Mercedes-Benz history · 1976–1986
Mercedes-Benz W123 history: the 300D, 240D and the car that sold 2.7 million
By CarWhere Research · Updated
The Mercedes-Benz W 123 replaced the "Stroke Eight" in January 1976 and became one of the brand's best-selling ranges: almost 2.7 million saloons, coupes and estates in ten years, 2,375,440 of them saloons. Its diesel 240 D and 300 D — 324,718 300 D saloons alone — built its reputation for longevity.
W 123 history
Presented to the press in January 1976, the 123 series ranged from a 55 hp 2.0-liter diesel to a 185 hp 2.8-liter six. It borrowed the S-Class's semi-trailing-arm rear axle and a double-wishbone front suspension, and debuted the safety steering column with a corrugated tube that buckles in a crash.
A coupe arrived at Geneva in March 1977 and the first Mercedes-built estate, the T-model, at Frankfurt in September 1977. The 300 TD Turbodiesel estate of 1980 was the first turbocharged Mercedes passenger car sold in Germany; turbodiesel saloons and coupes followed in August 1981, exclusively for North America.
Saloon production ended in November 1985 and estates in January 1986.[1],[2]
Years and production numbers
Key variants
| Model | Engine | Output | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 240 D | 2.4-liter four-cylinder diesel | 72 hp from August 1978 | Also in long-wheelbase and estate (240 TD) form |
| 300 D | 3.0-liter five-cylinder diesel (OM 617) | 80 hp; 88 hp from 09.1979 | 324,718 saloons |
| 300 TD Turbodiesel | 3.0-liter five-cylinder turbodiesel | 125 hp | Estate, series production from October 1980 |
| 300 D Turbodiesel / 300 CD Turbodiesel | 3.0-liter five-cylinder turbodiesel | — | Saloon and coupe from August 1981, North America only |
Engine and drivetrain facts
- The 280 and 280 E were the top petrol models; the 280 E reached 185 hp from April 1978.
- In June 1980 new M 102 four-cylinder petrol engines (109 hp 2.0-liter and 136 hp 2.3-liter injection) replaced older units with about 10% lower fuel consumption.
- Estates came standard with hydropneumatic self-leveling rear suspension.
What changed, year by year
- 1976Saloon launch (200 D to 280 E).
- 1977Coupe (230 C, 280 C, 280 CE), long-wheelbase saloons, T-model estate shown.
- 1978–1979Power increases (280 E, 240 D, 300 D).
- 1980–1981Turbodiesel estate, then North America-only turbodiesel saloon and coupe.
- 1982Facelift: rectangular headlamps across the range.
- 1985–1986Saloons end November 1985; estates January 1986.
What to check before you buy one
- Check carefully for rust: wheel arches, jacking points, front crossmember and under the rear window seal.
- On estates, test the hydropneumatic self-leveling rear suspension.
- On diesels, check cold starting, glow plugs and blow-by; the OM 617 is durable but needs maintenance records.
- Confirm the model by build record — 240 D, 300 D and turbodiesel badges are often swapped.
How to verify the factory options of any W 123
For 1981–1986 W 123s, the factory data card by VIN lists paint, interior and every option code.
W 123s from model year 1981 on have 17-character VINs; 1976–1980 cars predate the standard. Original records for earlier cars come from Mercedes-Benz Classic.[4],[5]
W 123 data card by VIN (1981 and later)
CarWhere decodes the Mercedes-Benz data card — the factory option codes, paint and upholstery a specific car was built with — from licensed VIN-level build data, when it exists for that VIN.
Free availability check first · $9.99 one-time only if detailed build data exists for the VIN · no subscription
Frequently asked questions
How many Mercedes W123 were made?
Almost 2.7 million in ten years, according to Mercedes-Benz Classic, including 2,375,440 saloons and 199,517 estates.
How many 300D W123 were made?
Mercedes-Benz Classic lists 324,718 units of the 300 D saloon, built from February 1976 to November 1985.
What is the difference between the 240D and 300D?
The 240 D has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder diesel (72 hp from August 1978); the 300 D a 3.0-liter five-cylinder diesel (80 hp, 88 hp from September 1979).
Was there a turbo W123?
Yes. The 300 TD Turbodiesel estate entered series production in October 1980 with 125 hp, and turbodiesel saloons and coupes followed in August 1981 for North America only.
What years is the W123?
January 1976 to November 1985 for saloons, and to January 1986 for estates.
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Sources
Production figures and dates come from Mercedes-Benz Group, Mercedes-Benz Classic and Mercedes-Benz USA material wherever available; auction figures are public results from the auction house. Market medians are CarWhere's own analysis of live US dealer listings from licensed vehicle-data providers.
- 123 series saloons, 1975–1985 — Mercedes-Benz Classic archive
- 123 series estates, 1978–1986 — Mercedes-Benz Classic archive
- 300 D (W 123) — technical data and production — Mercedes-Benz Classic archive
- 49 CFR Part 565 — Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) requirements — eCFR (U.S. Government)
- Mercedes-Benz Ponton Data Cards (how to request a data card copy from the Classic Center) — International Ponton Owners Group (mbzponton.org) (secondary reference)
Independent reference compiled by CarWhere Research — not affiliated with or endorsed by Mercedes-Benz Group AG or Mercedes-Benz USA. Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, AMG and the model names are trademarks of their owner.