Mercedes-Benz E-Class W123 (from 1976 to 1985, the year of issue)

W123 series was officially launched in January 1976 models 200, 230, 250, 280 and 280E with petrol motors and 200D, 220D, 240D and 300D diesel.

The first issue (actually predseriya index 0.5) had a number of minor bugs, which later (in September 1976) have been eliminated. Among these shortcomings were - some open (raw) fragments underbody, no rubber seal between the fuel tank and bodywork, the clock hour without breaking down the scale, the absence of a plastic pad lock the trunk and other.

Older models 280 and 280E in addition to the headlights, other than the other models, have also had additional chrome trim under the tail lights and interior panels are trimmed with no plastic, wood and "Zebrano" and chromium.

In March 1977 at the Geneva Motor Show was presented coupe models 230C, 280C and 280CE. All compartments are equipped with right rectangular headlights and interior panels are finished tree roots. There was no B-pillar coupe and framing the windows, making them almost a convertible. For seatbelt was used in the original construction of a small "influx" line of doors (the same solution was used later in the series coupe W126).

All models get a new big wheel (as in the series W116), a flat "star" on the trunk lid, a rectangular switches on the center console, ashtray tin frame in the center console, new mats in the legs.

At the request of the cars can be equipped with automatic transmission, and the older model and support system-level rear suspension (adjustable rear suspension).

In the autumn of the same year at the Frankfurt exhibition presented models with a body "versatile" (T series) - 240TD, 300TD, 230T, 250T and 280TE.

Apart from the usual bodies traditionally in the middle class and the body are made of special purpose - "Combi" for ambulances, vans, police, fire engines, the 7/8-seater body for representational purposes, as taxis, rental cars and hotel. I was no exception and a series of W123.

Another update models takes place in September 1979. All models get a new steering wheel (as in the new model W126), new materials trim (MB-Tex has become more similar to the appearance of the skin), the new head restraints (smaller size), new exterior colors in the dashboard triangular indicator repeaters rotation replaced on the arrow. All models are equipped with a nominally seat belts for rear passengers, all models offered adjustable rear suspension. Also, all models are equipped with pneumatic nominally headlight range adjustment.

A little later, the temperature of the rotary switch is replaced by "wheel", set a new front armrest, plastic wheel arch liners front wheel arches.

In a compartment instead of tree roots in the decoration appears "Zebrano".

In 1978, the increase in power get the model 280E (8 hp), 240D (7 hp) and 300D (8 hp). The following 1979 5 hp increased power diesel model 200D (and stops the release of the model 220D) and 11 hp 250 petrol models.

In June 1980, comes a major upgrade engines: 200 model gets a new 2-liter engine M102, the other modification of the engine capacity of 2.3 liters is mounted on a new model 230E (carburetor model 230 with the motor M115 is removed from production). With increasing engine power by about 15-20% is possible to achieve a reduction in fuel consumption by 10%.

As a pilot in the W123 series is tested, and then introduced a new 3-liter diesel engine with a turbocharger. This motor is mounted on the export versions of cars (for the markets of Japan and the US). The motor has a capacity of one and a half times higher than the naturally aspirated diesel with practically the same fuel consumption.

In 1981, production is removed from the carburetor model 280, in the production scheme can only 280E with fuel injection.

The next major update models takes place in September 1982.

All the models are equipped with rectangular headlights (as 280E). Also, all models are equipped with power steering nominally, interior wood inserts panels receive electrical right rear-view mirror, larger interior light delay off, all buttons and switches become more rounded, modified form of the front seat backrests. Cleaned inserts in leatherette seat sides - all from a single seat is now upholstery. On the dashboard appears "Saver", once again change the handle and interior doors from the inside. Chrome trim level doors are replaced with black.

280E and coupe get velor carpets and decoration ashtray in front of the console tree, as well as modified air intake grille (with chrome).

At the request of the vehicle can be fitted ABS and airbag (in the steering wheel).

Small changes occur until 1985. So, in 1984, changed the locks of seat belts, luggage racks changed: in the front seat backrests. In 1984, at the request could be established, and the catalyst, but this innovation did not find this application - it was still too little gas stations with unleaded gasoline.

Series 123 was produced until the end of 1985, yielding its place to the new series W124. The success of the W123 was the undisputed - for 10 years, was released more than 2.7 million vehicles in different versions. Mercedes-Benz W123 confirmed the reputation of a reliable comfortable car "every day." Many of the 123's, which we now see on the streets, has celebrated the 20th anniversary, the other approach to this point. Despite its age, it also sports a "run" but the streets, being a true "workhorses". They have not become "classics", but are considered to be established.

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