Mercedes-Benz W123

The W123 shares technical similarities with its predecessors including engines, steering system, and suspension system. The design is updated with styling cues from its larger sibling, Mercedes-Benz W116, namely wider ribbed taillights, horizontal headlamps, front turn signal indicators on the outer edge, and pull-to-open door handles.

File:W123 Side Profile.jpg

Friedrich Geiger was head of the styling department at the time the W123 design was finalized in 1973. Design goals according to chief engineer Hans Scherenberg included creating a "balanced, dynamic, non-aggressive form – one that lends these vehicles a special character – by emphasizing horizontal lines both at the front and rear, suggesting a slight wedge shape from the side aspect, reducing the use of chrome trim and, in the truest sense of the term, introducing rounded lines,” Scherenberg said. "We are as unimpressed by revolutionary leaps of style as by fashionable gimmicks."{{Cite web |date=2023-09-18 |title=Auto Casey: Examining the Mercedes W123, 'The finest saloon car of the 20th century' |url=https://www.wthr.com/article/money/cars/examining-the-mercedes-w123-the-finest-saloon-car-of-the-20th-century-casey-williams-auto-indiana/531-52968270-564a-4895-94c7-487472c2c90d |access-date=2025-02-18 |website=wthr.com |language=en-US}}

The interior is revised with a larger instrument panel, central round ventilation outlets, HVAC control panel and a single row of control switches in the centre. The instrument panel has three large gauges placed behind a single plastic cover. The manual HVAC control panel has three large dials with the left and right for individual temperature control and the centre dial for fan speed control. Air flow is controlled by two sliders (left for upper zone and right for lower zone). If the optional air conditioning unit was ordered, a temperature roll dial was fitted to the row of control switches. The automatic HVAC control panel is simplified with a single roll disc on the left for temperature control, a row of push buttons in the middle for directing the air flow and switching the system on and off and a vertical set of buttons on the right for controlling the fan speed and switching automatic control on and off.

Initially, all models except the 280, 280 E, and coupé featured larger round headlamps with smaller round fog lamps with large glass plate covering the entire headlamp housing and acting as a diffusing lens. This design is the same for North American models with the sealed beam units and glass plate partially covering the headlamp housing. The 280, 280 E, and coupé models use large rectangular headlamps with round fog lamps. From 1983 onward, all models except for the aforementioned North American models featured the rectangular headlamps. The headlamp washers and wipers set are optional.

Per Mercedes-Benz tradition (prior to the 1993 rebrading), model designation corresponded to the engine displacement, chassis type (coupé or estate/station wagon), fuel type (for diesel engines only), and availability of fuel injection system for petrol engines:

• W for Wagen (Sedan)
• C for Coupé
• T for Tourismus und Transport (estate/station wagon)

No designation was given for the long-wheelbase: it was simply called "Lang" (long) in the brochures and order forms.

• D for Diesel
• E for Einspritzung (fuel injection)

When the diesel engine is turbocharged, an emblem that reads "TURBODIESEL" is affixed to the right side of the boot lid.

As for the chassis codes, W123 is the sedan, S123 the estate, C123 the coupé, V123 the long-wheelbase sedan a.k.a. Lang, and F123 refers to the bare long-wheelbase chassis as used for ambulances and other conversions.

The four-door version went on sale on 29 January 1976.{{sfn|Deutsche Autos, Band 4,|2001|pages=96–111}}{{cite web | last = Perlas | first = Giancarlo | date = 28 January 2016 | url = http://www.benzinsider.com/2016/01/mercedes-benz-w123-celebrates-its-40th-anniversary/ | title = Mercedes-Benz W123 Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary | publisher = BenzInsider | access-date = 29 January 2016}}

In the spring of 1977, a coupé version was introduced on a shortened wheelbase ({{convert|2710|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} versus {{convert|2795|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} for the saloon).{{sfn|Deutsche Autos, Band 4,|2001|pages=96–111}} The C123 was available as 230 C (later 230 CE), as 280 C and 280 CE in most markets, and as the 300 CD/300 CD Turbodiesel for the US market. Unlike the W123 saloon, the rectangular headlamps were fitted to the C123 regardless of engine type.

From August 1976, a long-wheelbase version, extended to {{cvt|3425|mm|in|1}}, with seating for seven to eight was produced.{{sfn|Deutsche Autos, Band 4,|2001|pages=96–111}} The limousine was built on a stretched W123 saloon/sedan chassis with additional lower side panels behind the rear passenger doors. The elongated roof has the same C-pillar form as on the saloon/sedan. The rear passenger doors were custom-designed in rectangular shape and of the same length as the ones on the saloon/sedan. The engine options were 250, 240 D, and 300 D. A few 280 E limousines were built as special orders.

The stretched limousine version was offered with complete front body clip (B-pillar forward) and strengthened chassis as the base for ambulances or hearses to be built by the conversion specialists such as Binz and Miesen. F stands for Fahrgestelle (chassis).

At the 1977 IAA in Frankfurt, the brand's first-ever factory-built estate, S123, was introduced.{{sfn|Deutsche Autos, Band 4,|2001|pages=96–111}} The letter T in the model designation stood for Tourismus und Transport (Touring and Transport). Previous estates had been custom-built by the coachbuilders, namely Binz. S123 production began in April 1978 at Mercedes-Benz Bremen factory. All engines except the 2-litre version of the M115 (petrol) and OM615 (diesel) were available in the range. When the M115 was replaced with the new M102 engine, a petrol-engined 200 T also joined the range.

While Mercedes-Benz never built its own convertible, some, based on the C123 coupé, were built by external companies including Crayford in the UK which (using the folding soft-top assemblies from 1973 Ford Mustangs salvaged from wrecking yards, the dimensions of the mechanism being ideal) built the "St. Tropez" and Niko-Michaels in New York, USA. In the city of Hagen, Germany, until 2016, the small, family owned Baehr fashioned C123 cabriolets and also sold kits for the conversion.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mercedes-fans.de/magazin/classic/wertanlage-mercedes-benz-230-ce-cabriolet-einmal-offen-immer-offen-gut-erhaltener-w123-baehr-cabrio-umbau.10477|title=Wertanlage: Mercedes-Benz 230 CE Cabriolet: Einmal offen, immer offen: Gut erhaltener W123 Bähr-Cabrio-Umbau - Classic}}{{cite web |title=Mercedes W123 – som cabriolet! |date=17 July 2019 |url=https://www.klassiker.nu/reportage/mercedes-w123-som-cabriolet |publisher=Klassiker |access-date=24 July 2019}}

File:Mercedes-Benz 240 D (W 123, Facelift) – Frontansicht, 30. August 2012, Velbert.jpg|Mercedes-Benz 240D (W123) saloon (Euro-spec)

File:1981 Mercedes-Benz 200 (W123) 1X7A0274.jpg|Mercedes-Benz 200 (W123) saloon rear

File:Mercedes-Benz W123 T-Modell rear 20090430.jpg|Mercedes-Benz 280 TE (estate)

1977 Mercedes-Benz 230C (123.043) in the US.jpg|1977 Mercedes-Benz 230 C (front)

File:1983 Mercedes-Benz 280 CE Coupe 2.8 Rear.jpg|1983 Mercedes-Benz 280 CE (rear)

Mercedes-Benz V123 in Black, front left.jpg|Mercedes-Benz V123 "Lang" (long wheelbase)

All of the W115's engines were carried over, including the 2.0- and 2.3-litre M115 four-cylinder petrol units, the 2.0- and 2.2-litre OM615 and 2.4-litre OM616 four-cylinders and the 3.0-litre, five-cylinder OM617 diesel engines.

The W114 motors, however, received a makeover: the M180-powered 230.6 and M130-powered 250 were replaced by the new, single overhead-cam, 2.5-litre M123, with the car badged as 250.

This meant that for the domestic market the M115 four-cylinder model dropped the .4 suffix for redundancy, and the OM617 powered model would receive nomenclature matching the engine displacement: 300 D instead of 240 D 3.0. Such badging had already been used for the previous generation on North American export models.

The flagship DOHC M110-powered, 2.7-litre motor was also carried over, available both as the carbureted 280 and with K-Jetronic as the 280 E.

