CCC purchased and is restoring a 1984 300d mercedes w123 long wheelbase sedan Limousine for all of COSTA RICA'S CALL CENTER'S clients. Her name is DAISY.
Richard Blank, the proud owner of a classic Mercedes Limo, wanted a similar customer relationship experience just like the famous REMINGTON STEELE back in the 1980s. Yet, there was a lot of work to do that is still in progress: a custom made wood Art Deco wet bar, new chrome, black interior, killer paint job, limo tint, new rims and restored classic hub caps.
We changed her to an automatic transmission and placed in the best alarm and sound system. Finally, a very special mix of retro style for the personal touch while crusing in style the beautiful costal and city highways of Costa Rica.
(DAISY'S interior the day we bought her and before the restoration)
http://bringatrailer.com/2015/08/18/stretch-1984-mercedes-benz-300d-in-costa-rica/
http://barnfinds.com/limo-face-off-mercedes-300d-vs-ford-granada/
The 1984 Mercedes 300D w123 Limousine offered a unique combination of luxury, exclusivity, economy and reliability that could not possibly be matched by any other brand making it the vehicle of choice by countless diplomats, executives and other such entities. These luxurious Mercedes 300D Long Wheelbase cars still command a strong demand internationally for its high degree of ride comfort and great spaciousness and predictably. Classic 300D Limos join the exclusive vehicle fleet of diplomatic embassies and the era's top celebrities and social elite.
W123 production ended in January, 1986 with 63 final 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).
Mercedes-Benz is celebrating an important anniversary for the W123 family of cars -- the ones known here in the states by names like 240D, 280E and 300TD.
The Mercedes-Benz W123 is a now legendary series of flagship executive vehicles manufactured by Mercedes-Benz from 1975 until 1985 and was a successor to the earlier W114 and W115 series.
From 1977, limited number of Long Wheel Base versions (3,425mm or 134.8") were produced by Mercedes-Benz with a 3.0L straight 5 cylinder (OM617.912) Diesel engine and these stretched sedans would comfortably seat 8 people and could be ordered as either a 240D, 50 or 300D model. The W123 series ended production in January 1986 with over 324,718 W123 series cars being built but with only 4,679 LWB Limousines!
These diesel models are considered to have one of the most reliable engines ever produced and one of the key reasons for Mercedes popularity around the world today as the ultimate long distance and durable touring car with many models still being used around the globe as taxi cabs boasting many hundreds of thousands of miles on the clock.
Mercedes-Benz introduced the W123 four-door versions in January, 1976. 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 W114 / 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 2,525 cc inline-six (Type M123, a short-stroke version of the 2.8 litre six Type M110) that replaced the old 2,496 cc Type M114 "six".
Diesel W123s never die, as the saying goes. They just go into hibernation until the next gas crisis.
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 five-speed manual transmission was available in all models (except the automatic-only 300 turbodiesel).
It was 40 years ago last week that the new sedan premiered before the media at the Paul Ricard Circuit in France, kicking off a successful ten-year production run that would see more than 2.7 million examples roll out of the factories.
The exterior design of the W123 may have been quiet and unassuming, representing a gradual evolution of the well-regarded W114/W115 family of smallish sedans that preceded it combined with styling cues of the larger W116 sedan. But it paved the way for the E-Class as we know it today in addition to proving to be one of the most indestructible cars out there, just like its boxy neighbor from Gothenburg that celebrated its 40th birthday a couple of years ago.
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.
Enthusiasm for the 123 series increased further in 1977 as this was the year in which Mercedes-Benz presented three additional body variants: the coupe, he long-wheelbase saloon, nd for the first time in the brand's history a factory-built estate wagon. In August 1977 Mercedes-Benz introduced the long-wheelbase version of the intermediate class saloon: the wheelbase of the W123 (3.43 metres) was 63 centimetres longer than that of the saloon (2.80 metres). That provided enough space for a third seat bench and made the car a comfortable executive company car or hotel limousine for seven/eight passengers.
W123s are still with us as a readily-seen population of daily drivers on both coasts and everywhere in between, which is the most powerful reminder of their legacy
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. Customers willing to order new cars from their local authorized dealer for the recommended list price faced waiting times in excess of twelve months. Meanwhile, models that were barely used and were available almost immediately commanded a premium over the new price of around DM 5,000.
The Mercedes W123 is a range of executive cars produced by German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz between 1976 and 1985.
