Engineering:Mercedes-Benz W123

Short description: Executive car produced from November 1975 to January 1986

Mercedes-Benz W123
1982 Mercedes-Benz 280E (W123)
Overview
Manufacturer	Daimler-Benz
Production	1976–1986 2,696,915 built 4-door: 2,375,410 Coupé: 99,884 Estate: 199,517 Limousine: 13,700 Chassis: 1,353 LWB chassis: 7,020
Assembly	West Germany: Sindelfingen West Germany: Stuttgart West Germany: Bremen South Africa: East London (sedan only) China: Changchun (FAW, 1987–1988) Thailand: Samut Prakarn (Thonburi) (TAAP; 1979-1986)
Designer	Bruno Sacco, Friedrich Geiger (Saloon & coupe: 1973, T-Model: 1975)
Body and chassis
Class	Executive car (E)
Body style	4-door saloon (W123) 2-door coupé (C123) 5-door estate (S123) 4-door limousine (V123)
Layout	FR layout
Related	Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Powertrain
Engine	petrol: 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 2.7 L M110 I6 diesel: 2.0 L OM615 D20 I4 2.2 L OM615 D22 I4 2.4 L OM616 I4 3.0 L OM617 I5 3.0 L OM617 A turbo I5
Transmission	4-speed 722.1 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) 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)
Height	Saloon: 1,435 mm (56.5 in)
|uk|Kerb|Curb}} weight	Saloon: 1,625 kg (3,582.5 lb) (turbodiesel, automatic)
Chronology
Predecessor	Mercedes-Benz W114
Successor	Mercedes-Benz W124

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, as the most successful Mercedes, selling 2.7 million units before production ended in the autumn of 1985 for the saloon/sedan versions and January 1986 for coupés and estates/station wagons.

Following a slow production build-up during the first year, 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.

Like its predecessors, the W123 gained the reputation of being well built and reliable. Many taxi companies chose the W123, and they were a common sight in Germany. Reaching 500,000 or 1,000,000 km with only minor mechanical issues was common with W123s used as taxicabs. Once the W123 reached the end of its service life, they were often shipped to Africa and third world countries where they were highly esteemed for their ability to travel on rough roads and to not require frequent maintenance.

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

Design

The 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, front turn signal indicators on the outer edge, and pull-to-open door handles. The interior is revised with a larger instrument panel, central round ventilation outlets, HVAC (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning) control panel and a 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 the left and right for individual temperature control and the centre dial for fan speed control. Air flow is controlled by two sliders (left for upper zone and right for lower zone). If the optional air conditioning unit was ordered, a temperature roll dial was fitted to the row of control switches. The automatic HVAC control panel is simplified with a 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 buttons on the right for controlling the fan speed and switching automatic control on and off.

All models except the 280, 280E, and coupé feature larger round headlamps with smaller round fog lamps with large glass plate covering the entire headlamp housing and acting as a diffusing lens. This setup is the same for North American models with the sealed beam units and glass plate partially covering the headlamp housing. The 280, 280E, 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, an emblem that reads "TURBO DIESEL" 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

Saloon (W123)

The four-door version went on sale on 29 January 1976.

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 230C (later 230CE) and as 280C and 280CE in most markets. Unlike the W123 saloon, the rectangular headlamps were fitted to the 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 was built on a 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 were custom-designed in rectangular shape and of the same length as the ones on the saloon/sedan. The engine options were 250, 240D, and 300D. A few 280E limousines were built as special orders.

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 brand's 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 the M115 (petrol) and OM615 (diesel) were available in the range. When the M115 was replaced with the new M102 engine, a petrol-engined 200T also joined the range.

Convertible

While Mercedes-Benz never built its own convertible, they have been built by external companies such as Crayford in the UK, who built the St. Tropez models, and also by Niko-Michaels in New York, USA. In the city of Hagen, Germany, until 2016 one small family owned firm- Baehr, have produced cabrio versions of the C123 Coupe models, and also sold kits for cabrio conversions of the same model.