In the autumn of 1978, the power output of the 240 D was increased from {{cvt|65|to|72|PS|kW hp|0}} while the 280 E's power went from {{cvt|177|to|185|PS|kW hp|0}}. In early 1979, the power output rose from {{convert|55|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} to {{convert|60|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} for the 200 D and from {{convert|80|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} to {{convert|88|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} for the 300 D. The 220 D was discontinued after 1979.{{sfn|Deutsche Autos, Band 4,|2001|pages=96–111}}

In June 1980, the new M102 four-cylinder petrol engine replaced the M115. The 2-litre version was only available with a carburettor while the 2.3-litre version was available with fuel injection only. The carbureted version of 2.8-litre M110 engine in the 280 and 280 C was discontinued in 1981, leaving the 250 as the sole carbureted six-cylinder engine.{{sfn|Deutsche Autos, Band 4,|2001|pages=96–111}}

The world's first turbocharged diesel engine for a passenger vehicle, the OM617 A, was finally introduced in W123 in September 1979 with 300 TD Turbodiesel that was initially exclusive for the European market. The same engine was offered in North America and Japan in 1981 as the 300 D Turbodiesel 300 CD Turbodiesel, and 300 TD Turbodiesel.{{sfn|Deutsche Autos, Band 4,|2001|pages=96–111}}{{cite web|url=http://www.meinbenz.de/preislisten/w123_preisliste0979.htm |title=Preisliste W123 Nummer 28 | date = 1 September 1979}}

Some engines in the W123 were mounted with small shock absorbers in addition to industry standard motor mounts to reduce felt vibration and a provide a smoother ride. These designs were carried over from previous chassis models like the W114/W115.

File:Mercedes-Benz 280E 1977 London-Sydney Rally Cowan Mankin Broad RFront MBMuse 9June2013 (14980530761).jpg in MB Museum]]

One notable achievement was in the {{cvt|17500|mi|disp=flip}}{{cite web|url=http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/news/vintage-speed/the-worlds-10-longest-auto-races-2#slide-2|title=The World's 10 Longest Auto Races|date=6 February 2012|access-date=15 May 2017}} 1977 London–Sydney Marathon rally, where the 280 E won first and second, ahead of the third and fourth place Citroën CX.{{cite web|url=http://www.ewrc-results.com/final.php?e=15680|title=Singapore Airlines London-Sydney Marathon 1977 - results eWRC-results.com|last=eWRC-results.com|website=eWRC-results.com|access-date=15 May 2017}}

North American sales began with the W123 sedan for the 1977 model year. The initial range consisted of the 230, 240 D, 300 D, and 280 E models. Compliance with stringent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) automotive emission control regulations on performance and US Department of Transportation on passenger safety required extensive changes to the vehicles, that made them significantly different from those sold in Europe. When the S123 estate/station wagon was introduced in the US in 1979, the engine choice was limited to 3-litre OM 617 diesel engine. No 240 TD or 280 TE were offered.

Externally the changes were most noticeable with massive 5-mph front and rear bumpers and sealed-beam headlights. This particularly affected the 280/280 E models, whose European counterparts received elegant wrap-around chrome bumper tips and square halogen headlights, which were unavailable to US customers. Journalists reported that "the visual changes were on the mild side" compared to US version of the Mercedes-Benz R107 and Mercedes-Benz W116, which have been described as if a "beautiful car was beaten with the malaise ugly stick."{{cite web | first=Tyler | last = Hoover |date=9 February 2017 |title=A Tale of Two Mercedes: When the Grey Market Made U.S.-Spec Cars Compete With Euro Models |url=https://www.autotrader.com/car-video/tale-two-mercedes-when-grey-market-made-us-spec-cars-compete-euro-models-261616 |publisher=Autotrader}}

