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Photo of a Mercedes-Benz W123

Mercedes-Benz W123

So wanted, nearly new W123s fetched about DM 5,000 above their original price.1

Researched October 30, 2026 from 39 sources

Also called

  • Last real BenzUsed by the car's enthusiast community.2
  • Good uncleAn editorial nickname in German, meaning 'good uncle'.2

At a glance

0100200
54–182 hpPower
01,0002,000
1,340–1,746 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.11011

Engine
Gasoline: 2.0–2.8 L I4/I6; diesel: 2.0–3.0 L I4/I5, including turbos110
Layout
Front-engine, rear-wheel drive1
Gearbox
4-speed manual/automatic; 5-speed manual for Europe from 19821
Built at
Sindelfingen/Bremen/Stuttgart, Germany; East London, South Africa1
Units built
About 2.7m: 2,375,440 sedans; 99,884 coupes; 199,517 wagons; 13,700 limos467

The story

A 1968 brief demanded more safety, comfort, and easier servicing. The family answered with a stronger passenger cell and a corrugated steering-column link that could buckle sideways in a crash.34

1968: Safety drives the development brief19681973: Geiger's design is finalized19731976: January launch sells out year one19761977: Coupe, limousine, first factory wagon · 280 E takes a London–Sydney 1–219771978: Bremen starts building the wagon19781980: M102 gas engines and the turbo wagon19801982: Airbag option, standard power steering19821986: Bremen wagons bow out in January1986 Mercedes-Benz 170 V (W136): 1935–1955W136Mercedes-Benz 180/190 Ponton (W120/W121): 1953–1962Mercedes-Benz Fintail (W110): 1961–1968W110Mercedes-Benz Stroke Eight (W114/W115): 1968–1976Mercedes-Benz W123 (W123): 1975–1986W123Mercedes-Benz W124 (W124): 1984–1997W124 194019501960197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones145716171819
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1935–1955Mercedes-Benz 170 V (W136)
1953–1962Mercedes-Benz 180/190 Ponton (W120/W121)
1961–1968Mercedes-Benz Fintail (W110)
1968–1976Mercedes-Benz Stroke Eight (W114/W115)
1975–1986Mercedes-Benz W123 (W123)
1984–1997Mercedes-Benz W124 (W124)
1968Safety drives the development brief
1973Geiger's design is finalized
1976January launch sells out year one
1977Coupe, limousine, first factory wagon
1977280 E takes a London–Sydney 1–2
1978Bremen starts building the wagon
1980M102 gas engines and the turbo wagon
1982Airbag option, standard power steering
1986Bremen wagons bow out in January
  1. 1968

    Safety drives the development brief

    Safety, comfort, and easier servicing shape the brief. The finished chassis uses zero-scrub-radius double wishbones to limit wheel deflection under braking.3

  2. 1973

    Geiger's design is finalized

    Friedrich Geiger heads styling when the design is finalized. Bruno Sacco later becomes design chief, with the wagon his first car in that role.15

  3. 1976

    January launch sells out year one

    Sedans launch in January after a November 1975 production start. First-year output sells out; buyers wait nine to twelve months.13

  4. 1977

    Coupe, limousine, first factory wagon

    March's coupe has an 85 mm shorter wheelbase than the sedan; August adds a 7–8-seat limo, and September the first factory wagon.467

  5. 1977

    280 E takes a London–Sydney 1–2

    Andrew Cowan wins on September 28; Anthony Fowkes finishes second. The rally sedans replace their bumpers with tough sand plates.8

  6. 1978

    Bremen starts building the wagon

    Factory wagon production begins in April at Bremen, with hydropneumatic rear self-leveling as standard.7

  7. 1980

    M102 gas engines and the turbo wagon

    New M102 gasoline fours give the 200 107 hp and the 230 E 134 hp. October starts 300 TD Turbodiesel production; ABS becomes optional in August.1347

  8. 1982

    Airbag option, standard power steering

    Outside the US, January adds an airbag option. September's facelift expands rectangular headlamps and makes power steering standard.349