The W123 models surpassed their predecessor, the Mercedes-Benz W114 models, as the most successful Mercedes, selling 2.7 million cars before replacement by the Mercedes-Benz W124 after 1985. The additional range of smaller Mercedes-Benz W201 models were introduced in 1982.
Only the 250, 40 D and 300 D models were offered with the long wheelbase. The W123 line was continuously and relentlessly developed and improved and refined throughout its production cycle and by 1985 the series was near perfection and marked perhaps the ultimate expression of Mercedes long renowned and well deserved reputation for build quality, urability and longevity.
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.
Mercedes-Benz introduced the W123 four-door versions on 29 January 1976. 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 W114 / 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 2,525 cc inline-six (Type M123, a short-stroke version of the 2.8-litre six Type M110) that replaced the old 2,496 cc Type M114 "six".
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.
When it debuted in 1976 the W123 offered plenty of new features in addition to Stuttgart's durable brand of luxury, some of them trickling down from the large W116 sedan that would go on to become the S-Class. The W123 featured a double-wishbone front suspension, crumple zones, a collapsible steering column, ABS brakes, a range of economical new engines, and even airbags starting in the 1982 model year.
Despite its imposing proportions and powerful engines, he Long-Wheelbase saloon was not mainly intended as a solely representational vehicle, ather, his rare Long Wheel Base body variant was intended to serve as a sophisticated touring car for several passengers for a variety of upscale purposes and
When it first debuted, the sedan borrowed engines from its W114/W115 predecessors, but it also added a 2.5-liter six-cylinder M123 engine producing 129 hp. In 1978 the powerplant lineup was joined by an engine that became almost synonymous with this midsize sedan: the five-cylinder 300D Turbodiesel.
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 W123 also brought with it a new-for-Benz station wagon bodystyle, a fact that remains underappreciated to this day because of the ubiquity of Mercedes wagons. At the time the mere offering of an estate was a major step for the automaker, one that would also force various coachbuilders that offered station wagon conversions to reexamine their business models.
Mercedes offered the W123 in coupe form as well, with a shorter wheelbase. The coupe actually arrived before the wagons did in 1978, with their assembly taking place at the Bremen factory.
There was also an extra-long-wheelbase sedan with redesigned rear doors and passenger compartment that served as a limousine, primarily favored by embassies and luxury hotels. This version was much more popular overseas, and was positioned as an alternative to the W116 and W126 S-Class models.
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.
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.
In North America, buyers favored diesel engines for upmarket cars, while CAFE legislation meant that Mercedes-Benz North America had to lower their corporate average fuel economy. This led to the introduction of a few diesel models only sold in the United States
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. Customers willing to order new cars from their local authorized dealer for the recommended list price faced waiting times in excess of twelve months. Meanwhile, models that were barely used and were available almost immediately commanded a premium over the new price of around DM 5,000.
In the U.S., the W123 wore a slightly different fascia than in Europe and other markets in addition to much more prominent bumpers, courtesy of federal regulations.
Still, the visual changes were on the mild side compared to some models -- the Peugeot 604, for instance -- and they didn't do much damage to the looks of the sedan. The American-market models have even been exported back to Europe by enthusiasts, as well as to various other countries that had no distribution network.
June 1980 saw the introduction of new four-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.
Production of the W123 ceased in January of 1986, with the W124 E-Class taking over for the model. The W124 would go on to become a legend in its own right, but it never really displaced its predecessor entirely. The W123 remains not only one of the most widely produced cars from Stuttgart but also one of the most important, even though hardly anyone is surprised by their continued presence on the roads in 2016.
From August 1976, long-wheelbase versions (3,425 mm (134.8 in)) were produced.
In 1980/81 the carbureted 280 versions went out of production; the fuel-injected 280E continued to be offered.
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. It was the first factory-built Mercedes-Benz estate, previous estates had been custom-built by external coachbuilders, such as Binz.
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.
W123 introduced innovations including ABS (optional from August, 1980), a retractable steering column and an airbag for the driver (optional from 1982). Power (vacuum servo) assisted disc brakes were standard on all W123s.
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).
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 four-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 five-speed manual transmission was available in all models (except the automatic-only 300 turbodiesel).
W123 production ended in January, 1986 with 63 final 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).
The W123 introduced innovations including ABS (optional from August, 1980), a retractable steering column and an airbag for the driver (optional from 1982). Power (vacuum servo) assisted disc brakes were standard on all W123s.
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).
COSTA RICA'S CALL CENTER'S new location is Barrio Aranjuez. 14,400 SF 3 floor Art Deco building across the street from the Santa Teresita gas station. 2 blocks from the Aduana Antigua Costa Rica.
WWW.OUTSOURCINGTOCOSTARICASCALLCENTER.COM
https://www.facebook.com/groups/23284906585/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYE04hh6BwM&t=96s
CCC purchased and is restoring a 1984 300d mercedes w123 long wheelbase sedan Limousine for all of COSTA RICA'S CALL CENTER'S clients. Her name is DAISY.
Richard Blank, the proud owner of a classic Mercedes Limo, wanted a similar customer relationship experience just like the famous REMINGTON STEELE back in the 1980s. Yet, there was a lot of work to do that is still in progress: a custom made wood Art Deco wet bar, new chrome, black interior, killer paint job, limo tint, new rims and restored classic hub caps.
We changed her to an automatic transmission and placed in the best alarm and sound system. Finally, a very special mix of retro style for the personal touch while crusing in style the beautiful costal and city highways of Costa Rica.
(DAISY'S interior the day we bought her and before the restoration)
http://bringatrailer.com/2015/08/18/stretch-1984-mercedes-benz-300d-in-costa-rica/
http://barnfinds.com/limo-face-off-mercedes-300d-vs-ford-granada/
The 1984 Mercedes 300D w123 Limousine offered a unique combination of luxury, exclusivity, economy and reliability that could not possibly be matched by any other brand making it the vehicle of choice by countless diplomats, executives and other such entities. These luxurious Mercedes 300D Long Wheelbase cars still command a strong demand internationally for its high degree of ride comfort and great spaciousness and predictably. Classic 300D Limos join the exclusive vehicle fleet of diplomatic embassies and the era's top celebrities and social elite.
W123 production ended in January, 1986 with 63 final 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).
Mercedes-Benz is celebrating an important anniversary for the W123 family of cars -- the ones known here in the states by names like 240D, 280E and 300TD.
The Mercedes-Benz W123 is a now legendary series of flagship executive vehicles manufactured by Mercedes-Benz from 1975 until 1985 and was a successor to the earlier W114 and W115 series.
From 1977, limited number of Long Wheel Base versions (3,425mm or 134.8") were produced by Mercedes-Benz with a 3.0L straight 5 cylinder (OM617.912) Diesel engine and these stretched sedans would comfortably seat 8 people and could be ordered as either a 240D, 50 or 300D model. The W123 series ended production in January 1986 with over 324,718 W123 series cars being built but with only 4,679 LWB Limousines!
These diesel models are considered to have one of the most reliable engines ever produced and one of the key reasons for Mercedes popularity around the world today as the ultimate long distance and durable touring car with many models still being used around the globe as taxi cabs boasting many hundreds of thousands of miles on the clock.
Mercedes-Benz introduced the W123 four-door versions in January, 1976. 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 W114 / 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 2,525 cc inline-six (Type M123, a short-stroke version of the 2.8 litre six Type M110) that replaced the old 2,496 cc Type M114 "six".
Diesel W123s never die, as the saying goes. They just go into hibernation until the next gas crisis.
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 five-speed manual transmission was available in all models (except the automatic-only 300 turbodiesel).
It was 40 years ago last week that the new sedan premiered before the media at the Paul Ricard Circuit in France, kicking off a successful ten-year production run that would see more than 2.7 million examples roll out of the factories.
The exterior design of the W123 may have been quiet and unassuming, representing a gradual evolution of the well-regarded W114/W115 family of smallish sedans that preceded it combined with styling cues of the larger W116 sedan. But it paved the way for the E-Class as we know it today in addition to proving to be one of the most indestructible cars out there, just like its boxy neighbor from Gothenburg that celebrated its 40th birthday a couple of years ago.
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.
Enthusiasm for the 123 series increased further in 1977 as this was the year in which Mercedes-Benz presented three additional body variants: the coupe, he long-wheelbase saloon, nd for the first time in the brand's history a factory-built estate wagon. In August 1977 Mercedes-Benz introduced the long-wheelbase version of the intermediate class saloon: the wheelbase of the W123 (3.43 metres) was 63 centimetres longer than that of the saloon (2.80 metres). That provided enough space for a third seat bench and made the car a comfortable executive company car or hotel limousine for seven/eight passengers.
W123s are still with us as a readily-seen population of daily drivers on both coasts and everywhere in between, which is the most powerful reminder of their legacy
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. Customers willing to order new cars from their local authorized dealer for the recommended list price faced waiting times in excess of twelve months. Meanwhile, models that were barely used and were available almost immediately commanded a premium over the new price of around DM 5,000.
