rare option is a column gear selector that could be ordered with automatic gearbox if the customer wishes. The most expensive option was Becker radio telephone, selling for 13,512 Deutsche Mark.

In the estate/station wagon model, a third row rear-facing foldable seat was offered as an extra cost option.

Updates

Mercedes-Benz updated the W123 in incremental steps, calling them series:

  • Series 0.5, November 1975 – July 1976
  • First Series, August 1976 – July 1979
  • Second Series, August 1979 – August 1982
  • Third Series, September 1982 – January 1986

Changes to the second series (from August 1979):

  • smaller steering wheel (10 mm) in a more elegant design
  • modernized toggle switches with smoother edges (hazard lights, windows, etc.)
  • pneumatic headlamp leveling system
  • modified belt buckles and smaller headrests
  • new fabric patterns for the seats
Mercedes-Benz W123 with passenger airbag

Changes to the third series (from September 1982):

  • Rectangular headlights and power steering as standard for entire model range
  • Molded front seat backrests for more knee freedom in the rear
  • Cloth insert in the door panels
  • Zebrano wood paneling in the dashboard
  • Reduced wind noise due to improved roof trim strips
  • Ventilation outlets are no longer chrome-plated
  • Driver's Airbag available as optional equipment

For 1981 model year, the automatic climate control panel from W126 S-Class with simplified icon design was adopted. The new five-speed manual gearbox was introduced in February 1982 and was available in all models except 3-litre turbocharged diesel engine for Europe and elsewhere. This gearbox was only offered to North America via the grey market.

In September 1982, the driver's airbag with seat belt pre-tensioners for the passenger were offered as a 1,762.80 Deutsche Mark option for all models for 1983 model year onward.[13] Very few W123s had both driver and passenger air bags. The passenger air bag used a pyrotechnic gas discharge design, a world's first.

Knockoffs and copies

The W123 was officially produced by FAW in China from 1987 until 1988, as a 200 sedan or as a long wheelbase 230E. Only 828 cars were built in their Changchun plant.[2] Another Chinese company called Bamin Automobile made W123 lookalikes using other parts. Bamin was an army-owned company located in Minhou. Their W123 copy was built on the chassis of the Bamin BM212A/213A, a copy of the Beijing BJ212 and came in a few different bodystyles. There was a four-door pickup called the BM2022A (or the better equipped BM1020KHA) and a wagon derived from it, as well as the BM1020KH/BM6480 (proper station wagons).[14]

