The Mercedes-Benz W123, produced from April 1978 to December 1985, represents a pivotal generation in the lineage of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Positioned as a mid-size executive car, the W123 succeeded the W114 and W115 models, establishing a new benchmark for safety, build quality, and refinement in its segment. The 280 E variant, equipped with a 2.8-liter inline-six engine and automatic transmission, was a popular choice, offering a balance of performance and luxury. The W123 was not initially sold in significant numbers in the United States, but its reputation for durability and engineering excellence eventually led to a strong following among American enthusiasts, particularly as used imports.
Mercedes-Benz W123 280 E: A Detailed Overview
The W123 series was a significant departure from its predecessors, incorporating advancements in safety technology and a more modern design aesthetic. It was available in sedan (saloon), coupe, and estate (wagon) body styles, catering to a diverse range of customer needs. The 280 E, specifically, was considered the premium offering within the W123 range, boasting a larger engine and more luxurious appointments than its four-cylinder counterparts. It became a symbol of understated elegance and German engineering prowess.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 280 E is its M 110 E 28 inline-six engine, a 2746 cc (167.57 cu. in.) naturally aspirated powerplant. This engine produces 185 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 240 Nm (177.01 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4500 rpm. The engine features multi-port manifold fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to its smooth operation and respectable performance for its era. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 10.8 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in 10.3 seconds. The top speed is rated at 195 km/h (121.17 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 8 kg/Hp, and 125.4 Hp/tonne. While not a sports car, the 280 E offered ample power for comfortable highway cruising and confident overtaking.
Design & Features
The W123’s design is characterized by its clean lines, robust construction, and understated elegance. The sedan body style, the most common variant, features a four-door configuration with seating for five passengers. The interior is well-appointed, with a focus on practicality and durability. Features such as power steering, disc brakes on all four wheels, and a comfortable ride were standard. Safety was a key consideration in the W123’s design, with features like crumple zones and a reinforced passenger cell. The 280 E typically included upgraded interior trim, such as wood veneer and leather upholstery, enhancing its luxurious appeal. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4725 mm (186.02 in.) in length, 1786 mm (70.31 in.) in width, and 1438 mm (56.61 in.) in height, with a wheelbase of 2795 mm (110.04 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | W123 |
| Generation | W123 |
| Type (Engine) | 280 E (185 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | April, 1978 |
| End of production | December, 1985 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 17.1 l/100 km (13.8 US mpg / 16.5 UK mpg / 5.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 10.3 l/100 km (22.8 US mpg / 27.4 UK mpg / 9.7 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 195 km/h (121.17 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 185 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 67.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 4500 rpm (177.01 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 110 E 28 / 110.984 |
| Engine displacement | 2746 cm3 (167.57 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 78.8 mm (3.1 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 10 l (10.57 US qt | 8.8 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1475 kg (3251.82 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1995 kg (4398.22 lbs.) |
| Max load | 520 kg (1146.4 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l (21.13 US gal | 17.6 UK gal) |
| Length | 4725 mm (186.02 in.) |
| Width | 1786 mm (70.31 in.) |
| Height | 1438 mm (56.61 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2795 mm (110.04 in.) |
| Front track | 1488 mm (58.58 in.) |
| Rear track | 1446 mm (56.93 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 195/70 R14Rear wheel tires: 195/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 6J x 14Rear wheel rims: 6J x 14 |
The Mercedes-Benz W123 280 E remains a highly sought-after classic car, appreciated for its build quality, reliability, and timeless design. Its enduring appeal is a testament to the engineering excellence of Mercedes-Benz during this era, and it continues to provide a comfortable and rewarding driving experience for enthusiasts worldwide.
