Mercedes-Benz W123 S123 280 TE (177 Hp)


Overall Rating

8.5 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.0 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 4.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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)

S123 Overview:

Mercedes-Benz W123 (S123). With 234 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1560 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 10.2 s). The top speed reaches 200 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Mercedes-Benz W123/S123 generation was produced before Euro NCAP testing began in 1997 and was not officially rated. While built with robust materials for its era, its safety features are rudimentary by modern standards.

280 TE (177 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 5 stars

Performance Verdict

Slightly less powerful than the 185 hp version, but still offers excellent performance and refinement from the M110 engine, especially with a manual.

Fuel Economy

Similar fuel consumption characteristics to the 185 hp variant; a powerful engine for its time, so not the most economical.

Best Use Case: Performance / Highway cruising

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional build quality and durability
  • • Timeless, elegant design
  • • Comfortable and refined ride
  • • Strong reliability and longevity
  • • Good parts availability for a classic

Cons:

  • • Many engines are underpowered by modern standards
  • • Fuel economy can be poor on older petrol models
  • • Rust can be an issue if not maintained
  • • Safety features are outdated
  • • Maintenance costs can be higher for specific parts

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W123: October, 1982 - August, 1985).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:W123
Generation:S123
Modification (Engine):280 TE (177 Hp)
Start of production:September, 1977
End of production:April, 1978
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Station wagon (estate)
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:177 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:64.5 Hp/l [123mm less]
Torque:234 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:8.7:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:17.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:9.8 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:10.2 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:10.2 sec
Maximum speed:200 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:8.8 kg/Hp, 113.5 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.7 kg/Nm, 150 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:9.7 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1560
Max. weight:2180
Max load:620
Fuel tank capacity:80 l
Size:
Length:4725 mm [123mm less]
Width:1786 mm [Same width.]
Height:1470 mm [32mm more]
Wheelbase:2795 mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1488 mm
Rear (Back) track:1453 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc
Rear brakesDisc
Steering typeCone worm with recirculation balls
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires sizeFront wheel tires: 195/70 R14
Wheel rims sizeFront wheel rims: 6J x 14
Front suspensionDouble wishbone
Rear suspensionTrailing arm

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