Technical data
Petrol Engines
Model Chassis Years Configuration Displ. Fuel Delivery Power Torque Leer
Weight		 0–100 km/h
(0–62 mph)		 Top
Speed		 Fuel
Consumption		 Units
200 123.020 2/76–8/80 M115 V 20
(115.938)
I4		 1988 cc Carburettor 94 PS (69 kW; 93 hp) at 4,800 rpm 158 N⋅m (117 lb⋅ft) at 3,000 rpm 1,340 kg
(2,950 lb)		 15.2 s 160 km/h
(99 mph)		 12.3 L/100 km
(19.1 mpg‑US)		 158,772
123.220 9/80–11/85 M102 V 20
(102.920)
I4		 1997 cc Carburettor 109 PS (80 kW; 108 hp) at 5,200 rpm 170 N⋅m (125 lb⋅ft) at 3,000 rpm 1,350 kg
(2,980 lb)		 14.4 s 168 km/h
(104 mph)		 10.2 L/100 km
(23 mpg‑US)		 217,315
200 T 123.280 11/80–1/86 1,470 kg
(3,240 lb)		 15.3 s 10.4 L/100 km
(23 mpg‑US)		 18,860
230 123.023 2/76–8/80 M115 V 23
(115.954)
I4		 2307 cc Carburettor 109 PS (80 kW; 108 hp) at 4,800 rpm 186 N⋅m (137 lb⋅ft) at 2,500 rpm 1,350 kg
(2,980 lb)		 13.7 s 170 km/h
(106 mph)		 12.2 L/100 km
(19.3 mpg‑US)		 196,185
230 C 123.083 6/77–8/80 1,375 kg
(3,031 lb)		 12.1 L/100 km
(19.4 mpg‑US)		 18,675
230 T 123.043 5/78–4/80 1,470 kg
(3,240 lb)		 12.2 L/100 km
(19.3 mpg‑US)		 6,884
230 E 123.223 7/80–11/85 M102 E 23
(102.980)
I4		 2299 cc Bosch K-Jetronic Fuel Injection 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) at 5,100 rpm 205 N⋅m (151 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm 1,360 kg
(3,000 lb)		 11.5 s 180 km/h
(112 mph)		 10.4 L/100 km
(23 mpg‑US)		 245,876
230 CE 123.243 4/80–11/85 1,380 kg
(3,040 lb)		 29,858
230 TE 123.283 4/80–9/86 1,480 kg
(3,260 lb)		 12.2 s 10.5 L/100 km
(22 mpg‑US)		 42,248
250 123.026 4/76–8/79 M123 V 25
(123.920)
I6		 2525 cc Carburettor 129 PS (95 kW; 127 hp) at 5,500 rpm 196 N⋅m (145 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm 1,410 kg
(3,110 lb)		 11.3 s 185 km/h
(115 mph)		 12.8 L/100 km
(18.4 mpg‑US)		 117,684
9/79–9/81 M123 V 25
(123.921)
I6		 140 PS (100 kW; 140 hp) at 5,500 rpm 200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm
10/81–12/85 11.7 s
250 T 123.086 5/78–8/79 M123 V 25
(123.920)
I6		 129 PS (95 kW; 127 hp) at 5,500 rpm 196 N⋅m (145 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm 1,510 kg
(3,330 lb)		 11.9 s 185 km/h
(115 mph)		 12.8 L/100 km
(18.4 mpg‑US)		 7,704
9/79–9/81 M123 V 25
(123.921)
I6		 140 PS (100 kW; 140 hp) at 5,500 rpm 200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm
10/81–10/82 11.7 s
280 123.030 12/75–7/81 M110 V 28
(110.923)
I6		 2746 cc Carburettor 156 PS (115 kW; 154 hp) at 5,500 rpm 223 N⋅m (164 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm 1,455 kg
(3,208 lb)		 10.6 s 190 km/h
(118 mph)		 13.8 L/100 km
(17.0 mpg‑US)		 33,206
280 C 123.050 4/77–3/80 13.1 L/100 km
(18.0 mpg‑US)		 3,704
280 E 123.033 12/75–3/78 M110 E 28
(110.984)
I6		 Bosch K-Jetronic 177 PS (130 kW; 175 hp) at 6,000 rpm 234 N⋅m (173 lb⋅ft) at 4,500 rpm 1,475 kg
(3,252 lb)		 9.9 s 200 km/h
(124 mph)		 13.3 L/100 km
(17.7 mpg‑US)		 126,004
4/78–9/81 M110 E 28
(110.988)
I6		 185 PS (136 kW; 182 hp) at 5,800 rpm 240 N⋅m (177 lb⋅ft) at 4,500 rpm
10/81–12/85 12 L/100 km
(20 mpg‑US)
280 CE 123.053 4/77–3/78 M110 E 28
(110.984)
I6		 177 PS (130 kW; 175 hp) at 6,000 rpm 234 N⋅m (173 lb⋅ft) at 4,500 rpm 1,475 kg
(3,252 lb)		 9.9 s 200 km/h
(124 mph)		 13.3 L/100 km
(17.7 mpg‑US)		 32,176
4/78–9/81 M110 E 28
(110.988)
I6		 185 PS (136 kW; 182 hp) at 5,800 rpm 240 N⋅m (177 lb⋅ft) at 4,500 rpm
10/81–8/85 12 L/100 km
(20 mpg‑US)