  9. 1986

    Bremen wagons bow out in January

    Coupes end in August 1985, sedans in November, wagons in January 1986. Overseas assembly includes Samut Prakarn, Thailand, and Changchun, China (1987–1988).1467

Every generation

  • Mercedes-Benz 170 V
    W1361935–1955
  • Mercedes-Benz 180/190 Ponton
    W120/W1211953–1962
  • Mercedes-Benz Fintail
    W1101961–1968
  • Mercedes-Benz Stroke Eight
    W114/W1151968–1976
  • Mercedes-Benz W123
    W1231975–1986
  • Mercedes-Benz W124
    W1241984–1997

Power over the years

From 54 hp to 182 hp in 2 years.

050100150200 1976197819801982 hp 1976 · 54 hp · 200 D, launch1976 · 93 hp · 200, M115 four-cylinder1976 · 127 hp · 250, new M123 six-cylinder1976 · 175 hp · 280 E, M110 injection1978 · 71 hp · 240 D upgrade: 64 to 71 hp1978 · 182 hp · 280 E upgrade: 175 to 182 hp1979 · 59 hp · 200 D upgrade: 54 to 59 hp1979 · 87 hp · 300 D upgrade: 79 to 87 hp1980 · 123 hp · 300 TD Turbodiesel, German launch1980 · 134 hp · 230 E, new M102 injection1981 · 120 hp · 300TD Turbo, US test: 13.2 s to 60 mph1982 · 120 hp · 300CD Turbo, US test: 12.0 s to 60 mph 182 hp 280 E upgrade: 175 to 182 hp 54 hp 200 D, launch
131112
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
197654200 D, launch
197693200, M115 four-cylinder
1976127250, new M123 six-cylinder
1976175280 E, M110 injection
197871240 D upgrade: 64 to 71 hp
1978182280 E upgrade: 175 to 182 hp
197959200 D upgrade: 54 to 59 hp
197987300 D upgrade: 79 to 87 hp
1980123300 TD Turbodiesel, German launch
1980134230 E, new M102 injection
1981120300TD Turbo, US test: 13.2 s to 60 mph
1982120300CD Turbo, US test: 12.0 s to 60 mph

Versions

10 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    240 D sedan

    1976–1985

    448,986 built

  • 200 D / 220 D / 300 D sedans

    Standard

    200 D / 220 D / 300 D sedans

  • 200 / 230 / 250 sedans

    Standard

    200 / 230 / 250 sedans

  • 230 E sedan

    Standard

    230 E sedan

    1980–1985

    134 hp

    245,588 built

  • S123 T wagons

    Standard

    S123 T wagons

    1978–1986

    199,517 built

  • 300 D Turbodiesel sedan

    Standard

    300 D Turbodiesel sedan

    1981–1985

    123 hp

    75,261 built

  • V123 Lang: 250, 240 D and 300 D

    Special

    V123 Lang: 250, 240 D and 300 D

    1977–1985

    13,700 built

  • F123/VF123 coachbuilding chassis

    Special

    F123/VF123 coachbuilding chassis

    8,373 built

  • Special

    AMG, Brabus and Lorinser conversions

  • Special

    Crayford St Tropez / Niko-Michaels convertibles

How to spot one

Look for

  • Wide, ribbed taillights are a key part of the rear view.1
  • North American cars pair round sealed-beam headlights with large impact bumpers.19
  • TD identifies a diesel wagon; a separate TURBODIESEL badge on the right identifies turbocharging.19

Year by year

  1. 1980 (wagons)

    Wagon badges expanded: 230 TE in June, 300 TD Turbodiesel in October and 200 T in November.7

  2. 1980 (North America)

    Fog-lamp lenses changed from clear to yellow.19

  3. 1980 (US)

    Bundt alloy wheels became standard except on the 240 D.9

  4. 1981 (US sedans)

