In 1975, Mercedes-Benz revealed what would become one of the company's
most successful automobile series ever built - the renowned W123.
Originally penned by Friedrich Geiger and Bruno Sacco, the new W123
stunned the public with its modern design, while at the same time
maintaining the humble and versatile personality traits of its
predecessor, the W114/W115 chassis range. In all, 2.7 million units were
built, making the W123 one of the most successful Mercedes-Benz lines
ever sold. Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of W123 ownership
is the diversity of body styles and engine choices available.
Manufactured as a sedan (W123), coupé (C123), station wagon (S123), and
limousine (V123), as well as the F123 chassis (based on the lengthened
limousine platform, intended for use in ambulance and hearse
conversions), there was a 123 for every purpose. The utility of the
chassis was surreal, and the vehicle quickly made its way from use as
personal transportation and taxis to rally events. Through its nine-year
production run, the W123 remained virtually unchanged in appearance,
while the available powerplants went through several changes.
Background
Seen from a design perspective, the W123 is descended from its older
automotive brother - the W116 S-Class. (See W116 Buyers Guide, The Star,
July-August 2020, pages 66-69). The W123's identifying visual
characteristics include bold horizontal wraparound headlights, large
ribbed taillights, an iconic Mercedes-Benz grille and free-standing
three-pointed star hood ornament, simple body length horizontal side
trim, and color-matched painted hubcaps or aluminum Bundt wheels. When
launched, the versatile W123 range included a 230, 240D, 300D, and 280E
until August of 1979. In 1978, the coupé was added to the lineup,
creating the 280CE and 300CD models, followed by a station wagon in
1979. By 1980, the turbodiesel engine from the W116 300SD was carried
over to the station wagon, and subsequently the sedan and coupé in 1981.
In Europe, many more engine choices were available. The W123 quickly
became a sales hit; in fact, a prospective customer faced wait times
from between nine and twelve months when the vehicle was initially
released. This spawned a black market for impatient buyers with deeper
pockets who were willing to spend more money in order to receive their
W123 sooner.
Features and Safety Equipment
There was a wide variety of standard and optional features to be had on
the W123 series. Exterior color choices were plentiful, with certain
colors depending on the production year. Also noteworthy, interiors
could be trimmed in four different upholstery choices, including MB-Tex,
leather, cloth, and velour. Early interiors were trimmed with black
textured plastic; later cars were embellished with strips of veneer on
the dashboard, alongside veneer paneling surrounding the controls and
shift bezel. Some higher-end models were equipped with four power
windows and a child lock, while others relied on simple manual windows,
or employed a combination of the two (power front windows, manual crank
rear windows). The seats in early vehicles featured “cat-ear” headrests,
while later models were supplied with headrests in a more conventional
rectangular shape. Station wagons could be optioned with third-row
rear-facing seats. (See “Buried Treasure,” The Star, July-August 2020,
pages 42-49). Manual sunroofs were a popular option; their simplicity
has stood the test of time well. Manual and automatic climate control
systems were available - automatic climate control systems are common in
models sold in the United States. Several rare options included heated
front seats, a cabin pre-heating system, and rear headrests.
Acolumn-shifter could also be special ordered.
All models were equipped with disc brakes. An antilock braking system
(ABS) - in development during the initial release of the W123 - would
become available from August 1980 onwards. All W123 vehicles were
equipped with the company's patented safety steering wheel. Early models
were manufactured with larger steering wheels with a padded cover, later
models received a slightly smaller and updated steering wheel with a
collapsible steering column. A driver's-side airbag was made available
as an expensive option starting in September 1982. Seat belt buckles
were also updated throughout the series run.
W123: A Modern Perspective
The W123 has had the past 40 years to make a name for itself. While many
models have passed through to oblivion, the W123 “Million-Mile Mercedes”
is the one that stayed. It is not uncommon to see a high-mileage example
still faithfully serving in daily duties, and one might even argue that
these vehicles have developed a cult following. (See “Travelin' Man”,
The Star, July-August 2019, pages 50-55, and “Our Old Friend”, The Star,
September-October 2019, pages 44-49). The W123 still embodies the
value-for-money proposition when it comes to the classic Mercedes-Benz
market. Well cared-for vehicles are still available for reasonable
money, although you may discover that a well-maintained station wagon
painted in a rare and desirable color will demand a healthy premium over
the market price when it comes up for sale. You may even stumble upon a
vegetable-oil conversion diesel, trailing the unmistakable aroma of old
French fries everywhere it roams. Another key advantage is that the W123
is a completely analog automobile: there are no modules or engine
management systems destined for failure. All components are generally
simple to service, and a great deal of information is available via the
Internet, service manuals, and through the W123 fan community. Parts are
readily available.