280 TE 123.093 5/78-8/78 M110 E 28
(110.984)
I6		 177 PS (130 kW; 175 hp) at 6,000 rpm 234 N⋅m (173 lb⋅ft) at 4,500 rpm 1,475 kg
(3,252 lb)		 9.9 s 200 km/h
(124 mph)		 13.3 L/100 km
(17.7 mpg‑US)		 19,789
9/78–9/81 M110 E 28
(110.988)
I6		 185 PS (136 kW; 182 hp) at 5,800 rpm 240 N⋅m (177 lb⋅ft) at 4,500 rpm
10/81–1/86 12 L/100 km
(20 mpg‑US)
Diesel Engines
Model Chassis Years Configuration Displ. Fuel Delivery Power Torque Leer
Weight		 0–100 km/h
(0–62 mph)		 Top
Speed		 Fuel
Consumption		 Units
200 D 123.120 2/76–1/79 OM 615 D 20
(615.940)
I4		 1988 cc Fuel Injection
with precombustion chamber		 55 PS (40 kW; 54 hp) at 4,200 rpm 113 N⋅m (83 lb⋅ft) at 2,400 rpm 1,390 kg
(3,060 lb)		 31 s 130 km/h
(81 mph)		 8.9 L/100 km
(26 mpg‑US)		 378,138
2/79–4/85 60 PS (44 kW; 59 hp) at 4,400 rpm 113 N⋅m (83 lb⋅ft) at 2,500 rpm 27.4 s 135 km/h
(84 mph)
220 D 123.126 2/76–3/79 OM 615 D 22
(615.941)
I4		 2197 cc 60 PS (44 kW; 59 hp) at 4,200 rpm 126 N⋅m (93 lb⋅ft) at 2,400 rpm 1,380 kg
(3,040 lb)		 28.1 s 135 km/h
(84 mph)		 9 L/100 km
(26 mpg‑US)		 56.736
240 D 123.123 2/76–7/78 OM 616 D 24
(616.916)
I4		 2404 cc 65 PS (48 kW; 64 hp) at 4,200 rpm 137 N⋅m (101 lb⋅ft) at 2,400 rpm 1,395 kg
(3,075 lb)		 24.6 s 138 km/h
(86 mph)		 9.3 L/100 km
(25 mpg‑US)		 449,780
8/78–9/81 OM 616 D 24
(616.912)
I4		 2399 cc 72 PS (53 kW; 71 hp) at 4,400 rpm 22 s 143 km/h
(89 mph)
10/81–11/85 8.9 L/100 km
(26 mpg‑US)
240 TD 123,183 5/78–8/79 OM 616 D 24
(616.912)
I4		 2404 cc 65 PS (48 kW; 64 hp) at 4,200 rpm 137 N⋅m (101 lb⋅ft) at 2,400 rpm 1,515 kg
(3,340 lb)		 25.8 s 138 km/h
(86 mph)		 9.6 L/100 km
(25 mpg‑US)		 38,903
9/79–1/86 2399 cc 72 PS (53 kW; 71 hp) at 4,400 rpm 23.2 s 143 km/h
(89 mph)		 8.9 L/100 km
(26 mpg‑US)
300 D 123.130 2/76–8/79 OM 617 D 30
(617.912)
I5		 3005 cc 80 PS (59 kW; 79 hp) at 4,000 rpm 172 N⋅m (127 lb⋅ft) at 2,400 rpm 1,450 kg
(3,200 lb)		 19.9 s 148 km/h
(92 mph)		 9.9 L/100 km
(24 mpg‑US)		 324,718
9/79–9/81 2998 cc 88 PS (65 kW; 87 hp) at 4,400 rpm 17.8 s 155 km/h
(96 mph)
10/81–11/85 9.3 L/100 km
(25 mpg‑US)
300 CD 123.150 9/77–8/79 3005 cc 80 PS (59 kW; 79 hp) at 4,000 rpm 172 N⋅m (127 lb⋅ft) at 2,400 rpm 1,450 kg
(3,200 lb)		 20.8 s 143 km/h
(89 mph)		 9.9 L/100 km
(24 mpg‑US)		 7,502
9/79–8/81 2998 cc 88 PS (65 kW; 87 hp) at 4,400 rpm 19.2 s 150 km/h
(93 mph)
300 TD 123.190 5/78–8/79 3005 cc 80 PS (59 kW; 79 hp) at 4,000 rpm 172 N⋅m (127 lb⋅ft) at 2,400 rpm 1,570 kg
(3,460 lb)		 20.9 s 148 km/h
(92 mph)		 9.9 L/100 km
(24 mpg‑US)		 36,874
9/79–9/81 2998 cc 88 PS (65 kW; 87 hp) at 4,400 rpm 18.9 s 155 km/h
(96 mph)
9/81–1/86 9.3 L/100 km
(25 mpg‑US)
300 D TURBODIESEL
(USA only)		 123.133 8/81–9/82 OM 617 D 30 A
(617.952)
I5 turbo		 2998 cc Fuel Injection
with precombustion chamber
and turbocharger		 121 PS (89 kW; 119 hp) at 4,350 rpm 230 N⋅m (170 lb⋅ft) at 2,400 rpm 1,525 kg
(3,362 lb)		 14.0 s 165 km/h
(103 mph)		 9.9 L/100 km
(24 mpg‑US)		 75,261
10/82–8/85 125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp) at 4,350 rpm 250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) at 2,400 rpm 170 km/h
(106 mph)
300 CD TURBODIESEL
(USA only)		 123.153 7/81–9/82 1,625 kg
(3,583 lb)		 14.0 s 165 km/h
(103 mph)		 Un­known 8,007
10/82-8/85 170 km/h
(106 mph)
300 TD TURBODIESEL 123.193 10/80–8/81 1,625 kg
(3,583 lb)		 15.0 s 165 km/h
(103 mph)		 9.9 L/100 km
(24 mpg‑US)		 28,219
9/81–1/86 9.8 L/100 km
(24 mpg‑US)

