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.

ModelLata modeloweZbudowanoPodwozieSilnikSkrzynia biegówRazem
200 D1975–19851975–1985123.120615.940722.116378,138
220 D1975–19791975–1979123.126615.941722.11656,736
240 D1975–19851975–1985123.123616.912722.117454,780
240 D LWB1978–198509.1977–11.1985123.125616.912722.1173,841
300 D1975–19851975–1985123.130617.912722.118331,999
300 D LWB1978–198509.1977–11.1985123.132617.912722.1184,679
300 D Turbodiesel1981–19851981–1985123.133617.95275,261
2001976–19801976–1980123.020115.938722.115158,772
2001980–19851980–1985123.220102.920722.121217,315
2301975–19801975–1980123.023115.954722.119196,185
230 E1979–19851979–1985123.223102.980722.122245,588
2501975–19851975–1985123.026123.920722.113122,864
250 LWB1978–198509.1977–12.1985123.028123.920722.1135,180
2801975–19811975–1981123.030110.923722.11133,206
280 E1975–19851975–1985123.033110.984722.112126,375

* Opublikowana liczba produkcji obejmuje każdą serię tego modelu; źródło nie rozbija jej dalej.

W123 side profile
Studio profile of the W123 — the proportions that defined this chassis.

Year by year.

The engine, safety and facelift changes that distinguish the three W123 production series.

  1. 1976
    • The W123 saloon entered the market with petrol engines from 2.0 to 2.8 liters and diesels from 2.0 to 3.0 liters.
    • A safety steering column, protected fuel tank and ribbed dirt-shedding taillights carried forward Mercedes-Benz safety priorities.
  2. 1977
    • Long-wheelbase saloons joined the factory range.
  3. 1978
    • The 280 E rose to 185 hp in April.
    • The 240 D rose to 72 hp in August.
  4. 1979
    • The 200 D gained 5 hp in February.
    • The 220 D left the range.
    • The 300 D and 250 received output increases in September.
  5. 1980
    • The new M102-powered 200 replaced the earlier M115 version.
    • The fuel-injected M102-powered 230 E replaced the carbureted 230.
    • Bosch anti-lock brakes became optional in August.
  6. 1981
    • The 300 D Turbodiesel joined the North American range for model year 1982.
  7. 1982
    • A driver airbag became optional in January.
    • The September facelift made rectangular wide-band headlamps standard across the range.
    • Power-assisted steering became standard.
    • Black windscreen air-inlet grilles and revised A-pillar trim provided exterior dating cues.
  8. 1985
    • Saloon production ended after the W124 had entered production.
W123 rear three-quarter view
Rear three-quarter view of the W123.

Engines.

Six engine families — the OM615 through OM617 diesels and the M102 through M115 petrols — as fitted to the W123.

M110

Inline-6
  • 110.923 2.7 L · 2,746 cc

    156 PS

    115 kW · 154 KM przy 5,500 obr./min

    223 N·m

    164 lb·ft przy 4,000 obr./min

  • 110.984 2.7 L · 2,746 cc

    185 PS

    136 kW · 182 KM przy 5,800 obr./min

    240 N·m

    177 lb·ft przy 4,500 obr./min

OM615

Inline-4 diesel
  • 615.940 2.0 L · 1,988 cc

    55 PS

    40 kW · 54 KM przy 4,200 obr./min

    113 N·m

    83 lb·ft przy 2,400 obr./min

  • 615.941 2.2 L · 2,197 cc

    60 PS

    44 kW · 59 KM przy 4,200 obr./min

    126 N·m

    93 lb·ft przy 2,400 obr./min

OM616

Inline-4 diesel
  • 616.912 2.4 L · 2,404 cc

    65 PS

    48 kW · 64 KM przy 4,200 obr./min

    137 N·m

    101 lb·ft przy 2,400 obr./min

OM617

Inline-5 diesel
  • 617.912 3.0 L · 3,005 cc

    80 PS

    59 kW · 79 KM przy 4,000 obr./min

    172 N·m

    127 lb·ft przy 2,400 obr./min

  • 617.952 3.0 L · 2,998 cc

    121 PS

    89 kW · 119 KM przy 4,350 obr./min

    230 N·m

    170 lb·ft przy 2,400 obr./min

M115

Inline-4
  • 115.938 2.0 L · 1,988 cc

    94 PS

    69 kW · 93 KM przy 4,800 obr./min

    158 N·m

    117 lb·ft przy 3,000 obr./min

  • 115.954 2.3 L · 2,307 cc

    109 PS

    80 kW · 108 KM przy 4,800 obr./min

    186 N·m

    137 lb·ft przy 3,000 obr./min

M102

Inline-4
  • 102.920 2.0 L · 1,997 cc

    109 PS

    80 kW · 108 KM przy 5,200 obr./min

    170 N·m

    125 lb·ft przy 3,000 obr./min

  • 102.980 2.3 L · 2,299 cc

    136 PS

    100 kW · 134 KM przy 5,100 obr./min

    205 N·m

    151 lb·ft przy 3,500 obr./min