The W123 production coincided with the introduction of federal regulations on corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) and the amendments with the Clean Air Act, which mandated catalytic converters,{{Cite web |title=Working Catalysts Required on Imported Cars |url=https://www.epa.gov/archive/epa/aboutepa/working-catalysts-required-imported-cars.html |access-date=2025-03-21 |publisher = EPA |language=en}} lower compression ratios and exhaust gas recirculation.{{Cite web |title=Exhaust Gas Recirculation |url=https://dieselnet.com/tech/engine_egr.php |access-date=2025-03-21 |website=dieselnet.com}} All of these measures affected the equivalent weight and performance of the imported cars. For example, the European 280 E had a 1460 kg curb weight and its engine had a DIN rating of 185 PS at 5800 rpm and 240 Nm at 4500.{{Cite web |title=280 E |url=https://mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com/marsClassic/en/instance/ko/280-E--W-123-E-28-1975---1985.xhtml?oid=5092 |access-date=2025-03-21 |website=marsClassic |language=en}} The corresponding North American car ranged between {{cvt|137|and|142|hp|kW PS|0}} depending on the model year and state (California received different specifications for 1977 and 1978) while weighing at least {{cvt|100|kg|lb}} more than its European counterpart.{{Cite web |title=Automobile-Catalog the Catalog of Cars, Car Specs Database |url=https://www.automobile-catalog.com/ |access-date=2025-03-21 |website=www.automobile-catalog.com}}

As the regulations were less stringent on diesel engines, Mercedes-Benz saw this as a way to circumvent the restrictions. In 1981, the turbocharged diesel engine became the sole engine choice for 300 D, 300 CD, and 300 TD.{{Cite web |date=2015-12-22 |title=Exponat-Details – Mercedes-Benz Classic Wiki - Online-Lexikon rund um Mercedes-Benz Oldtimer |url=http://wiki.mercedes-benz-classic.com/index.php/Exponat-Details?id=63&lang=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222130247/http://wiki.mercedes-benz-classic.com/index.php/Exponat-Details?id=63&lang=de |url-status=dead |archive-date=2015-12-22 |access-date=2025-03-21 }} The 300 CD and later 300 CD Turbodiesel were exclusive to the US market and not offered elsewhere, including Europe where the taxation is favourable for the diesel fuel.

The performance improvement of turbocharged diesel engine led to the elimination of 280 E and 280 CE for 1982. The American customers appreciated the better performance of the 300 TD Turbodiesel as they found the naturally aspirated version too slow and underpowered for extra weight.Hogg, Tony (ed.). "1981 Buyer's Guide". Road & Track's Road Test Annual & Buyer's Guide 1981 (January–February 1981): 107 The 240 D was discontinued for the 1984 model year as the new W201 190 E and 190 D took the position of the lowest-priced Mercedes-Benz.{{Cite book |last=Flammang |first=James M. |title=Standard Catalog of Imported Cars, 1946-1990 |date=1994 |publisher=Krause Publications, Inc. |isbn=0-87341-158-7 |location=Iola, WI |page=421 |ref=SCimp}} Until the 1986 introduction of W124, the W123 model range had a single engine option: 3-litre OM 617 turbocharged diesel engine.

Most of the American models came with the W4B 025 four-speed automatic and only the 240 D was also offered with the 4-speed manual transmission. The new 5-speed manual gearboxes were never offered for the North American market.

Notable exterior differences included

• Larger and stronger bumpers that resist collision damage up to 5 mph
• Round sealed beam headlamp capsules and fog lamps; the large glass covers partially the housing. The fog lamps had clear lens until 1980 model year when they were tinted yellow due to the confusion between fog lamps and high beam headlamps.
• Amber-coloured retroreflective markers on the front turn signal indicators which double as night illumination
• Red-coloured retroreflective markers at side edge of taillamps
• Location of ID-tag on A-pillar
• Emission control device for petrol engines only
• Radio with different frequency steps when tuning to different radio stations
• 85 mph maximum speedometer with 55 mph prominently marked
• Tinted glass band across the top of front windscreen
• If passenger side external rear view mirror is included, the mirror must carry the warning: "Vehicles are closer than they appear"

Mercedes-Benz W123 .jpg|Mercedes-Benz W123 sedan (US)

Mercedes 300CD-T.JPG|Mercedes-Benz 300CD Turbodiesel coupé (US-version)

Berkeley, California - USA (8754050542).jpg|1985 Mercedes-Benz 300TD Turbodiesel estate

The standard and optional features are numerous along with a large number of engine and gearbox options. Customers could choose cloth, MB-Tex vinyl, velour or leather for the upholstery as well as interior wood trim for dashboard and centre console. The paint and interior colour palettes are extensive as well.

