Mercedes-Benz W123 230 (109 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 186 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1350 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 13.9 s). The top speed reaches 165 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.
230 (109 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Sufficient performance for daily tasks, offering a smooth but not exciting ride.
Fuel Economy
Moderate fuel economy for a carbureted petrol automatic.
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): | 230 (109 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | July, 1975 |
| End of production: | August, 1980 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 109 Hp @ 4800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 47.2 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 186 Nm @ 3000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 115 V 23 / 115.954 More details about the engine M 115 V 23 / 115.954 |
| Engine displacement: | 2307 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6 l |
| Coolant: | 10 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 93.75 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 83.6 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 15.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 10.2 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 13.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 13.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 165 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.4 kg/Hp, 80.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.3 kg/Nm, 137.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 13.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1350 |
| Max. weight: | 1870 |
| 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 | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 5.5J x 14 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |











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