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.[4]
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.[5]
Like its predecessors, the W123 gained the reputation of being well built and reliable.[6] Many taxi companies chose the W123, and they were a common sight in Germany.[7] Reaching 500,000 or 1,000,000km with only minor mechanical issues was common with W123s used as taxicabs.[8][9] 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.[10]
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 W123 had a "slight wedge shape" from the side aspect, according to chief engineer Hans Scherenberg.
Friedrich Geiger was head of the styling department at the time the W123 design was finalized in 1973. Design goals according to chief engineer Hans Scherenberg included creating a "balanced, dynamic, non-aggressive form – one that lends these vehicles a special character – by emphasizing horizontal lines both at the front and rear, suggesting a slight wedge shape from the side aspect, reducing the use of chrome trim and, in the truest sense of the term, introducing rounded lines,” Scherenberg said. “We are as unimpressed by revolutionary leaps of style as by fashionable gimmicks.”[12]
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.
Initially, all models except the 280, 280E, and coupé featured 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. From 1983 onward, all models except for the aforementioned North American models featured the rectangular headlamps. 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.[13][14]
Coupé (C123)
In the spring of 1977, a coupé version was introduced on a shortened wheelbase (2,710mm (106.7in) versus 2,795mm (110.0in) for the saloon).[13] 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 (3,425mm (134.8in)) with seating for seven to eight was produced.[13] The limousine was built on a stretched W123 saloon/sedan chassis with additional lower side panels 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.[13] 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.[15][16]
All engines from the W114/W115 were carried over. The single new engine was the SOHC 2.5-litre M123inline 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 65PS (48kW; 64hp) to 72PS (53kW; 71hp) and of the 280E from 177PS to 185 PS. In early 1979, the power output rose from 55PS (40kW; 54hp) to 60PS (44kW; 59hp) for the 200D and from 80PS (59kW; 79hp) to 88PS (65kW; 87hp) for the 300D. The 220D was discontinued after 1979.[13]
In June 1980, the new M102four-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.[13]
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.[13][17]
Some 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.
One notable achievement was in the 28,200km (17,500mi)[18] 1977 London–Sydney Marathon rally, where the 280E won first and second, ahead of the third and fourth place Citroën CX.[19]
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.[20] 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.[21] The American consumers also preferred the diesel engines for lower fuel consumption after two oil crises and fuel shock of 1973 and 1979.[citation needed]
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][22]
Notable exterior differences included
Larger and stronger bumpers that resist collision damage up to 5mph
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
85mph maximum speedometer with 55mph 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.
Critical appraisal
Contemporary reception to the W123 by the motoring press was generally positive. The car was praised for its technical sophistication, safety innovation, and performance as well as its thorough engineering and high build quality. Downsides were typically limited to complaints about the car's high price or the relative austerity of its equipment (manually adjustable seats, for example) compared with contemporary American vehicles at the time.
The W123 won Motortrend's Import Car of the Year in 1977, with the authors noting that the car was selected based on its overall balance of attributes, rather than dominance in any one specific area. Reviewers noted the accurate steering and "a beautiful balance between comfort and control" in the test vehicle, a US-specification 280E. Also noted was the seamless integration of safety features such as a diagonally-bending steering column and 25% larger mirrors compared with the previous model. Although the price of $16,000 was "a fair amount in most people's minds," the car was said to represent good value for money in its segment.
A March 1977 Car and Driver review described the 142 hp engine powering its test car as delivering "solid by not stupefying performance." Poise at higher speeds was noted, with performance described as "quiet, stable, comfortable, and efficient in a fashion that most car owners simply cannot comprehend," though substantial body roll was noted. Writing in the same article, automotive journalist David E. Davis Jr. noted that "The Mercedes almost seems to dramatize the fact that it is a machine--a pleasant, comfort machine, but a machine nonetheless--not a boudoir, not some mobile extension of your living room, but a mechanical device." A counterpoint segment complained of the car's relatively high cabin noise, but admired "Mercedes-Benz for having the courage of its convictions," in designing a car that is "purposeful, solidly built, and direct in its responses."
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 (10mm) in a more elegant design
modernized toggle switches with smoother edges (hazard lights, windows, etc.)
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.[23] Very few W123s had both driver and passenger air bags. The passenger air bag used a pyrotechnic gas discharge design, a world's first.[24]
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 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).[25] The Chinese copies used the 2.4-litre BJ492 pushrod inline-four engine from the BJ212.
↑ 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.
↑ Mike Covello: Standard Catalog of Imported Cars 1946–2002. Krause Publications, Iola 2002, ISBN0-87341-605-8, p. 539-43.
Bibliography
General
Barrett, Frank (1998). Illustrated Buyer's Guide Mercedes-Benz. Motorbooks International Illustrated Buyer's Guide series (2nded.). Osceola, WI, USA: MBI Publishing. ISBN0-7603-0451-3.
Buckley, Martin; Cosovich, Mark (2014). Mercedes-Benz W123: the Finest Saloon Car of the 20th Century?. Independent Publishing Network. ISBN9781782803720.
Döhmann, Lars (2021). Mercedes-Benz W 123. Bewegte Zeiten series (in German). Bielefeld, Germany: Delius Klasing. ISBN9783667119650.
Hofner, Heribert; Schrader, Halwart (2005). Mercedes-Benz Automobile[Mercedes-Benz Automobiles] (in German). Vol.Band 2: von 1964 bis heute [Volume 2: from 1964 to today]. Königswinter, Germany: Heel Verlag. ISBN3898804194.
