There's a transition point in the 80s when MB switched from badges that have pins that go into the trunk to badges that use adhesive. I belive the 123s are the last of the pin type badges. That's why you see 126s and 201s and beyond with the badges on the right or too high, etc.

If you can push the pins from behind, there's less risk to the paintwork.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL