.
Mercedes 240D
Mercedes-Benz W123
Photo : Augusta Stylianou Artist
W123 is the internal chassis-designation Mercedes-Benz used for their executive line of cars, manufactured between 1976 and 1985.
The W123 models surpassed their predecessor, the W114 and W115 models, as the most successful Mercedes, selling 2.7 million cars before replacement by the W124 after 1985. The additional range of smaller Mercedes-Benz W201 models were introduced in 1982.
Naming
As usual, model names were related to engine sizes, type of engine and chassis type:
C for Coupé
Lang (long-wheelbase)
T for Transport and Touring (estate/station wagon)
D for Diesel,
E for Einspritzung (fuel injection)
Model history
Mercedes-Benz introduced the W123 four-door versions in January, 1976.[3] While there were some technical similarities to their predecessors, the new models were larger in wheelbase and exterior dimensions. The styling was also updated, although stylistic links with the W115 were maintained. Initially, all models except 280/280E featured quad unequal-size round headlights and the latter large rectangular units. When facelifted these units became standard across the range. All W115 engines were carried over, with the 3 litre 5-cylinder diesel model being renamed from "240D 3.0" to "300D" (as it had already been called before in North American markets). The only new engine was the 250's 2525 cc inline-six (Type M123, a short-stroke version of the 2.8 litre six Type M110) that replaced the old 2496 cc Type M114 six.
In the spring of 1976, a coupé version was introduced on a shorter wheelbase than the saloon (2,710 mm (106.7 in) versus 2,795 mm (110.0 in)) for the saloon. This W123C/CE was available as a 230C (later 230CE) and as a 280C/CE in most markets; in North America there were additional 300CD versions with naturally aspirated, later turbocharged 3 litre diesel engines.
It is a tribute to the car's instant popularity – and possibly to the caution built into the production schedules – that nine months after its introduction, a black market had developed in Germany for Mercedes-Benz W123s available for immediate delivery.[4] Customers willing to order new cars from their local authorized dealer for the recommended list price faced waiting times in excess of twelve months.[4] Models that were barely used and were available almost immediately commanded a premium over the new price of around DM 5,000.[4]
From August, 1977, long-wheelbase versions (3,425 mm (134.8 in)) were produced. These were available as 7/8 seater saloons with works bodies or as a chassis with complete front body clip, the latter serving as the base for ambulance and hearse bodies by external suppliers like Binz or Miesen. These "Lang" versions could be ordered as 240D, 300D and 250 models.
At the Frankfurt Auto Show in September, 1977 the W123T estate was introduced; the T in the model designation stood for "Touring and Transport". All engines derivative except "200TD" were available in the range. T production began in March, 1978 in Mercedes' Bremen factory.
In early 1979, the diesel models power output was increased; power rose from 55 PS (40 kW; 54 hp) to 60 PS (44 kW; 59 hp) in the 200D, from 65 PS (48 kW; 64 hp) to 72 PS (53 kW; 71 hp) in the 240D and from 80 PS (59 kW; 79 hp) to 88 PS (65 kW; 87 hp) in the 300D; at the same time, the 220D went out of production.
The first Mercedes turbo diesel production W123 appeared in September, 1979. This was the 300 TD Turbodiesel, available with automatic transmission only. In most markets, the turbocharged 5-cylinder 3 litre diesel engine (Type OM617) was offered only in the T body style, while in North America it was also available in saloon and coupé guises.
June 1980 saw the introduction of new 4-cylinder petrol engines (Type M102). A new 2 litre four with shorter stroke replaced the old M115, a fuel-injected 2.3 litre version of this engine (in 230E/TE/CE) the old carbureted 230. Both engines were more powerful than their predecessors.
In 1980/81 the carbureted 280 versions went out of production; the fuel-injected 280E continued to be offered.
In September, 1982, all models received a mild facelift. The rectangular headlights, previously fitted only to the 280/280E, were standardized across the board, as was power steering. Since February, 1982, an optional 5-speed manual transmission was available in all models (except 300 TD).
W123 production ended in January, 1986 with 63 T-models rolling out. Most popular single models were the 240D (455,000 built), the 230E (442,000 built) and the 200D (378,000 built).
W123 introduced innovations including ABS (optional from August, 1980), a retractable steering column and an airbag for the driver (optional from 1982).
Available options included MB-Tex (Mercedes-Benz Texturized Punctured Vinyl) upholstery or velour or leather upholstery, interior wood trim, passenger side exterior mirror (standard on T models), 5-speed manual transmission (European market only), 4-speed automatic transmission (standard in turbodiesel models), power windows with rear-seat switch cut-outs, vacuum powered central locking, rear-facing extra seats (station wagon only), Standheizung (prestart timer controlled engine heating), self locking differential, sun roof, air conditioning, climate control, "Alpine" horn (selectable quieter horn), headlamp wipers (European market only), Tempomat (cruise control), power steering (standard after 1982/08), seat heating, catalytic converter (available from 1984 for California only, from fall (autumn) 1984 also in Germany for the 230E of which one thousand were built).
Power (vacuum servo) assisted disc brakes were standard on all W123s.
Models (except North America and Japan)
| Chassis code | Years | Model | Engine | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W123.020 | 1976–1981 | 200 | 2.0 L M115 I4 | 94 PS (69 kW; 93 hp) @ 4800 | 158 N·m (117 lb·ft) @ 3000 |
| W123.220 | 1979–1985 | 200 | 2.0 L M102 I4 | 109 PS (80 kW; 108 hp) @ 5200 | 170 N·m (125 lb·ft) @ 3000 |
| W123.280 | 1980–1985 | 200T | 2.0 L M102 I4 | 109 PS (80 kW; 108 hp) @ 5200 | 170 N·m (125 lb·ft) @ 3000 |
| W123.120 | 1976–1979 | 200D | 2.0 L OM615 I4 Diesel | 55 PS (40 kW; 54 hp) @ 4200 | 113 N·m (83 lb·ft) @ 2400 |
| W123.120 | 1979–1985 | 200D | 2.0 L OM615 I4 Diesel | 60 PS (44 kW; 59 hp) @ 4400 | 113 N·m (83 lb·ft) @ 2400 |
| W123.126 | 1976–1979 | 220D | 2.2 L OM615 I4 Diesel | 60 PS (44 kW; 59 hp) @ 4200 | 125 N·m (92 lb·ft) @ 2400 |
| W123.023 | 1976–1981 | 230 | 2.3 L M115 I4 | 109 PS (80 kW; 108 hp) @ 4800 | 185 N·m (136 lb·ft) @ 3000 |
| W123.223 | 1979–1985 | 230E | 2.3 L M102 I4 | 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) @ 5100 | 201 N·m (148 lb·ft) @ 3500 |
| W123.043 | 1977–1980 | 230C | 2.3 L M115 I4 | 109 PS (80 kW; 108 hp) @ 4800 | 185 N·m (136 lb·ft) @ 3000 |
| W123.243 | 1980–1985 | 230CE | 2.3 L M102 I4 | 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) @ 5100 | 201 N·m (148 lb·ft) @ 3500 |
| W123.083 | 1978–1980 | 230T | 2.3 L M115 I4 | 109 PS (80 kW; 108 hp) @ 4800 | 185 N·m (136 lb·ft) @ 3000 |
| W123.283 | 1980–1985 | 230TE | 2.3 L M102 I4 | 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) @ 5100 | 201 N·m (148 lb·ft) @ 3500 |
| W123.123 | 1976–1985 | 240D | 2.4 L OM616 I4 Diesel | 65 PS (48 kW; 64 hp) @ 4200 from 02/79 72 PS (53 kW; 71 hp) @ 4400 |
137 N·m (101 lb·ft) @ 2400 |
| W123.125 | 1977–1985 | 240D LWB | 2.4 L OM616 I4 Diesel | 65 PS (48 kW; 64 hp) @ 4200 from 02/79 72 PS (53 kW; 71 hp) @ 4400 |
137 N·m (101 lb·ft) @ 2400 |
| W123.183 | 1978–1986 | 240TD | 2.4 L OM616 I4 Diesel | 65 PS (48 kW; 64 hp) @ 4200 from 02/79 72 PS (53 kW; 71 hp) @ 4400 |
137 N·m (101 lb·ft) @ 2400 |
| W123.026 | 1976–1985 | 250 | 2.5 L M123 I6 | 129 PS (95 kW; 127 hp) @ 5500 from 09/79 140 PS (100 kW; 140 hp) @ 5500 |
192 N·m (142 lb·ft) @ 3500 from 09/79 196 N·m (145 lb·ft) @ 3500 |
| W123.028 | 1977–1985 | 250 LWB | 2.5 L M123 I6 | 129 PS (95 kW; 127 hp) @ 5500 from 09/79 140 PS (100 kW; 140 hp) @ 5500 |
192 N·m (142 lb·ft) @ 3500 from 09/79 196 N·m (145 lb·ft) @ 3500 |
| W123.086 | 1978–1985 | 250 | 2.5 L M123 I6 | 140 PS (100 kW; 140 hp) @ 5500 from 09/79 140 PS (100 kW; 140 hp) @ 5500 |
192 N·m (142 lb·ft) @ 3500 from 09/79 196 N·m (145 lb·ft) @ 3500 |
| W123.030 | 1975–1981 | 280 | 2.8 L M110 I6 | 156 PS (115 kW; 154 hp) @ 5500 | 222 N·m (164 lb·ft) @ 4000 |
| W123.033 | 1975–1985 | 280E | 2.8 L M110 I6 | 177 PS (130 kW; 175 hp) @ 6000 from 1978 185 PS (136 kW; 182 hp) @ 5800 |
229 N·m (169 lb·ft) @ 4500 from 09/79 235 N·m (173 lb·ft) @ 4500 |
| W123.050 | 1977–1980 | 280C | 2.8 L M110 I6 | 156 PS (115 kW; 154 hp) @ 5500 | 222 N·m (164 lb·ft) @ 4000 |
| W123.053 | 1977–1985 | 280CE | 2.8 L M110 I6 | 177 PS (130 kW; 175 hp) @ 6000 from 1978 185 PS (136 kW; 182 hp) @ 5800 |
229 N·m (169 lb·ft) @ 4500 from 09/79 235 N·m (173 lb·ft) @ 4500 |
| W123.093 | 1978–1985 | 280E | 2.8 L M110 I6 | 185 PS (136 kW; 182 hp) @ 6000 from 1978 185 PS (136 kW; 182 hp) @ 5800 |
229 N·m (169 lb·ft) @ 4500 from 09/79 235 N·m (173 lb·ft) @ 4500 |
| W123.130 | 1976–1985 | 300D | 3.0 L OM617 I5 Diesel | 80 PS (59 kW; 79 hp) @ 4000 from 09/79 88 PS (65 kW; 87 hp) @ 4400 |
169 N·m (125 lb·ft) @ 2400 |
| W123.132 | 1977–1985 | 300D LWB | 3.0 L OM617 I5 Diesel | 80 PS (59 kW; 79 hp) @ 4000 from 09/79 88 PS (65 kW; 87 hp) @ 4400 |
169 N·m (125 lb·ft) @ 2400 |
| W123.133 | 1981–1985 | 300D Turbo | 3.0 L OM617a I5 Diesel | 125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp) @ 4350 | 245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @ 2400 |
| W123.150 | 1977–1981 | 300CD | 3.0 L OM617 I5 Diesel | 80 PS (59 kW; 79 hp) @ 4000 from 09/79 88 PS (65 kW; 87 hp) @ 4400 |
169 N·m (125 lb·ft) @ 2400 |
| W123.153 | 1981–1985 | 300CD Turbo | 3.0 L OM617a I5 Diesel | 125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp) @ 4350 | 245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @ 2400 |
| W123.190 | 1978–1985 | 300TD | 3.0 L OM617 I5 Diesel | 80 PS (59 kW; 79 hp) @ 4000 from 09/79 88 PS (65 kW; 87 hp) @ 4400 |
169 N·m (125 lb·ft) @ 2400 |
| W123.193 | 1980–1985 | 300TD Turbo | 3.0 L OM617a I5 Diesel | 125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp) @ 4350 | 245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @ 2400 |
North America and Japan
In these markets the following models were offered:[5]
| Model | Years | Engine | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 230 | MY 1977–1978 | M115 | 93.0 hp (69 kW) @ 4800 | 125 lb·ft (169 N·m) @ 2500 |
| 240D | MY 1977–1983 | OM616.912 | 62 hp (46 kW) @ 4000 from MY 1981 67 hp (50 kW) @ 4000 |
97 lb·ft (132 N·m) @ 2400 |
| 280E | MY 1977–1981 | M110 | 142 hp (106 kW) @ 5750 from MY 1980: 140 hp (104 kW) @ 5500 |
149 lb·ft (202 N·m) @ 4600 from MY 1980: 145 lb·ft (197 N·m) @ 4600 |
| 280CE | MY 1978–1981 | M110 | 142 hp (106 kW) @ 5750 from MY 1980: 140 hp (104 kW) @ 5500 |
149 lb·ft (202 N·m) @ 4600 from MY 1980: 145 lb·ft (197 N·m) @ 4600 |
| 300D | MY 1977–1981 | OM617.912 | 77 hp (57 kW) @ 4000 from MY 1981: 83 hp (62 kW) @ 4200 |
115 lb·ft (156 N·m) @ 2400 from MY 1981: 120 lb·ft (163 N·m) @ 2400 |
| 300CD | MY 1978–1981 | OM617.912 | 77 hp (57 kW) @ 4000 from MY 1981: 83 hp (62 kW) @ 4200 |
115 lb·ft (156 N·m) @ 2400 from MY 1981: 120 lb·ft (163 N·m) @ 2400 |
| 300TD |
MY 1979–1980 | OM617.912 | 77 hp (57 kW) @ 4000 | 115 lb·ft (156 N·m) @ 2400 |
| 300TD Turbo |
MY 1981–1985 | OM617.952 | 125 hp (93 kW) @ 4350 | 181 lb·ft (245 N·m) @ 2400 |
| 300D |
MY 1981–1985 | OM617.952 | 125 hp (93 kW) @ 4350 | 181 lb·ft (245 N·m) @ 2400 |
| 300CD |
MY 1981–1985 | OM617.952 | 125 hp (93 kW) @ 4350 | 181 lb·ft (245 N·m) @ 2400 |
The North American W123s differ from the European W123s due to United States Department of Transportation requirements.
Notable exterior differences included:
Larger bumpers
Round, sealed-beam headlights/fog lamps. Early cars were delivered with clear fog lamps through to model year 1979, later units with yellow
Location of ID-tag on A-pillar
Emission control devices
References
^ Oswald, Werner (2001). Deutsche Autos 1945–1990, vol.3. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. p. 99. ISBN 3-613-02131-5.
^ a b c "Autotest: Mercedes-Benz 200". Autocar 149 (nbr 4271): Pages 26–31. 16 September 1978.
^ All dates in this paragraph according to: Oswald, Werner (2001). Deutsche Autos 1945–1990, vol.3. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. pp. 96–111. ISBN 3-613-02131-5.
^ a b c "Sterntaler: Mercedes-Wagen zu Schwarzmarktpreisen". Auto Motor u. Sport Heft 18 1976: Seite 8–9. date 1 September 1976.
^ Mike Covello: Standard Catalog of Imported Cars 1946–2002. Krause Publications, Iola 2002, ISBN 0-87341-605-8, p. 539-43.
From Wikipedia, All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License
| Ancient Greece
Science, Technology , Medicine , Warfare, , Biographies , Life , Cities/Places/Maps , Arts , Literature , Philosophy ,Olympics, Mythology , History , Images Medieval Greece / Byzantine Empire Science, Technology, Arts, , Warfare , Literature, Biographies, Icons, History Modern Greece Cities, Islands, Regions, Fauna/Flora ,Biographies , History , Warfare, Science/Technology, Literature, Music , Arts , Film/Actors , Sport , Fashion --- |