    The 300 D and 280 E lost Bundt alloy wheels from their standard equipment.9

  5. September 1982

    Rectangular headlamps spread to lesser models outside North America; cowl grilles turned black and A-pillar trim changed.137

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Mercedes-Benz W123
    W123
    Photo of a Mercedes-Benz W116 S-Class
    Mercedes-Benz W116 S-Class

    Mercedes-Benz W116 S-Class

    The W116 is larger; its horizontal headlights and ribbed taillights inspired the W123, so use overall size as the clue.13

Against its rivals

  • BMW 323i (E21)

    W123 vs BMW 323i (E21)

    0–100 km/h lower is better

    W12312.3 s
    BMW 323i (E21)9.5 s
    20
  • Opel Ascona 400

    W123 vs Opel Ascona 400

    0–100 km/h lower is better

    W12312.3 s
    Opel Ascona 4008.8 s
    20

Prices

Value today $3.0K–$20.0K323334

Price when newAuction saleValue todayPrices on a log scale
$1K$10K$100K$1M 19801990200020102020 Value today: $3,000–$20,000 1981 · $31,373 · US base, 300TD Turbo1981 · $32,455 · US as tested, 300TD Turbo1982 · $32,300 · US est. as tested, 300CD Turbo 2025 · $3,000 · 1983 240D 4-speed, 344k miles shown, BaT2025 · $3,600 · 1980 280E, 172k miles shown, BaT2025 · $16,000 · 1978 280CE, 118k miles shown, BaT2025 · $8,950 · 1977 240D, 131k miles shown, BaT2026 · $6,900 · 1977 240D, 54k miles shown, salvage title, BaT2026 · $8,700 · 1980 280CE, 102k miles shown, refurbished, BaT2026 · $33,123 · 1985 300 TD Turbo, 155,000 miles, Bring a Trailer2026 · $12,250 · 1985 300TD Turbo, 535k miles shown, BaT2026 · $252,000 · 1979 280 TE, about 3,790 miles, unrestored, Gooding Christie’s2026 · $37,000 · 1981 300 TD Turbo, 70,000 miles, The MB Market2026 · $35,000 · 1982 300 TD Turbo, 118,000 miles, Bring a Trailer2026 · $33,000 · 1983 300 TD Turbo, about 7,000 miles, Bring a Trailer2026 · $5,100 · 1985 300D Turbo, 134k miles shown, TMU, BaT2026 · $79,666 · 1980 280CE, 10k miles shown, BaT2026 · $20,000 · 1985 300CD Turbo, 92k miles shown, BaT2026 · $18,000 · 1985 300TD Turbo, 160k miles shown, TMU, BaT $252.0K Gooding Christie’s, 2026
1111225262930313233343536373839
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1981Price when new$31,373US base, 300TD Turbo
1981Price when new$32,455US as tested, 300TD Turbo
1982Price when new$32,300US est. as tested, 300CD Turbo
2025Auction sale$3,0001983 240D 4-speed, 344k miles shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$3,6001980 280E, 172k miles shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$16,0001978 280CE, 118k miles shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$8,9501977 240D, 131k miles shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$6,9001977 240D, 54k miles shown, salvage title, BaT
2026Auction sale$8,7001980 280CE, 102k miles shown, refurbished, BaT
2026Auction sale$33,1231985 300 TD Turbo, 155,000 miles, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$12,2501985 300TD Turbo, 535k miles shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$252,0001979 280 TE, about 3,790 miles, unrestored, Gooding Christie’s
2026Auction sale$37,0001981 300 TD Turbo, 70,000 miles, The MB Market
2026Auction sale$35,0001982 300 TD Turbo, 118,000 miles, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$33,0001983 300 TD Turbo, about 7,000 miles, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$5,1001985 300D Turbo, 134k miles shown, TMU, BaT
2026Auction sale$79,6661980 280CE, 10k miles shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$20,0001985 300CD Turbo, 92k miles shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$18,0001985 300TD Turbo, 160k miles shown, TMU, BaT
2026Value today$3,000–$20,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 10 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “280 E crews took first and second at London–Sydney”
    • “280 E went from South America back to the Safari”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 6 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 39 sources
  1. Mercedes-Benz W123 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. Mercedes W123: Classic Cars autozeitung.de
  3. Model history: the saloons of the Mercedes-Benz 123 series - Mercedes 500SEC.com 500sec.com
  4. 123 series saloons, 1975 - 1985 mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com
  5. Former Mercedes-Benz chief designer Bruno Sacco has passed away media.mercedes-benz.be
  6. 123 series coupés, 1977 - 1985 mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com