The driving dynamic enhancement options for extra cost became more extensive over the time: ABS (from August 1980 onward), self-locking differential gear, five-speed manual gearbox (introduced in 1982 for European markets only), Tempomat cruise control system, power steering system (standard from 1982 onward), passenger-side external rear view mirror (standard on S123 model), "Alpine" horn with selectable loudness (popular in Switzerland due to strict noise regulations), retractable steering column (from 1982 onward) and so forth.

The extra-cost options for creature comforts include power windows (with a cut-off switch for the rear passenger door windows), vacuum-powered central locking system, sunroof (manual and electric), air conditioning system (manual or automatic control), seats with orthopaedic support, electrically heated seats (all seats were individually ordered), pre-heating system (for heating the passenger compartment at a pre-selected time when the engine is not running), an assortment of different radios with and without cassette players, rear seat head rests, etc. The W123s destined for the North American market tended to have more features as standard, reflecting the American customer's preference for luxury accessories. For the first time in an executive saloon from Mercedes-Benz, the W123 had the option of fully automatic climate control at extra cost. This option was popular in the North American and Japanese markets. A rare option was a column gear selector that could be ordered with an automatic gearbox if the customer wished. The most expensive option was the Becker radio telephone, selling for 13,512 Deutsche Mark.

In the estate/station wagon model, a third row rear-facing foldable seat was offered as an extra cost option.

Contemporary reception to the W123 by the motoring press was generally positive. The car was praised for its technical sophistication, safety innovation, and performance as well as its thorough engineering and high build quality. Downsides were typically limited to complaints about the car's high price or the relative austerity of its equipment (manually adjustable seats, for example) compared with contemporary American vehicles at the time.

The W123 won Motortrend's Import Car of the Year in 1977, with the authors noting that the car was selected based on its overall balance of attributes, rather than dominance in any one specific area. Reviewers noted the accurate steering and "a beautiful balance between comfort and control" in the test vehicle, a US-specification 280 E. Also noted was the seamless integration of safety features such as a diagonally-bending steering column and 25% larger mirrors compared with the previous model. Although the price of $16,000 was "a fair amount in most people's minds," the car was said to represent good value for money in its segment.

A March 1977 Car and Driver review described the 142 hp engine powering its test car as delivering "solid by not stupefying performance." Poise at higher speeds was noted, with performance described as "quiet, stable, comfortable, and efficient in a fashion that most car owners simply cannot comprehend," though substantial body roll was noted. Writing in the same article, automotive journalist David E. Davis Jr. noted that "The Mercedes almost seems to dramatize the fact that it is a machine--a pleasant, comfort machine, but a machine nonetheless--not a boudoir, not some mobile extension of your living room, but a mechanical device." A counterpoint segment complained of the car's relatively high cabin noise, but admired "Mercedes-Benz for having the courage of its convictions," in designing a car that is "purposeful, solidly built, and direct in its responses."

Mercedes-Benz updated the W123 in incremental steps, calling them series:

• Series 0.5, November 1975 – July 1976
• First Series, August 1976 – July 1979
• Second Series, August 1979 – August 1982
• Third Series, September 1982 – January 1986

File:Armaturenbrett W123.jpg

Changes to the second series (from August 1979):

• smaller steering wheel (10 mm) in a more elegant design
• modernized toggle switches with smoother edges (hazard lights, windows, etc.)
• pneumatic headlamp leveling system
• modified belt buckles and smaller headrests
• new fabric patterns for the seats

File:Beifahrerairbag W123.jpg]]

Changes to the third series (from September 1982):

• Rectangular headlights and power steering as standard for entire model range
• Molded front seat backrests for more knee freedom in the rear
• Cloth insert in the door panels
• Zebrano wood paneling in the dashboard
• Reduced wind noise due to improved roof trim strips
• Ventilation outlets are no longer chrome-plated
• Driver's airbag available as optional equipment

For the 1981 model year, the automatic climate control panel from the W126 S-Class with a simplified icon design was adopted. A new five-speed manual gearbox was introduced in February 1982 and was available in all models except those with the 3-litre turbocharged diesel engine but not in North America. This gearbox was only offered to North America via the grey market.

