W123 Benz

What year Benz is the W123 run from and to! Gary Ps Is this car a diesel!

[David C Klasse]

Yes it was a diesel and I believe it ran from 1980-1985, in the US anyway. Someone correct me if it started earlier than 80...

[Ted2222]

According to the MB Shop Manual, the 123 Series started in 1977.

W123 gasoline production quantity = 1.280.496

W123 Diesel production quantity = 1.416.419

So it looks more like 50-50 not 80-20.

Source is http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Pines/6633/w123production.html

OK, now I know. But where is the data on models shipped to the US? The W123 link is the only information I have found on production quantities. I am also interested in information on the W115 chassis diesels in the US.

[David C Klasse]

I knew they started earlier! Was there a face lift in 1980?

[nellotare]

Here's a link to a page I frequently use: http://home.hiwaay.net/~gbf/mbmodels.html It takes a while to load and I can't attest for total accuracy, but the guy is sincere

You're right about that link taking a while to load. It's still going on my PC. I've seen it before, but there is no picture of the W115 chassis,

[ncarter]

And the 617 engine (300 series 3 liter) got a turbocharger in '81. There were also some interior refinements along the way, and some other minor engine modifications, but no significant exterior changes.

- Nathan
'83 240D "Steiner"
'00 New Beetle TDI

[ymsin]

Since we're on this topic, it might be apt to ask of your opinion.

My brother is deciding to change the front orange original signal lights to clear ones. I said it looks quite funny if its white in front and orange at the rear.

I have never seen the W123 to have clear plastic signal lights, and even if they did come with it ... its not classic. Is it?

As far as I know. Turn signals amber, stop/tail red, headlights white, markers amber. These are standard colors used all over the world, I believe by an international agreement of regulators and manufacturers. They are also required by law. My nieghbor's son just spent $250 to do customizing lights etc.. on his pickup only to be cited Saturday night as they don't meet DOT regulations. He will have to remove them and pay a fine.
Vehicle lighting regulations are very specific as to color, size, intensity and placement.
You can buy all kinds of neat stuff for cars and they will sell it to you but it may not be legal for street use.

My pet peeve is the striped tail light covers with the logos. They cover 50% of the tail/stop lights surface area. Look great in the daytime but very hard to see at night or during reduced visibility.