• 

  Mercedes-Benz 240D (W123) saloon (Euro-spec)

• 

  Mercedes-Benz 240D (W123) saloon rear

• 

  Mercedes-Benz 280TE (estate)

• 

  1977 Mercedes-Benz 230C

• 

  1983 Mercedes-Benz 280CE

• 

  Mercedes-Benz V123 "Lang" or Long Wheelbase

Engine

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

In the autumn of 1978, the power output of the 240D was increased from 65 PS (48 kW; 64 hp) to 72 PS (53 kW; 71 hp) and of the 280E 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 the 200D and from 80 PS (59 kW; 79 hp) to 88 PS (65 kW; 87 hp) for the 300D. The 220D was discontinued after 1979.

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

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

The engines in the W123 were mounted with small shock absorbers in addition to industry standard motor mounts to reduce felt vibration and a provide a smoother ride. These designs were carried over from previous chassis models like the W114/W115.

Road Race

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

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

North American sales

For the North American market, the C123 (coupé) was available with both petrol (280CE) and naturally aspirated diesel (300CD) until 1981. For the 1982 model year, the 280CE was dropped, and the 300CD 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 300TD was sold for two years (1979-1980) until the turbocharged 300TD Turbodiesel replaced it from autumn 1980 because consumers found the 300TD to be too heavy and too slow with the less powerful engine. 300TD Turbodiesel preceded 300D Turbodiesel and 300CD Turbodiesel by a few months.

The petrol engines (230, 280E, and 280CE) 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. 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."

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"

• 

  Mercedes-Benz W123 sedan (US)

• 

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

• 

  1985 Mercedes-Benz 300TD Turbo Diesel estate

Equipment and features

The standard and optional features are numerous along with a large number of engine and gearbox options. Customers could choose cloth, MB-Tex vinyl, velour or leather 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 markets 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 comforts include power windows (with a cut-off switch for the 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 were individually ordered), pre-heating system (for heating the passenger compartment at a pre-selected time when the engine is not running), an assortment of different radios with and without cassette players, rear seat head rests, etc. The W123s destined for the North American market tended to have more features as standard, reflecting the American customer's preference for luxury accessories. For the first time in an executive saloon from Mercedes-Benz, the W123 had the option of fully automatic climate control at extra cost. This option was popular in the North American and Japanese markets. A rare option was a column gear selector that could be ordered with an automatic gearbox if the customer wished. The most expensive option was the 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

1977 Mercedes-Benz 230 interior

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 the 1981 model year, the automatic climate control panel from the W126 S-Class with a simplified icon design was adopted. A new five-speed manual gearbox was introduced in February 1982 and was available in all models except those with the 3-litre turbocharged diesel engine but not in North America. 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 from the 1983 model year onward. Very few W123s had both driver and passenger air bags. The passenger air bag used a pyrotechnic gas discharge design, a world's first.

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. Another Chinese company called Bamin Automobile made W123 lookalikes using other parts. Bamin was a People's Liberation 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). The Chinese copies used the 2.4-litre BJ492 pushrod inline-four engine from the BJ212.

Technical data

Rest of World

Petrol Engines

Model	Chassis	Years	Configuration	Displ.	Fuel Delivery	Power	Torque	Empty 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
200T	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
230C	123.083	6/77–8/80						1,375 kg (3,031 lb)			12.1 L/100 km (19.4 mpg‑US)	18,675
230T	123.043	5/78–4/80						1,470 kg (3,240 lb)			12.2 L/100 km (19.3 mpg‑US)	6,884
230E	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
230CE	123.243	4/80–11/85						1,380 kg (3,040 lb)				29,858
230TE	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
250T	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
280C	123.050	4/77–3/80									13.1 L/100 km (18.0 mpg‑US)	3,704
280E	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)
280CE	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)
280TE	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	Empty Weight	0–100 km/h (0–62 mph)	Top Speed	Fuel Consumption	Units
200D	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)
220D	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
240D	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)
240TD	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)
300D	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)
300CD	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)
300TD	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)
300D 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)
300CD 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)
300TD 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)