In September 1982, the driver's airbag with seat belt pre-tensioners for the passenger were offered as a 1,762.80 Deutsche Mark option for all models from the 1983 model year onward.{{cite web|url=http://www.meinbenz.de/preislisten/w123_preisliste0982.htm |title=W123 Preisliste Nr. 36 gültig ab 01.09.1982 (W123 Price List Number 36 in effect from 1 September 1982 |language=de}} Very few W123s had both driver and passenger air bags. The passenger air bag used a pyrotechnic gas discharge design, a world's first.{{cite web|url=https://rk.mb-qr.com/de/123.1/ |title=E-Klasse Typ 123 Limousine, 1975 - 1986 |work=Mercedes-Benz |accessdate=11 September 2021 |language=de}}

The W123 was officially produced by FAW in China from 1987 until 1988, as a 200 or as a long-wheelbase 230 E. Only 828 cars were built in their Changchun plant. Another Chinese company called Bamin Automobile manufactured W123 lookalikes using other parts. Bamin was a People's Liberation Army-owned company located in Minhou. Their W123 copy was built on the chassis of the Bamin BM212A/213A, a copy of the Beijing BJ212 and came in a few different bodystyles. There was a four-door pickup called the BM2022A (or the better equipped BM1020KHA) and a wagon derived from it, as well as the BM1020KH/BM6480 (proper station wagons).{{cite web| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190611002134/https://carnewschina.com/2012/10/12/china-car-history-the-benz-like-vehicles-of-bamin-automobile/ | archive-date = 11 June 2019 | url=https://carnewschina.com/2012/10/12/china-car-history-the-benz-like-vehicles-of-bamin-automobile/ |title = China Car History: the Benz-like vehicles of Bamin Automobile | work = Car News China | first = Tycho | last = de Feijter | date = 2012-10-12 }} The Chinese copies used the 2.4-litre BJ492 pushrod inline-four engine from the BJ212.

In these markets, only the following models were offered:Mike Covello: Standard Catalog of Imported Cars 1946–2002. Krause Publications, Iola 2002, {{ISBN|0-87341-605-8}}, p. 539-43.

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• {{Barrett-IBG-MB-2}}
• {{cite book|last1=Buckley|first1=Martin|last2=Cosovich|first2=Mark|title=Mercedes-Benz W123: the Finest Saloon Car of the 20th Century?|date=2014|publisher=Independent Publishing Network|isbn=9781782803720}}
• {{Brooklands-MBRT71}}
• {{cite book |last=Döhmann |first=Lars |title=Mercedes-Benz W 123 |series=Bewegte Zeiten series |year=2021 |publisher=Delius Klasing |location=Bielefeld, Germany |isbn=9783667119650 |language=de}}
• {{Hofner-Schrader-MBA-2}}
• {{MB-Typenkunde-1 |author-mask=7}}
• {{cite book |last1=Kaak |first1=Ulf |title=Mercedes W 123: Typengeschichte und Technik |trans-title=Mercedes W 123: Type History and Technology |date=2013 |publisher=GeraMond |location=München |isbn=9783862457038 |language=de}}
• {{Typenkompass MB-2}}
• {{cite book |last1=Knaack |first1=Ulrich |title=Mercedes-Benz W 123: 1975–1985 |series=Schrader-Typen-Chronik series |date=2006 |publisher=Motorbuch Verlag |location=Stuttgart |isbn=978-3613025585 |language=de}}
• {{Larimer-MBBG}}
• {{cite book |last1=Long |first1=Brian |title=Mercedes-Benz W123-series: 1976-1986 |date=2015 |publisher=Veloce Publishing |location=Dorchester, Dorset, UK |isbn=9781845847920}}
• {{Meredith-MBS}}
• {{Niemann-PvMB}}
• {{Nitske-MB PMB 1946-95}}
• {{Deutsche Autos-4}}
• {{MBPersonenwagen-2|author-mask=7}}
• {{cite book |last1=Parish |first1=Julian |title=Mercedes-Benz W123: All models 1976 to 1986 |series=The Essential Buyer's Guide series |date=2018 |publisher=Veloce Publishing |location=Dorchester, Dorset, UK |isbn=9781845849269 }}
• {{cite book |last1=Rohde |first1=Michael |last2=Sirup |first2=Jens-Peter |title=Mercedes-Benz W 123 |date=2004 |publisher=Heel Verlag |location=Königswinter |isbn=389880254X |language=de}}
• {{Schlegelmilch-M-2013}}
• {{cite book |last1=Storz |first1=Alexander F. |title=Mercedes-Benz W 123 |series=Schrader-Typen-Chronik series |date=2017 |publisher=Motorbuch Verlag |location=Stuttgart |isbn=9783613039575 |language=de}}
• {{cite book |last1=Storz |first1=Alexander F. |title=Mercedes-Benz W 123 Das meistgebaute Modell 1975–1986 |date=2021 |publisher=Motorbuch Verlag |location=Stuttgart |isbn=9783613043701 |language=de|author-mask=9}}
• {{Taylor-MB since 1945-3}}
• {{cite book|last=Taylor|first=James|title=Mercedes-Benz W123: The Complete Story |series=Crowood AutoClassic Series|date=2019|publisher=The Crowood Press|location=Ramsbury, Marlborough, UK|isbn=9781785006050|author-mask=6}}