Technical Data (for North America and Japan specific models)

In these markets, only the following models were offered:[15]

Model Years Engine Power Torque
Petrol Engines
2301977–19782.3 L M115 I493 hp (69 kW) at 4,800125 lb⋅ft (169 N⋅m) at 2,500
280 E1977–19792.8 L M110 fuel injected I6142 hp (106 kW) at 5,750149 lb⋅ft (202 N⋅m) at 4,600
1980–1981140 hp (104 kW) at 5,500145 lb⋅ft (197 N⋅m) at 4,600
280 CE1977–19792.8 L M110 fuel injected I6142 hp (106 kW) at 5,750149 lb⋅ft (202 N⋅m) at 4,600
1980–1981140 hp (104 kW) at 5,500145 lb⋅ft (197 N⋅m) at 4,600
Diesel Engines
240 D1977–19802.4 L OM616 I462 hp (46 kW) at 4,00097 lb⋅ft (132 N⋅m) at 2,400
1981–198567 hp (50 kW) at 4,00097 lb⋅ft (132 N⋅m) at 2,400
300 D1977–19813.0 L OM617.912 I577 hp (57 kW) at 4,000115 lb⋅ft (156 N⋅m) at 2,400
300 CD1978–1981
300 TD1979–1980
300 D TURBODIESEL1981–19853.0 L OM617 A I5 turbo125 hp (93 kW) at 4,350181 lb⋅ft (245 N⋅m) at 2,400
300 CD TURBODIESEL
300 TD TURBODIESEL
Mercedes-Benz W123 sedan (US)
Mercedes-Benz 300 CD TURBODIESEL coupe (US-version)
1977 Mercedes-Benz 230C manual transmission grey market import
1985 Mercedes-Benz 300TD Turbo Diesel estate

For the North American market, C123 (coupé) was available with both petrol (280 CE) and naturally aspirated diesel (300 CD) until 1981. For 1982 model year, 280 CE was dropped, and 300 CD TURBODIESEL was introduced as a sole engine offering for coupé model.

The estate/station wagon was available with a 3-litre five-cylinder inline OM617 diesel engine only. The naturally aspirated 300 TD was sold for two years (1979-1980) until the turbocharged 300 TD TURBODIESEL replaced it from autumn 1980 because consumers found the 300 TD to be too heavy and too slow with the less powerful engine.[16] 300 TD TURBODIESEL preceded 300 D TURBODIESEL and 300 CD TURBODIESEL by a few months.

The petrol engines (230, 280 E, and 280 CE) were offered from 1976 to 1980 model years. From 1981 until 1985, W123 models were sold only with diesel engines to comply with the federal regulation on corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) without paying heavy penalties.[17] The American consumers also preferred the diesel engines for lower fuel consumption after two oil crises and fuel shock of 1973 and 1979.

Four-speed manual gearboxes were offered with four-cylinder inline engines (2.3-litre M115 petrol and 2.4-litre OM616 Diesel) only. The new 5-speed manual gearboxes were never offered by Mercedes-Benz itself on the North American market.

