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Mercedes-Benz W123 C123 300 CD Turbodiesel (121 Hp) Automatic
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 230 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1625 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 14 s). The top speed reaches 165 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.
300 CD Turbodiesel (121 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Strong torque for a diesel of its time, providing effortless cruising and good highway manners.
Fuel Economy
Very good fuel economy for a large coupe, making it an excellent long-distance tourer.
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(W123: July, 1975 - September, 1979).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | W123 |
| Generation: | C123 |
| Modification (Engine): | 300 CD Turbodiesel (121 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | July, 1981 |
| End of production: | October, 1982 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 121 Hp @ 4350 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 40.4 Hp/l [38mm more] |
| Torque: | 230 Nm @ 2400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | OM 617 D 30 A / 617.952 More details about the engine OM 617 D 30 A / 617.952 |
| Engine displacement: | 2998 |
| Number of cylinders: | 5 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 9.5 l |
| Coolant: | 11 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 90.9 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 92.4 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 21.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 14 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 14 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 165 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 13.4 kg/Hp, 74.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.1 kg/Nm, 141.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 13.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1625 |
| Max. weight: | 2080 |
| Max load: | 455 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 80 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4763 mm [38mm more] |
| Width: | 1786 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1395 mm [43mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2710 mm [85mm less] |
| 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 | Automatic |
| 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 |
What’s the best feature of the Mercedes-Benz W123? Tell us in the comments!