Mercedes-Benz 230 of the 123 model series. Driving shot from left front. (Photo index number in the Mercedes-Benz Classic Archive: D291353)From the first moment on, this automobile inspires great confidence: after the press premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz Saloons of the 123 model series in January 1976 in Bandol in the south of France, and even before the official market launch of this upper mid-range model series, the entire first year’s production is already sold out. In particular, reporters focus on the objective qualities of the vehicle: its outstanding levels of active and passive safety, embedded in a calm, well-balanced design. The predecessor of the E-Class indubitably embodies the Mercedes-Benz brand values in its basic form – providing timeless substance and self-evident solidity. Today, this feeds into a passionate affection for one of the most popular and widely distributed classic cars inside and outside Germany.
The W 123 reflects many concept and style elements of the S-Class of that time (W 116). These include its high-quality finish, the excellent suspension tuning, the generous sense of space in the interior, a newly developed safety steering column and seat-belt buckles mounted directly on the seat fittings. From 1980 on, Mercedes-Benz already offers the ABS anti-lock braking system in the 123 model series, and the driver airbag from 1982 on.
Glowing reviews and high market demand
“Evolution to measure” is the headline of the first road test report in the specialist magazine “auto motor und sport” in Issue 3/1976. The verdict is unequivocal: Mercedes-Benz has succeeded “well above average” with the new W 123. The article mentions “balanced progress, targeted further development and the uncompromising commitment to quality” as decisive factors.
From 1976 on, the W 123 rapidly shapes the face of the Mercedes-Benz brand – and what appears on the roads. It becomes a new symbol of German automotive culture and, from the late 1980s on, successively develops into a popular modern classic and finally into a versatile classic in its own right. Fans of the series have long been able to choose from a wide range of body styles. About a year after the premiere of the W 123, the Coupé (C 123) follows in the spring of 1977. In September 1977, the model series gains its first Mercedes-Benz T-Model (S 123). With this addition, the brand places the focus on leisure and sport and fundamentally redefines the estate car segment. Further body versions include long-wheelbase saloons (V 123) and chassis with partial bodywork (F 123). With a total of almost 2.7 million vehicles produced by 1986, the 123 model series becomes the most successful Mercedes-Benz model series to date. Of these, 2,375,440 units are saloons. The most produced 123 model is the 240 D sedan with 448,986 vehicles. The rarest is the 280 C coupé with 3,704 vehicles.
Worldwide spare parts supply and vehicle trading by Mercedes-Benz Classic
From the outset, the W 123 is intentionally designed for ease of maintenance and servicing, durability and quality. High resale values are the result – and the fact that, to this day, numerous vehicles of this model series are still on the road as classics which have been maintained with loving care. In order to ensure that these icons in the E-Class tradition continue to run safely and reliably in the future, Mercedes-Benz Classic Genuine Parts offers a comprehensive range of replacement and wearing parts for the 123 model series. Manufactured according to original factory specifications, they impress with high levels of dependability and are generally available within 24 hours via the worldwide sales and distribution network.
The range of parts for the 123 model series extends from details such as the safety door lock knob (A 110 760 05 65 9051) to safety-relevant components such as the front brake callipers (left: A 123 420 05 83, right: A 123 420 06 83). Also available are the coupé windscreen (A 123 671 05 10) and front wings suitable for all three body styles (left: A 123 880 05 18, right: A 123 880 06 18). Engine-specific parts for the M 102 include the crankshaft (A 102 030 21 01) and the camshaft (A 102 050 02 01). After a longer absence, spark plugs (A 003 159 10 03 26) for the M 110 engine in the top models 280 and 280 E are once again available. Also back in stock is the spare key (A 000 760 08 06). It is manufactured specifically for the locking system upon presentation of the vehicle registration document at the dealership.
Today, anyone interested in a model from the 123 model series will regularly find attractive, hand-picked examples in the Mercedes-Benz Classic vehicle sales offering. Currently listed is a 230 TE manufactured in 1984 in forest green, an exceptionally original vehicle with a total of just 52,000 kilometres on the odometer. Link: www.mercedes-benz.com/oldtimer
The versatility of the 123 model series
The versatile model range of the 123 model series extends from the 200 D, which is particularly popular as a taxi, and the innovative and agile 300 D Turbodiesel all the way to the 280 E with its powerful, sporty straight-six engine. Yet regardless of engine variant, those who order a W 123 from 1976 or later will receive a vehicle which is not only extremely refined from the start, but one which also conveys a message: every one of these saloons is a discreet expression of the driver’s affluence, with no need for short-lived effects. The W 123 offers performance without ostentation and comfort without pomp. The versatile yet serene character of the 123 model series continues to fascinate to this day.
In 1977, the model series even takes centre stage in the international motorsport arena: at the London–Sydney long-distance rally, a gruelling race lasting six and a half weeks and covering 30,000 kilometres across Europe, Asia and Australia, two Mercedes-Benz 280 E vehicles prevail in the face of strong competition. This triumph impressively demonstrates the uncompromising durability and reliability of the model series. The winning vehicle of the team Andrew Cowan/Colin Malkin/Mike Broad from 1977 can now be seen at the Mercedes-Benz Museum.
In 1982, right from the plant, Mercedes-Benz offers a bivalent engine capable of running on LPG and petrol. Test vehicles also run on hydrogen as well as with a battery-electric drive. Thus, almost half a century ago, the 123 model series was already pointing the way to the future of drive technology.
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