The North American version of W123 differs from European version due to the US Department of Transportation automotive regulations along with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) automotive emission control regulations. Autoweek writes "the visual changes were on the mild side" compared to U.S. Models of the Mercedes-Benz R107 and Mercedes-Benz W116, which have been described by journalists as if a "beautiful car was beaten with the malaise ugly stick." [4][18]

Notable exterior differences included

  • Larger and stronger bumpers that resist collision damage up to 5 mph
  • Round sealed beam headlamp capsules and fog lamps; the large glass covers partially the housing. The fog lamps had clear lens until 1980 model year when they were tinted yellow
  • Amber-coloured retroreflective markers on the front turn signal indicators which double as night illumination
  • Red-coloured retroreflective markers at side edge of taillamps
  • Location of ID-tag on A-pillar
  • Emission control device for petrol engines only
  • Radio with different frequency steps when tuning to different radio stations
  • 85 mph maximum speedometer with 55 mph prominently marked
  • Tinted glass band across the top of front windscreen
  • If passenger side external rear view mirror is included, the mirror must carry the warning: "Vehicles are closer than they appear"

References

Notes

  1. Oswald, Werner (2001). Deutsche Autos 1945–1990, vol.3. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. p. 99. ISBN 3-613-02131-5.
  2. de Feijter, Tycho (8 May 2010). "FAW based Mercedes 200 in China". Car News China. Archived from the original on 20 February 2016.
  3. Hutton, Ray, ed. (16 September 1978). "Autotest: Mercedes-Benz 200". Autocar. 149 (4271): 26–31.
  4. JAY RAMEY (1 February 2016). "Mercedes W123 hits the big 4-0 The grandfather of the E-Class is still a daily driver all around the world". Autoweek.
  5. Richarz, Hans-Robert (1 September 1976). "Sterntaler: Mercedes-Wagen zu Schwarzmarktpreisen" [Top Dollars: Mercedes cars at black market prices]. Auto, Motor und Sport (in German) (18): 8–9.
  6. 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.
  7. Perlas, Giancarlo (28 January 2016). "Mercedes-Benz W123 Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary". BenzInsider. Retrieved 29 January 2016.
  8. <https://www.mercedes-fans.de/magazin/classic/wertanlage-mercedes-benz-230-ce-cabriolet-einmal-offen-immer-offen-gut-erhaltener-w123-baehr-cabrio-umbau.10477
  9. "Mercedes W123 – som cabriolet!". Klassiker. Retrieved 24 July 2019.
  10. "Preisliste W123 Nummer 28 ab 1 September 1979".
  11. "The World's 10 Longest Auto Races". 6 February 2012. Retrieved 15 May 2017.
  12. eWRC-results.com. "Singapore Airlines London-Sydney Marathon 1977 - results eWRC-results.com". eWRC-results.com. Retrieved 15 May 2017.
  13. "W123 Preisliste Nr. 36 gültig ab 01.09.1982 (W123 Price List Number 36 in effect from 1 September 1982" (in German).
  14. de Feijter, Tycho (12 October 2012). "China Car History: the Benz-like vehicles of Bamin Automobile". Car News China. Archived from the original on 11 June 2019.
  15. Mike Covello: Standard Catalog of Imported Cars 1946–2002. Krause Publications, Iola 2002, ISBN 0-87341-605-8, p. 539-43.
  16. Hogg, Tony (ed.). "1981 Buyer's Guide". Road & Track's Road Test Annual & Buyer's Guide 1981 (January–February 1981): 107.
  17. "Four Sports Coupes", Road & Track's Road Test Annual & Buyer's Guide 1979, Greenwich, CT: CBS Publications, pp. 161–162, January–February 1979
  18. Tyler Hoover (9 February 2017). "A Tale of Two Mercedes: When the Grey Market Made U.S.-Spec Cars Compete With Euro Models". Autotrader.

Bibliography

  • Buckley, Martin; Cosovich, Mark (2014). Mercedes-Benz W123: the Finest Saloon Car of the 20th Century?. Independent Publishing Network. ISBN 9781782803720.
  • Parish, Julian (2018). Mercedes-Benz W123: All models 1976 to 1986. Essential Buyer's Guide series. Dorchester, Dorset, UK: Veloce Publishing. ISBN 9781845849269.
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