——————— (2010). Mercedes-Benz Typenkunde[Mercedes-Benz Type Study] (in German). Vol.Band 1. Die Modelle der Mittelklasse von 1947 bis 1986, 170 V bis Baureihe 123 [Volume 1. The mid-range models from 1947 to 1986, 170 V to 123 series]. Bielefeld, Germany: Delius Klasing. ISBN9783768832250.
Kaak, Ulf (2013). Mercedes W 123: Typengeschichte und Technik[Mercedes W 123: Type History and Technology] (in German). München: GeraMond. ISBN9783862457038.
Kittler, Eberhard (2002). Mercedes-Benz. Typenkompass series (in German). Vol.Band 2. Personenwagen seit 1976 [Volume 2. Passenger Cars since 1976]. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN3-613-02209-5.
Knaack, Ulrich (2006). Mercedes-Benz W 123: 1975–1985. Schrader-Typen-Chronik series (in German). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN978-3613025585.
Larimer, Fred (2004). Mercedes-Benz Buyer's Guide: Roadsters, Coupes, and Convertibles. St. Paul, MN, USA: MBI Publishing. ISBN0760318115.
Meredith, Laurence (2003). Mercedes-Benz Saloons: The Classic Models of the 1960s and 1970s. Crowood AutoClassic Series. Ramsbury, Marlborough, UK: The Crowood Press. ISBN1861265182.
Niemann, Harry (2006). Personenwagen von Mercedes-Benz: Automobillegenden und Geschichten seit 1886[Passenger Cars from Mercedes-Benz: Automobile Legends and Stories since 1886] (in German). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN3613025965.
Nitske, W. Robert (1995). Mercedes-Benz Production Models Book 1946-1995 (4thed.). Osceola, WI, USA: MBI Publishing. ISBN0-7603-0245-6.
Oswald, Werner[in German] (2001). Deutsche Autos[German Cars] (in German). Vol.Band [Volume] 4: 1945–1990 Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche und andere [and others]. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN3613021315.
Storz, Alexander F. (2017). Mercedes-Benz W 123. Schrader-Typen-Chronik series (in German). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN9783613039575.
————————— (2021). Mercedes-Benz W 123 Das meistgebaute Modell 1975–1986 (in German). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN9783613043701.
Taylor, James (1986). Mercedes-Benz since 1945: A Collector's Guide. Vol.3: The 1970s. Croydon, UK: Motor Racing Publications. ISBN0-900549-97-1.
—————— (2019). Mercedes-Benz W123: The Complete Story. Crowood AutoClassic Series. Ramsbury, Marlborough, UK: The Crowood Press. ISBN9781785006050.
Workshop manuals
Berghoff, Mischa (2021). Mercedes W 123: Profitipps für Pflege und Werterhaltung[Mercedes W 123: Professional tips for care and value retention]. Youngtimer-Pflege series (in German). Königswinter, Germany: Heel Verlag. ISBN9783898806381.
Etzold, Rüdiger (1994). Mercedes: 200/230/230 E/250/280/280 E – Typ W123 von 1/76 bis 12/84. So wird's gemacht, Band 56 (in German) (6thed.). Bielefield, Germany: Delius Klasing. ISBN3768805581.
——————— (1994). Mercedes Diesel: 200 D / 220 D / 240 D / 300 D von 1/76 bis 12/84. So wird's gemacht, Band 57 (in German) (6thed.). Bielefield, Germany: Delius Klasing. ISBN376880559X.
Korp, Dieter (1987). Mercedes-Benz: 200 D / 220 D / 240 D / 300 D / 300 TD 1976 bis 1984. Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst series, Band 70 (in German). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN3879435758.
—————— (1986). Mercedes-Benz: 200 / 230 /250 ab 1976. Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst series, Band 72 (in German). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN387943607X.
—————— (c. 1986). Mercedes-Benz: 200/230 E ab Juli '80 bis Dez. '84. Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst series, Band 84 (in German). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN3879438633.
Mellon, Thomas A, ed. (2001). Mercedes: Coupes/Sedans/Wagons, 1974-84 Repair Manual. Chilton Total Car Care Series. Radnor, PA, USA: Chilton; Sparkford, UK: Haynes Publishing. ISBN0-8019-9076-9.
Reetz, Nikolai (2020). Perfekte Klassikerpflege Mercedes-Benz W 123[Perfect Classic Care Mercedes-Benz W 123] (in German). Königswinter: Heel Verlag. ISBN9783966641449.
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. ISBN0907779611.
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. ISBN0856966975.
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. ISBN9780857337399.
Mercedes-Diesel 200 / 220 / 240 / 300 ab 1976 bis 1978. Reparaturanleitung series, Band 290, 291. (in German). Zug, Switzerland: Verlag Bucheli. 2012. ISBN9783716813690.
Mercedes-Benz Serie 123 200 / 230 / 250 / 280 / 280E ab 1976 bis Mai 1980. Reparaturanleitung series, Band 309. (in German). Zug, Switzerland: Verlag Bucheli. 2013. ISBN9783716813904.
Mercedes Serie 123 200 / 230E / 230CE / 230TE ab Juni 1980. Reparaturanleitung series, Band 788. (in German). Zug, Switzerland: Verlag Bucheli. 1988. ISBN3716816701.
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