The Mercedes W123 is a range of executive cars produced by German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz between 1976 and 1985.
The W123 models surpassed their predecessor, the Mercedes-Benz W114 models, as the most successful Mercedes, selling 2.7 million cars before replacement by the Mercedes-Benz W124 after 1985. The additional range of smaller Mercedes-Benz W201 models were introduced in 1982.
Only the 250, 40 D and 300 D models were offered with the long wheelbase. The W123 line was continuously and relentlessly developed and improved and refined throughout its production cycle and by 1985 the series was near perfection and marked perhaps the ultimate expression of Mercedes long renowned and well deserved reputation for build quality, urability and longevity.
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.
Mercedes-Benz introduced the W123 four-door versions on 29 January 1976. 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 W114 / 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 2,525 cc inline-six (Type M123, a short-stroke version of the 2.8-litre six Type M110) that replaced the old 2,496 cc Type M114 "six".
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.
When it debuted in 1976 the W123 offered plenty of new features in addition to Stuttgart's durable brand of luxury, some of them trickling down from the large W116 sedan that would go on to become the S-Class. The W123 featured a double-wishbone front suspension, crumple zones, a collapsible steering column, ABS brakes, a range of economical new engines, and even airbags starting in the 1982 model year.
Despite its imposing proportions and powerful engines, he Long-Wheelbase saloon was not mainly intended as a solely representational vehicle, ather, his rare Long Wheel Base body variant was intended to serve as a sophisticated touring car for several passengers for a variety of upscale purposes and
When it first debuted, the sedan borrowed engines from its W114/W115 predecessors, but it also added a 2.5-liter six-cylinder M123 engine producing 129 hp. In 1978 the powerplant lineup was joined by an engine that became almost synonymous with this midsize sedan: the five-cylinder 300D Turbodiesel.
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 W123 also brought with it a new-for-Benz station wagon bodystyle, a fact that remains underappreciated to this day because of the ubiquity of Mercedes wagons. At the time the mere offering of an estate was a major step for the automaker, one that would also force various coachbuilders that offered station wagon conversions to reexamine their business models.
Mercedes offered the W123 in coupe form as well, with a shorter wheelbase. The coupe actually arrived before the wagons did in 1978, with their assembly taking place at the Bremen factory.
There was also an extra-long-wheelbase sedan with redesigned rear doors and passenger compartment that served as a limousine, primarily favored by embassies and luxury hotels. This version was much more popular overseas, and was positioned as an alternative to the W116 and W126 S-Class models.
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.
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.
In North America, buyers favored diesel engines for upmarket cars, while CAFE legislation meant that Mercedes-Benz North America had to lower their corporate average fuel economy. This led to the introduction of a few diesel models only sold in the United States
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. Customers willing to order new cars from their local authorized dealer for the recommended list price faced waiting times in excess of twelve months. Meanwhile, models that were barely used and were available almost immediately commanded a premium over the new price of around DM 5,000.
In the U.S., the W123 wore a slightly different fascia than in Europe and other markets in addition to much more prominent bumpers, courtesy of federal regulations.
Still, the visual changes were on the mild side compared to some models -- the Peugeot 604, for instance -- and they didn't do much damage to the looks of the sedan. The American-market models have even been exported back to Europe by enthusiasts, as well as to various other countries that had no distribution network.
June 1980 saw the introduction of new four-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.
Production of the W123 ceased in January of 1986, with the W124 E-Class taking over for the model. The W124 would go on to become a legend in its own right, but it never really displaced its predecessor entirely. The W123 remains not only one of the most widely produced cars from Stuttgart but also one of the most important, even though hardly anyone is surprised by their continued presence on the roads in 2016.
From August 1976, long-wheelbase versions (3,425 mm (134.8 in)) were produced.
In 1980/81 the carbureted 280 versions went out of production; the fuel-injected 280E continued to be offered.
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. It was the first factory-built Mercedes-Benz estate, previous estates had been custom-built by external coachbuilders, such as Binz.
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.
W123 introduced innovations including ABS (optional from August, 1980), a retractable steering column and an airbag for the driver (optional from 1982). Power (vacuum servo) assisted disc brakes were standard on all W123s.
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).
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 four-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 five-speed manual transmission was available in all models (except the automatic-only 300 turbodiesel).
W123 production ended in January, 1986 with 63 final 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).
The W123 introduced innovations including ABS (optional from August, 1980), a retractable steering column and an airbag for the driver (optional from 1982). Power (vacuum servo) assisted disc brakes were standard on all W123s.
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).
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