The Mercedes-Benz W123, produced from July 1975 to July 1981, represents a pivotal generation in the lineage of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Positioned as a mid-size executive car, the W123 succeeded the W114 and W115 models, establishing a new benchmark for safety, build quality, and refinement in its segment. The 280 model, equipped with a 2.8-liter inline-six engine and automatic transmission, was a popular choice, offering a balance of performance and luxury. The W123 was not initially sold in the United States, but its successor, the W124, would become a significant presence in the American market.
The Mercedes-Benz W123 280: A Legacy of Engineering
The W123 was a significant departure from its predecessors, incorporating advancements in engineering and design. It was lauded for its robust construction, comfortable ride, and advanced (for the time) safety features. The 280 variant, with its larger engine, provided a more spirited driving experience compared to the four-cylinder models. The car’s enduring reputation for reliability has made it a sought-after classic among enthusiasts.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the W123 280 is the M 110 V 28 / 110.923, a 2.8-liter (2746 cm3 or 167.57 cu. in.) inline-six cylinder engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 156 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 223 Nm (164.48 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine features a compression ratio of 8.7:1 and utilizes a carburettor fuel injection system. Power per liter is rated at 56.8 Hp/l. The engine’s longitudinal front-mounted layout contributes to the car’s balanced handling. Paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission, the 280 achieves a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 11.3 seconds and a 0-60 mph time of 10.7 seconds. Its maximum speed is 185 km/h (114.95 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 9.3 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 6.5 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The W123 is a four-door sedan with a classic, understated design. Its clean lines and elegant proportions embody the Mercedes-Benz aesthetic of the era. The car seats five passengers comfortably. Safety was a key consideration in the W123’s design, featuring crumple zones, a reinforced passenger cell, and disc brakes on all four wheels. The suspension system utilizes a double wishbone setup at the front and a trailing arm configuration at the rear, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. Power steering, utilizing a hydraulic system, was standard. The car rides on 195/70 R14 tires mounted on 6J x 14 inch wheel rims. Interior appointments focused on comfort and durability, with high-quality materials and a functional layout. While not boasting the advanced infotainment systems of modern vehicles, the W123 offered a refined and comfortable driving experience for its time.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | W123 |
| Generation | W123 |
| Type (Engine) | 280 (156 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | July, 1975 |
| End of production | July, 1981 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 17.3 l/100 km (13.6 US mpg / 16.3 UK mpg / 5.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 10.7 l/100 km (22 US mpg / 26.4 UK mpg / 9.3 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 185 km/h (114.95 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 156 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 56.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 223 Nm @ 4000 rpm (164.48 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 110 V 28 / 110.923 |
| Engine displacement | 2746 cm3 (167.57 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 78.8 mm (3.1 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 8.7:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 10 l (10.57 US qt | 8.8 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1455 kg (3207.73 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1975 kg (4354.13 lbs.) |
| Max load | 520 kg (1146.4 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l (21.13 US gal | 17.6 UK gal) |
| Length | 4725 mm (186.02 in.) |
| Width | 1786 mm (70.31 in.) |
| Height | 1438 mm (56.61 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2795 mm (110.04 in.) |
| Front track | 1488 mm (58.58 in.) |
| Rear track | 1446 mm (56.93 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 14 |
The Mercedes-Benz W123 280 remains a highly regarded vehicle, celebrated for its engineering excellence, durability, and timeless design. It represents a significant chapter in Mercedes-Benz history and continues to be appreciated by classic car enthusiasts worldwide.
