PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

redassag00 · #31 07-19-2006, 06:14 PM

Uh Oh! Do the words in his auction look familiar???
Heres the Mercedes 123 .net site http://mercedes-w123.net/buyers_guide.htm

And heres what he posted....

Quote:

Buyers Guide To Type W123 Mercedes-Benz

Vehicles 1976-1985

‘ W123’ is the serial number for this particular model. ‘W’ stands for wagen (car in German) and 123 is purely a series number, not always running in order. On the front cross member, of all Mercedes cars is a small vehicle identification number (V.I.N.) where this number is stamped. On all W123 models these first 3 digits indicate the model of the car the digits that follow indicate specific details of the car, e.g. size of engine, petrol or diesel, automatic or manual etc. It is important you understand the use of this number, especially when ordering parts, as there are vast differences between the models although they will all be known as type W123s. I will separate the vehicle into areas of detailed analysis for the prospective purchaser.

Body shell

There are three main body types, sedan, coupe and wagon although there were a few rare versions for specialists, ambulance, hearse etc.

The W123 was produced at a time in the mid to late seventies when not a great deal of attention was paid to rust proofing, and also because of the huge demand for this model most of the early cars from 76-80 were not as well protected from the elements as they could have been. In 1980 and to the end of it’s life the model was given better wax protection for cavities, plastic liners were fitted to the front wheel arches and better weather-strips were fitted to doors and screens etc, it is this reason that the later cars have survived better.

All cars have mild-steel bodies but unlike SL models the coupe version does not have any alloy panels etc.

Mechanicals

Again all products of Mercedes-Benz during the 70’s were of the highest quality in design and durability. Engines in the early cars 76-80 were carried over from the previous W114/115 models and were noted for their longevity and quality, unfortunately their fuel consumption was not high and their performance not great. The model 250 had a redesigned engine only found in the W123 called M123. ‘M’ stands for motor, but this engine equipped with twin choice down draught carburettors by Solex was not a success, and was discontinued when the new cross-flow engines ‘M102’ were introduced in 1980. The twin cam ‘M110’ in production for the whole of the W123 production produced a superb 185 later188 B.H.P. from just under 2.8 litres and was a high performer. Later engines from ’83 had various economy devices to help increase fuel economy.

Diesel engines are in option of 200 to 300 turbo, again carried over from previous models.

In diesel cars favour is the fact they are almost bombproof if regularly maintained, and are far more reliable than any petrol option. Mileages of over a quarter of a million miles with no major rebuilds are not unusual.

Gearboxes are again of two types, early auto’s and later more economical ones, also manual boxes are 4 speed and later 5 speed. None have any major flaws.

The fuel injection system is very reliable.

The exhaust system is very important and is made from high quality heavy gauge Metal Aluminumised and containing the correct back pressure design, very important to fuel injected engines. Original supplier is; ‘Eberspächer’ which fit underside of car perfectly. Main dealers also supply exhausts now, by a company called ‘Roth’.

Interiors

The four types are cloth, velour, leather and M.B.Tex. Early cloth interiors up to 1980 have a pronounced check design and vinyl on the seats squabs and backs, with a central cloth section. This was changed to a herringbone pattern; before the final full cloth covered seats appeared in 1982 also with a redesigned seat back allowing more rear legroom.

Velour interiors were more expensive and are similar to Draylon in texture but are actually nearly all wool and were very expensive to produce.

Leather interiors are very rare in W123 series cars although there are more coupes and late model ‘T’ series cars with this type of interior than any others. M.B.Tex is short for Mercedes-Benz Textured Punctured Vinyl and is very hard wearing almost indistinguishable from leather and is easy to wipe clean, and personally is my favourite as I find it very comfortable.