The W123's appeal has morphed from aging executive-class conveyance to
become the millennial's chariot of choice. Now driven by celebrities,
showcased in several recent films and television series, and featured in
endless editorial fashion shoots, the sturdy and reliable Mercedes-Benz
W123 is once again the car to have, just as it was back in 1976. Each
one of these vehicles has an incredible story to tell; they have been
around long enough to have played an essential role in many people's
lives. Whether it's Lady Gaga's China Blue family heirloom 300D, or
Wendy and Scott Patterson's 1984 300TD “Ruby,” showcased on pages 30-35
of this issue, these vehicles win our hearts with their understated
personalities, and impress us with their ability to serve us so
faithfully. Let's face it, these cars will outlast us all.
Reasons to buy
There is a body style for everyone: sedan, coupé, station wagon, limo,
ambulance or hearse conversion cars.
There is also a specification for everyone; a tame Astral Silver on blue
MB-Tex, or a Mimosa Yellow on Avocado MB-Tex and Plaid? Gasoline,
Diesel? Automatic or Manual Transmission?
One of the most robust vehicles ever made by Mercedes-Benz.
Attractive design with proven safety and dependability.
Simple to work on, encourages owners to work on their cars.
Cars and parts are readily available at reasonable prices.
A W123 makes an affordable entry point into the world of vintage
Mercedes-Benz ownership.
Reasons Not to Buy
- Rust spreads quickly if not tended in a timely manner.
- Performance may seem modest by today's standards.
-
There are many neglected examples; prospective buyers tend to overlook
the condition of suspension and transmission.
- Alternative-fuel conversions may not be the best choice.
Checkpoints
-
Inspect the body and undercarriage carefully for signs of collision
and corrosion; mechanical issues can be repaired, but it makes it
worth your while to start with the cleanest body you can find.
-
Rust is commonly found in floor pans, bottom of doors, inside fenders
and wheel wells, inside sunroof tray, battery tray, the rear hatch (in
station wagons) as well as the bottom of the spare tire well.
-
Inspect door and window seals for signs of aging and cracking; water
intrusion can lead to corrosion.
-
Oil consumption is an issue; high mileage engines may burn oil; seals
may cause oil seepage. Inspect for blowby if possible.
-
Vacuum issues (particularly in diesels) - first indicator is
improperly functioning door locks.
- Suspension components are often neglected.
-
Check automatic transmissions to detect rough or abrupt shifting.
-
Test automatic climate control systems for proper functions, as well
as A/C compressor.
-
Cracked dashboards are extremely common; replacements are expensive.
-
Rear and side windows for station wagons can be expensive if chipped.
The last word
Take your time, choose wisely, and you can enjoy the timeless beauty,
unmatched durability and simple charms of perhaps the finest
Mercedes-Benz of the modern era, the W123 range.
W123 Chronology (1975-1985)
-
1975 September - European market 200, 230, 250 sedans
released
-
1976 September - 240D, 230, 280E, 300D replace W115
chassis in U.S.
-
1977 September - U.S.-market 300CD coupe and 280CE
coupe arrive
- 1978 August - U.S.-market 230 discontinued
-
1978 September - U.S.-market 300TD station wagon
arrives
-
1979 April - R04 a/c compressor replaces York
compressor
-
1979 August - Electronic glow plugs system released;
diesel horsepower increased
-
1979 September - Modulator shift control replaces
mechanical linkage on automatic transmissions
-
1980 September - 300TD turbodiesel wagon released;
722.3 automatic transmission released; third-generation Automatic
Climate Control
-
1981 August - 300D and 300CD get turbodiesel engine
-
1982 September - All model interiors, seats and
carpeting upgraded
- 1983 September - 240D discontinued
-
1984 August - 300D and variants get 2.88:1
differential; vacuum system and turbocharger upgraded; vacuum controls
refined; 722.3 automatic transmission get new torque converter;
California cars get trap oxidizer; 722.4 automatic transmission
-
1985 September - U.S.-market 123 chassis production
ends
-
1985 November - European-market 123 chassis
production end
Specifications: W123 Sedans • U.S Models
| MODEL |
YEARS |
CHASSIS |
ENGINE |
POWER |
TORQUE |
| 230 |
1976-1978 |
123.023 |
115.954 |
86 |
116 |
| 280E |
1976-1985 |
123.033 |
110.984 |
137-142 |
142-149 |
| 240D |
1976-1983 |
123.123 |
616.912 |
62-67 |
97 |
| 300D |
1976-1981 |
123.130 |
617.912 |
77-83 |
115-120 |
| 300D Turbo |
1981-1985 |
123.133 |
617.952 |
120 |
170 |
Specifications: C123 Coupés • U.S Models
| MODEL |
YEARS |
CHASSIS |
ENGINE |
POWER |
TORQUE |
| 280CE |
1977-1981 |
123.053 |
110.984 |
137 |
142 |
| 300CD |
1976-1981 |
123.130 |
617.912 |
77-83 |
115-120 |
| 300CD Turbo |
1981-1985 |
123.153 |
617.952 |
120 |
170 |
Specifications: S123 Wagons • U.S Models
| MODEL |
YEARS |
CHASSIS |
ENGINE |
POWER |
TORQUE |
| 300TD |
1978-1980 |
123.190 |
617.912 |
77-83 |
115 |
| 300TD Turbo |
1980-1985 |
123.193 |
617.952 |
120 |
170 |