North America and Japan

In these markets, only the following models were offered:

Model	Years	Engine	Power	Torque
Petrol Engines
230	1977–1978	2.3 L M115 I4	93 hp (69 kW) at 4,800	125 lb⋅ft (169 N⋅m) at 2,500
280E	1977–1979	2.8 L M110 fuel injected I6	142 hp (106 kW) at 5,750	149 lb⋅ft (202 N⋅m) at 4,600
	1980–1981		140 hp (104 kW) at 5,500	145 lb⋅ft (197 N⋅m) at 4,600
280CE	1977–1979	2.8 L M110 fuel injected I6	142 hp (106 kW) at 5,750	149 lb⋅ft (202 N⋅m) at 4,600
	1980–1981		140 hp (104 kW) at 5,500	145 lb⋅ft (197 N⋅m) at 4,600
Diesel Engines
240D	1977–1980	2.4 L OM616 I4	62 hp (46 kW) at 4,000	97 lb⋅ft (132 N⋅m) at 2,400
	1981–1985		67 hp (50 kW) at 4,000	97 lb⋅ft (132 N⋅m) at 2,400
300D	1977–1981	3.0 L OM617.912 I5	77 hp (57 kW) at 4,000	115 lb⋅ft (156 N⋅m) at 2,400
300CD	1978–1981
300TD	1979–1980
300D Turbodiesel	1981–1985	3.0 L OM617 A I5 turbo	123 hp (92 kW) at 4,350	181 lb⋅ft (245 N⋅m) at 2,400
300CD Turbodiesel
300TD Turbodiesel

References

Bibliography

General

• Buckley, Martin; Cosovich, Mark (2014). Mercedes-Benz W123: the Finest Saloon Car of the 20th Century?. Independent Publishing Network. ISBN 9781782803720. 
• Döhmann, Lars (2021) (in de). Mercedes-Benz W 123. Bewegte Zeiten series. Bielefeld, Germany: Delius Klasing. ISBN 9783667119650. 
• Kaak, Ulf (2013) (in de). Mercedes W 123: Typengeschichte und Technik. München: GeraMond. ISBN 9783862457038. 
• Knaack, Ulrich (2006) (in de). Mercedes-Benz W 123: 1975–1985. Schrader-Typen-Chronik series. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 978-3613025585. 
• Long, Brian (2015). Mercedes-Benz W123-series: 1976-1986. Dorchester, Dorset, UK: Veloce Publishing. ISBN 9781845847920. 
• Parish, Julian (2018). Mercedes-Benz W123: All models 1976 to 1986. The Essential Buyer's Guide series. Dorchester, Dorset, UK: Veloce Publishing. ISBN 9781845849269. 
• Rohde, Michael; Sirup, Jens-Peter (2004) (in de). Mercedes-Benz W 123. Königswinter: Heel Verlag. ISBN 389880254X. 
• Storz, Alexander F. (2017) (in de). Mercedes-Benz W 123. Schrader-Typen-Chronik series. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 9783613039575. 
•           (2021) (in de). Mercedes-Benz W 123 Das meistgebaute Modell 1975–1986. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 9783613043701. 
•        (2019). Mercedes-Benz W123: The Complete Story. Crowood AutoClassic Series. Ramsbury, Marlborough, UK: The Crowood Press. ISBN 9781785006050. 

