Mercedes-Benz W123 300 D (80 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)
W123 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz W123 (W123). With 172 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.4 l/100km). With a weight of 1450 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 20.8 s). The top speed reaches 143 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Mercedes-Benz W123 was produced before the Euro NCAP crash test program began in 1997, and therefore has no official rating. However, for its era, it was considered a very safe vehicle with a robust chassis and advanced safety features like crumple zones and optional ABS.
300 D (80 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Very relaxed performance, prioritizing comfort and durability over speed.
Fuel Economy
Good fuel economy for a diesel automatic of its size.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Legendary reliability and durability
- • Exceptional ride comfort
- • Timeless, elegant design
- • High build quality and robust engineering
- • Strong classic car appeal and parts availability
- • Spacious and practical interior
Cons:
- • Performance can be modest on lower-spec models
- • Fuel economy varies, older petrol engines can be thirsty
- • Lack of modern safety features (no Euro NCAP rating)
- • Rust can be an issue if not maintained
- • Maintenance costs can be higher for specific parts or specialist work
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W123: January, 1975 - April, 1985).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | W123 |
| Generation: | W123 |
| Modification (Engine): | 300 D (80 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | July, 1975 |
| End of production: | November, 1985 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 80 Hp @ 4000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 26.6 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 172 Nm @ 2400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | OM 617 D 30 / 617.912 More details about the engine OM 617 D 30 / 617.912 |
| Engine displacement: | 3005 |
| Number of cylinders: | 5 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 7.5 l |
| Coolant: | 11 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 91 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 92.4 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 21.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 10.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.8 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 20.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 20.8 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 143 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 18.1 kg/Hp, 55.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.4 kg/Nm, 118.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 19.8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1450 |
| Max. weight: | 1970 |
| Max load: | 520 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 65 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4725 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1786 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1438 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2795 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| 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 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 5.5J x 14 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |








Better than its competitors? Tell us why the Mercedes-Benz W123 stands out.