Mercedes-Benz Executive Sedan · W123

W123

The diesel that defined a generation.

Production
1975–1985
Built
2,397,219
Body
Sedan
Chassis
W123
Mercedes-Benz Executive Sedan (W123)

The W123 is the Mercedes-Benz that owners still measure everything against — an executive saloon, estate, and coupé range whose build quality and durability became the firm's global reputation in the 1970s and 1980s.

From taxi-spec 200 D and 240 D diesels to fuel-injected 230 E and 280 E petrol models, the W123 covered every need with the same over-engineered chassis, independent suspension, and interior fit and finish that made deferred replacement a way of life. Estate S123 and coupé C123 variants extended the architecture without compromising the standard.

Between 1975 and 1985, 2,397,219 were built.

W123 interior
Cabin details of the W123, as preserved in period photography.

Every model.

11 model designations across 1975–1985 — engines, chassis codes and production figures for the W123.

ModelModel yearsChassisEngineTransmissionTotal
200 D1975–1985123.120615.940722.116378,138
220 D1975–1979123.126615.941722.11656,736
240 D1975–1985123.123616.912722.117454,780
300 D1975–1985123.130617.912722.118331,999
300 D Turbodiesel1981–1985123.133617.95275,261
2001976–1980123.020115.938722.115158,772
2001980–1985123.220102.920722.121217,315
2301975–1980123.023115.954722.119196,185
230 E1979–1985123.223102.980722.122245,588
2801975–1981123.030110.923722.11133,206
280 E1975–1985123.033110.984722.112126,375

* The published production figure covers every series of that model; the source does not break it down further.

W123 side profile
Studio profile of the W123 — the proportions that defined this chassis.
W123 rear three-quarter view
Rear three-quarter view of the W123.

Engines.

The M110 as fitted to the W123.

M110

Inline-6
  • 110.9232.7 L · 2,746 cc

    156 PS

    115 kW · 154 hp at 5,500 rpm

    223 N·m

    164 lb·ft at 4,000 rpm

  • 110.9842.7 L · 2,746 cc

    185 PS

    136 kW · 182 hp at 5,800 rpm

    240 N·m

    177 lb·ft at 4,500 rpm