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• {{cite book |last1=Berghoff |first1=Mischa |title=Mercedes W 123: Profitipps für Pflege und Werterhaltung |trans-title=Mercedes W 123: Professional tips for care and value retention |series=Youngtimer-Pflege series |date=2021 |publisher=Heel Verlag |location=Königswinter, Germany |isbn=9783898806381 |language=de}}
• {{cite book |last=Etzold |first=Rüdiger |title= Mercedes: 200/230/230 E/250/280/280 E – Typ W123 von 1/76 bis 12/84 |series=So wird's gemacht, Band 56 |year=1994 |edition=6th |publisher=Delius Klasing |location=Bielefield, Germany |isbn=3768805581 |language=de}}
• {{cite book |last=Etzold |first=Rüdiger |title=Mercedes Diesel: 200 D / 220 D / 240 D / 300 D von 1/76 bis 12/84 |series=So wird's gemacht, Band 57 |year=1994 |edition=6th |publisher=Delius Klasing |location=Bielefield, Germany |isbn=376880559X |language=de |author-mask=7}}
• {{cite book |last=Korp |first=Dieter |title=Mercedes-Benz: 200 D / 220 D / 240 D / 300 D / 300 TD 1976 bis 1984 |series=Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst series, Band 70 |year=1987 |publisher=Motorbuch Verlag |location=Stuttgart |isbn=3879435758 |language=de}}
• {{cite book |last=Korp |first=Dieter |title=Mercedes-Benz: 200 / 230 /250 ab 1976 |series=Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst series, Band 72 |year=1986 |edition= |publisher=Motorbuch Verlag |location=Stuttgart |isbn=387943607X |language=de |author-mask=6}}
• {{cite book |last=Korp |first=Dieter |title=Mercedes-Benz: 200/230 E ab Juli '80 bis Dez. '84 |series=Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst series, Band 84 |year=c. 1986 |edition= |publisher=Motorbuch Verlag |location=Stuttgart |isbn=3879438633 |language=de |author-mask=6}}
• {{Chilton-MCSW 1974-84}}
• {{cite book |last1=Reetz |first1=Nikolai |title=Perfekte Klassikerpflege Mercedes-Benz W 123 |trans-title=Perfect Classic Care Mercedes-Benz W 123 |date=2020 |publisher=Heel Verlag |location=Königswinter |isbn=9783966641449 |language=de}}
• {{cite book |last=Russek |first=Peter |title=Mercedes-Benz W123 Series 200, 230E, 230CE, 230TE 2.0 and 2.3 Litre From 1980 |series=Pocket Mechanic Vehicle Manual |year=1987 |publisher=Peter Russek Publications |location=Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, UK |isbn=0907779611 }}
• {{cite book |last1=Warren |first1=Larry |last2=Haynes |first2=John H. |title=Mercedes-Benz Diesel 123 1976 thru 1985 Owner's Workshop Manual: 4 & 5 cyl 200D 220D 240D 240TD 300D 300CD 300TD |series=Haynes Service and Repair Manual Series |year=1987 |publisher=Haynes Publishing |location=Sparkford, UK; Newbury Park, Calif., USA |isbn=0856966975 }}
• {{cite book |last1= |first1=|last2= |first2=|last3= |first3= |title=Mercedes Benz 250 & 280 Owner's Workshop Manual: October 1976 to 1984 All models 2525 cc 2746 cc |series=Haynes Service and Repair Manual Series |year=2014 |publisher=Haynes Publishing |location=Sparkford, UK |isbn=9780857337399 }}