  7. 123 series estates, 1978 - 1986 mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com
  8. 40 years ago: Mercedes-Benz 280E conquers “London–Sydney” - MercedesHeritage mercedesheritage.com
  9. The 1976-86 Mercedes “W123 body” E-Class – Possibly The Best Car Benz Has Ever Made | CLASSIC CARS TODAY ONLINE classiccarstodayonline.com
  10. Mercedes-Benz Baureihe 123 – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  11. 1981 Mercedes-Benz 300TD Turbo Diesel Is a Quantum Leap caranddriver.com
  12. Tested: 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300CD Turbo-Diesel Coupe caranddriver.com
  13. 240 D mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com
  14. Mercedes W123 Buying Guide motorious.com
  15. Mercedes W123 – som cabriolet! | Klassiker klassiker.nu
  16. Mercedes-Benz W136 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  17. Mercedes-Benz W120/W121 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  18. Mercedes-Benz W110 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  19. Mercedes-Benz W114/W115 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  20. BMW 323i/Mercedes 230 E/Opel Ascona 400: Mittelklasse-Duell autozeitung.de
  21. Mercedes 280 E – 1978 – Gr. 2 – Andreas Bayer – Original – Slowlysideways slowlysideways.de
  22. Merci Dix — John C Silcox johncsilcox.com
  23. Sex Education cast and their cars carmoola.co.uk
  24. 1982 Mercedes-Benz W123 review: Retro Road Test retromotor.co.uk
  25. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 TE Wagon | Gooding Christie’s goodingco.com
  26. A $252,000 W123 Wagon Priced One Car, Not the Market | MCC moderncarcollector.com
  27. Mercedes W123 Diesel Pre-Purchase Inspection - iFixit Repair Guide ifixit.com
  28. 1979–85 Mercedes 300TD Wagons Have One Flaw, But There's a Fix caranddriver.com
  29. No Reserve: 1977 Mercedes-Benz 240D for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,900 on February 21, 2026 (Lot #230,846) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. No Reserve: 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280CE for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,700 on July 16, 2026 (Lot #252,592) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. Single-Family-Owned, 535k-Mile 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300TD Turbo for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $12,250 on August 13, 2026 (Lot #257,580) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. No Reserve: 1983 Mercedes-Benz 240D 4-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $3,000 on June 21, 2025 (Lot #197,227) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve: 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300CD Turbo for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $20,000 on October 24, 2026 (Lot #270,359) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. 10k-Mile 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280CE for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $79,666 on April 14, 2026 (Lot #237,833) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. No Reserve: 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280E for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $3,600 on May 26, 2025 (Lot #193,329) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. No Reserve: 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300D Turbo for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $5,100 on October 8, 2026 (Lot #267,382) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  37. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280CE for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $16,000 on June 24, 2025 (Lot #197,581) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  38. No Reserve: 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300TD Turbo for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $18,000 on March 18, 2026 (Lot #233,958) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  39. No Reserve: 1977 Mercedes-Benz 240D for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,950 on July 11, 2025 (Lot #200,039) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • autozeitung.de
  • 500sec.com
  • mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com
  • media.mercedes-benz.be
  • mercedesheritage.com
  • classiccarstodayonline.com
  • de.wikipedia.org
  • caranddriver.com
  • motorious.com
  • klassiker.nu
  • slowlysideways.de
  • johncsilcox.com
  • carmoola.co.uk

Photo credits

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