Workshop manuals

• Berghoff, Mischa (2021) (in de). Mercedes W 123: Profitipps für Pflege und Werterhaltung. Youngtimer-Pflege series. Königswinter, Germany: Heel Verlag. ISBN 9783898806381. 
• Etzold, Rüdiger (1994) (in de). Mercedes: 200/230/230 E/250/280/280 E – Typ W123 von 1/76 bis 12/84. So wird's gemacht, Band 56 (6th ed.). Bielefield, Germany: Delius Klasing. ISBN 3768805581. 
•         (1994) (in de). Mercedes Diesel: 200 D / 220 D / 240 D / 300 D von 1/76 bis 12/84. So wird's gemacht, Band 57 (6th ed.). Bielefield, Germany: Delius Klasing. ISBN 376880559X. 
• Korp, Dieter (1987) (in de). Mercedes-Benz: 200 D / 220 D / 240 D / 300 D / 300 TD 1976 bis 1984. Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst series, Band 70. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 3879435758. 
•        (1986) (in de). Mercedes-Benz: 200 / 230 /250 ab 1976. Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst series, Band 72. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 387943607X. 
•        (c. 1986) (in de). Mercedes-Benz: 200/230 E ab Juli '80 bis Dez. '84. Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst series, Band 84. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 3879438633. 
• Reetz, Nikolai (2020) (in de). Perfekte Klassikerpflege Mercedes-Benz W 123. Königswinter: Heel Verlag. ISBN 9783966641449. 
• Russek, Peter (1987). Mercedes-Benz W123 Series 200, 230E, 230CE, 230TE 2.0 and 2.3 Litre From 1980. Pocket Mechanic Vehicle Manual. Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, UK: Peter Russek Publications. ISBN 0907779611. 
• Warren, Larry; Haynes, John H. (1987). Mercedes-Benz Diesel 123 1976 thru 1985 Owner's Workshop Manual: 4 & 5 cyl 200D 220D 240D 240TD 300D 300CD 300TD. Haynes Service and Repair Manual Series. Sparkford, UK; Newbury Park, Calif., USA: Haynes Publishing. ISBN 0856966975. 
• Mercedes Benz 250 & 280 Owner's Workshop Manual: October 1976 to 1984 All models 2525 cc 2746 cc. Haynes Service and Repair Manual Series. Sparkford, UK: Haynes Publishing. 2014. ISBN 9780857337399. 
• (in de) Mercedes-Diesel 200 / 220 / 240 / 300 ab 1976 bis 1978. Reparaturanleitung series, Band 290, 291.. Zug, Switzerland: Verlag Bucheli. 2012. ISBN 9783716813690. 
• (in de) Mercedes-Benz Serie 123 200 / 230 / 250 / 280 / 280E ab 1976 bis Mai 1980. Reparaturanleitung series, Band 309.. Zug, Switzerland: Verlag Bucheli. 2013. ISBN 9783716813904. 
• (in de) Mercedes Serie 123 200 / 230E / 230CE / 230TE ab Juni 1980. Reparaturanleitung series, Band 788.. Zug, Switzerland: Verlag Bucheli. 1988. ISBN 3716816701. 
• (in de) Mercedes 250 / 250T / 280E / 280TE / 280CE 1982–1984. Reparaturanleitung series, Band 853, 854.. Zug, Switzerland: Verlag Bucheli. 1985. ISBN 3716817139. 
• (in de) Mercedes-Diesel 200D / 240D / 300D und Turbodiesel Serie 123 ab 1979. Reparaturanleitung series, Band 875, 876, 877.. Zug, Switzerland: Verlag Bucheli. 1987. ISBN 3716817244. 
• (in de) Mercedes Diesel Serie 123 1976 bis 1978 200D / 220D / 240D / 300D. Reparaturanleitung series, Band 994, 995.. Zug, Switzerland: Verlag Bucheli. 1990. ISBN 371681783X. 
• (in de) Mercedes Diesel Serie 123 ab September 1979 200D / 240D / 240TD / 300D / 300TD /300 Turbodiesel. Reparaturanleitung series, Band 1018.. Zug, Switzerland: Verlag Bucheli. 1990. ISBN 3716817945. 
• Mercedes W123 Owners Workshop Manual: 1976–1986 – 200, 230, 230 E, 250, 280, 280E. Bryanston, South Africa: Technibooks (distributed by Brooklands Books, UK, and Motorbooks, USA). 1993. ISBN 0620164433. 

External links

• W123 buyer's guide – Classics World (UK)
• W123 production figures
• W123 production information, technical data, and media of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Digital Archive
• W123 specifications and prices