What is a 123 series MB?? I cant figure out what it means

W123 is the chassis designation for the midsize sedan and coupe, made from 1977 to 1985. Models included the 240D, 300D, 300TD (wagon), and the gas-powered 280SE. In my opinion, the W123 embodies the true classic era of modern Mercedes automobiles, though others may argue this purely subjective notion. The W123 gave way to the larger and more elegant W126, and then the W124. The ubiquitous 123 had a big sister, the W116, which housed the SD and SE series for roughly the same years as the 123. In a word, excellent cars, especially the diesels...but I'm a bit biased.

Then what would a 84 190D be classified as,
And what does the "W" stand for (ex.W123)

W123
 

Don't forget other W123 models not available in the US.
Ex. The 200, 200D, 230, 230E, 250, and the T123 models: 230TE, 250TE, 280TE.

W123 The W stand for Wagen or sedan in English.
C123 The C stands for coupe.
T123 The T stands for touring (Station wagon, estate).

regards,

the 190-series is called the W201.

i believe the W123 evolved into the W124, as they are in the same class size. The W116 evolved into the W126.

the W201 was the first in the series that sported that modern aero look, with a bold pinched-up tail, and crisp solid looks (they say it got some styling cues from the C-111). The W124 was a larger-scale version of this.

aesthetically, the W201 and W124 lacked the chrome treatment and classic 3-box design of the W123, and in this regard, represented a departure from the "classic" benz look represented by the W123. (many also say the W123 and W126 were the last that had that famed solid closing door sound, though the W201 and W124 have pretty solid sounds too)

more interesting info on the Benz design history can be found at http://www.daimlerchrysler.de/classic/design/index_e.html

This is cool, bobbyv. It will keep me busy for awhile, very interesting. Thank you for the information.

David

david,
yes, i found that site very interesting myself. I found the design philosophy in particular, as stated by Bruno Sacco, to be most interesting.

if you browse around, you will also find crash tests of the different models. Best to see what your benz can do without doing it the hard and painful way ...

enjoy!