• {{cite book |title=Mercedes-Diesel 200 / 220 / 240 / 300 ab 1976 bis 1978 |edition= |series=Reparaturanleitung series, Band 290, 291. |year=2012 |publisher=Verlag Bucheli |location=Zug, Switzerland |isbn=9783716813690 |language=de}}
• {{cite book |title=Mercedes-Benz Serie 123 200 / 230 / 250 / 280 / 280E ab 1976 bis Mai 1980 |edition= |series=Reparaturanleitung series, Band 309. |year=2013 |publisher=Verlag Bucheli |location=Zug, Switzerland |isbn=9783716813904 |language=de}}
• {{cite book |title=Mercedes Serie 123 200 / 230E / 230CE / 230TE ab Juni 1980 |edition= |series=Reparaturanleitung series, Band 788. |year=1988 |publisher=Verlag Bucheli |location=Zug, Switzerland |isbn=3716816701 |language=de}}
• {{cite book |title=Mercedes 250 / 250T / 280E / 280TE / 280CE 1982–1984 |edition= |series=Reparaturanleitung series, Band 853, 854. |year=1985 |publisher=Verlag Bucheli |location=Zug, Switzerland |isbn=3716817139 |language=de}}
• {{cite book |title=Mercedes-Diesel 200D / 240D / 300D und Turbodiesel Serie 123 ab 1979 |edition= |series=Reparaturanleitung series, Band 875, 876, 877. |year=1987 |publisher=Verlag Bucheli |location=Zug, Switzerland |isbn=3716817244 |language=de}}
• {{cite book |title=Mercedes Diesel Serie 123 1976 bis 1978 200D / 220D / 240D / 300D |edition= |series=Reparaturanleitung series, Band 994, 995. |year=1990 |publisher=Verlag Bucheli |location=Zug, Switzerland |isbn=371681783X |language=de}}
• {{cite book |title=Mercedes Diesel Serie 123 ab September 1979 200D / 240D / 240TD / 300D / 300TD /300 Turbodiesel |edition= |series=Reparaturanleitung series, Band 1018. |year=1990 |publisher=Verlag Bucheli |location=Zug, Switzerland |isbn=3716817945 |language=de}}
• {{cite book |title=Mercedes W123 Owners Workshop Manual: 1976–1986 – 200, 230, 230 E, 250, 280, 280E |year=1993 |publisher=Technibooks (distributed by Brooklands Books, UK, and Motorbooks, USA) |location=Bryanston, South Africa |isbn=0620164433 }}
• {{Bentley-MB Technical}}

{{Refend}}

{{Commons category}}

• [https://classicsworld.co.uk/guides/mercedes-benz-w123-buyers-guide/ W123 buyer's guide] – Classics World (UK)
• [http://media.daimler.com/dcmedia/0-921-657475-1-1113116-1-0-0-1113173-0-1-11702-614318-0-1-0-0-0-0-0.html W123 production figures]
• [https://mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com/marsClassic/en/instance/ko/123-series-saloons-1975---1985.xhtml?oid=5087 W123 production information, technical data, and media of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Digital Archive]
• [http://wiki.mercedes-benz-classic.com/index.php/Kategorie:W123/en W123 specifications and prices]

{{Mercedes-Benz vehicles, 1977-1999}}

{{Mercedes-Benz E-Class lineage}}

{{Authority control}}

W123

W123

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Category:Cars introduced in 1976

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Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles