Quality, elegance and safety over time

The Mercedes-Benz W123 cars were produced by the German manufacturer from 1976 to 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 was introduced in 1982.

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)

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.