Mercedes-Benz W123

Mercedes-Benz W123
1980 Mercedes-Benz 300D (W123)
Overview
Manufacturer	Mercedes-Benz
Production	1976–1985 2,696,915 built[1] 4-door: 2,397,514 Coupé: 99,884 Estate: 199,517
Assembly	Sindelfingen, West Germany Stuttgart, West Germany Bremen, West Germany East London, South Africa (Sedan Only) Changchun, China (FAW Automotive, CKD)
Designer	Bruno Sacco, Friedrich Geiger (Saloon & coupe: 1973, T-Modell: 1975)
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size luxury / Executive car (E)
Body style	4-door saloon 2-door coupé (C123) 5-door estate (S123) 4-door limousine (V123)
Layout	FR layout
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L M115 V20 I4 2.0 L M102 V20 I4 2.3 L M115 V23 I4 2.3 L M102 E23 I4 2.5 L M123 I6 2.8 L M110 I6 2.0 L OM615 D20 diesel I4 2.2 L OM615 D22 diesel I4 2.4 L OM616 diesel I4 3.0 L OM617 diesel I5 3.0 L OM617 A td I5
Transmission	3-speed automatic 4-speed 4G-TRONIC automatic 4-speed manual 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Saloon: 2,795 mm (110.0 in) Coupé: 2,710 mm (106.7 in) Limousine/ambulance/hearse: 3,425 mm (134.8 in)
Length	4,725 mm (186.0 in)[2] 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)
Width	Saloon: 1,784 mm (70.2 in)[2]
Height	Saloon: 1,435 mm (56.5 in)[2]
Curb weight	Saloon: 1,625 kg (3,582.5 lb) (turbodiesel, automatic)
Chronology
Predecessor	Mercedes-Benz W115
Successor	Mercedes-Benz W124

The Mercedes W123 is a range of executive cars produced by German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz between 1976 and 1985.

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

Naming

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

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

The long-wheelbase model was simply called "Lang" (long)

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

As for the chassis codes, W123 is the regular sedan, S123 the estate, C123 the coupé, V123 the Lang, and F123 for the bare chassis as used for ambulances and other conversions.

Model history

Mercedes-Benz 280CE (C123) (Euro-spec)

Mercedes-Benz W123 saloon (Euro-spec)

Mercedes-Benz W123 sedan (US)

Mercedes-Benz 280TE estate

Mercedes-Benz 300CD Turbodiesel coupe (US-version)

Mercedes Benz V123 "Lang" or Long Wheelbase (Euro-spec)

Mercedes-Benz introduced the W123 four-door versions on 29 January 1976.^[3][4] 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 W114 / 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 2,525 cc inline-six (Type M123, a short-stroke version of the 2.8 litre six Type M110) that replaced the old 2,496 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.^[5] Customers willing to order new cars from their local authorized dealer for the recommended list price faced waiting times in excess of twelve months. Meanwhile, models that were barely used and were available almost immediately commanded a premium over the new price of around DM 5,000.^[5]

From August 1976, 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. It was the first factory-built Mercedes-Benz estate, previous estates had been custom-built by external coachbuilders, such as Binz.

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 four-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 five-speed manual transmission was available in all models (except the automatic-only 300 turbodiesel).

W123 production ended in January, 1986 with 63 final 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).

The W123 introduced innovations including ABS (optional from August, 1980), a retractable steering column and an airbag for the driver (optional from 1982). Power (vacuum servo) assisted disc brakes were standard on all W123s. 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).

Models (except North America and Japan)

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

North America and Japan

In these markets the following models were offered:^[6]

Model	Years	Engine	Power	Torque
230	MY 1977–1978	M115	93.0 hp (69 kW) @ 4800	125 lb·ft (169 N·m) @ 2500 (USA-Canada only )
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 (USA-Canada only)
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 (USA-Canada only)
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 (USA-Canada only)
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 (USA-Canada)
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 (USA-Canada only)
300TD	MY 1979–1980	OM617.912	77 hp (57 kW) @ 4000	115 lb·ft (156 N·m) @ 2400 (USA-Canada only)
300D Turbo	MY 1981–1985	OM617.952	125 hp (93 kW) @ 4350	181 lb·ft (245 N·m) @ 2400 (USA-Canada, Japan only)
300CD Turbo	MY 1981–1985	OM617.952	125 hp (93 kW) @ 4350	181 lb·ft (245 N·m) @ 2400 (USA-Canada only)
300TD Turbo	MY 1981–1985	OM617.952	125 hp (93 kW) @ 4350	181 lb·ft (245 N·m) @ 2400 (USA-Canada only)

The naturally aspirated 300TD wagon only had a brief career in North America, being replaced by a turbocharged model for the 1981 model year. Most American buyers had found the heavy wagon much too slow with the less powerful engine.^[7] The turbodiesel engine also appeared in the sedan and coupé models in America, but only a few months behind the wagon. Manual transmissions were generally only available to North American buyers in the four-cylinder models, and a five-speed was never available. From 1982 until the W123's replacement in late 1985, only diesels were sold in North America. The federalized 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

In popular culture

• A beige sedan based on the W123 line is the vehicle of choice for Porky Pig in The Looney Tunes Show.
• The Admiral, a fictional vehicle in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Vice City Stories, and San Andreas is based on the W123, with supporting character Ken Rosenberg owning a white one.
• James May also drove one in the Top Gear Botswana Special.
• In the BBC sitcom Citizen Khan, the title character drives a yellow 1985 W123.
• Indonesian Name for W123 is "Mercedes benz TIGER / Mercy TIGER"
• A heavily modified W123 Lang is driven by the People Eater in Mad Max: Fury Road.
• At least one appears in the TV thriller "The Night Manager" during the scenes in Egypt
• John Malkovich's character in "Burn After Reading" drives a yellow 240D that he steals from his wife.
• Actor Jack Reynor (the older brother of the main character) had driven a gold 300D European Model Wagon in Sing Street

References

Notes

1. Oswald, Werner (2001). Deutsche Autos 1945–1990, vol.3. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. p. 99. ISBN 3-613-02131-5.
2. Hutton, Ray, ed. (16 September 1978). "Autotest: Mercedes-Benz 200". Autocar. 149 (4271): 26–31.
3. 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.
4. Perlas, Giancarlo (January 28, 2016). "Mercedes-Benz W123 Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary". BenzInsider. Retrieved 29 January 2016.
5. Richarz, Hans-Robert (1976-09-01). "Sterntaler: Mercedes-Wagen zu Schwarzmarktpreisen" [Star dollars: Mercedes cars at black market prices]. Auto, Motor und Sport (in German) (18): 8–9.
6. Mike Covello: Standard Catalog of Imported Cars 1946–2002. Krause Publications, Iola 2002, ISBN 0-87341-605-8, p. 539-43.
7. Hogg, Tony (ed.). "1981 Buyer's Guide". Road & Track's Road Test Annual & Buyer's Guide 1981 (January-February 1981): 107.

Bibliography

• Buckley, Martin; Cosovich, Mark (2014). Mercedes-Benz W123: the Finest Saloon Car of the 20th Century?. Independent Publishing Network. ISBN 9781782803720.

External links

• W123 production figures
• W123 specifications and prices
• W123 Club España