Mercedes-Benz W123 C123 300 CD (84 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

7.7 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 2.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.2 / 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)

C123 Overview:

Mercedes-Benz W123 (C123). With 163 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1550 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 19.2 s). The top speed reaches 150 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.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
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 (84 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 2 stars

Performance Verdict

Very modest acceleration, prioritizing durability and exceptional fuel economy over speed. A true workhorse.

Fuel Economy

Good fuel economy (8.7 l/100 km), making it a practical and economical choice for daily driving.

Best Use Case: City / Economical Cruising

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: September, 1978 - November, 1985).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:W123
Generation:C123
Modification (Engine):300 CD (84 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:September, 1979
End of production:August, 1981
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Coupe
Seats:4
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:84 Hp @ 4200 rpm.
Power per litre:28 Hp/l
Torque:163 Nm @ 2400 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:OM 617 D 30 / 617.912 [Same engine] More details about the engine OM 617 D 30 / 617.912
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:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:7.5 l
Coolant:11 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:90.91 mm
Piston Stroke:92.41 mm
Compression ratio:21.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:8.7 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:19.2 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:19.2 sec
Maximum speed:150 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:18.5 kg/Hp, 54.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:9.5 kg/Nm, 105.2 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:18.2 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1550
Max. weight:2015
Max load:465
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 ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
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

Real owners, real reviews. Tell us about your Mercedes-Benz W123.