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Mercedes-Benz W123 C123 280 CE (185 Hp)
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz W123:
The Mercedes-Benz W123 is a range of executive cars produced by German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz from November 1975 to January 1986. The W123 models surpassed their predecessor, the Mercedes-Benz W114, as the most successful Mercedes-Benz, selling 2. 7 million units before production ended in the autumn of 1985 for the saloon/sedan versions and January 1986 for coupés and estates/station wagons.
Following a slow production build-up during the first year, customers who placed their orders faced a lengthy waiting period of nine to twelve months. A black market emerged for the customers who were willing to pay more for immediate delivery. The slightly used W123 commanded about 5,000 Deutsche Mark premium over its original sale price....(Read more on Wikipedia)
C123 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz W123 (C123). With 240 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1460 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.9 s). The top speed reaches 200 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Mercedes-Benz W123 C123 was produced before Euro NCAP testing began in 1997, therefore no official rating is available. However, it was built to high safety standards for its era.
280 CE (185 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The most potent petrol option, delivering spirited performance and a truly engaging driving experience with the manual gearbox.
Fuel Economy
Decent fuel economy for a performance-oriented six-cylinder, especially when driven carefully.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Legendary build quality and durability, often lasting for decades.
- • Exceptional ride comfort and smooth handling, typical of Mercedes-Benz.
- • Timeless and elegant design, highly sought after by classic car enthusiasts.
- • Strong reliability when properly maintained, known for its robust engineering.
- • High level of refinement and luxury for its era.
Cons:
- • Performance can be modest, especially in lower-powered petrol and naturally aspirated diesel variants.
- • Fuel economy is generally poor by modern standards, particularly for carbureted petrol engines.
- • Susceptibility to rust, especially in areas like wheel arches and sills, if not properly cared for.
- • Maintenance and parts can be expensive, though many components are still available.
- • Lack of modern safety features and driver aids.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(S123: 1977 - 1979).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | W123 |
| Generation: | C123 |
| Modification (Engine): | 280 CE (185 Hp) |
| Start of production: | April, 1978 |
| End of production: | August, 1985 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 185 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 67.4 Hp/l [worst than previous generation] |
| Torque: | 240 Nm @ 4500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 110 E 28 / 110.984 More details about the engine M 110 E 28 / 110.984 |
| Engine displacement: | 2746 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 7 l |
| Coolant: | 10 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 86 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 78.8 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 15 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.3 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 200 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.9 kg/Hp, 126.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.1 kg/Nm, 164.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1460 |
| Max. weight: | 1980 |
| Max load: | 520 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 80 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4640 mm |
| Width: | 1786 mm |
| Height: | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2710 mm |
| Front track: | 1488 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1446 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 195/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 6J x 14 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Mercedes-Benz W123!