Mercedes-Benz 123 1976–1986 car dimensions: 4725 mm long, 1786 mm wide and 1438 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,360 kg. Braked towing is 1,200 kg.
The cabin offers cloth, MB-Tex, velour or leather upholstery with wood trim options on the dash and console. Manual climate control is available, with automatic climate control as an option that was common on US models. Tempomat cruise control is optional. Power windows, central locking and sunroof (manual or electric) are options. ABS is optional from August 1980 and a driver airbag from 1982. The car has a solid, functional interior with good visibility and durable materials suited to long-term daily use.
The sedan boot holds 500 litres. It is a practical, deep space for luggage or shopping with a conventional opening lid.
Braked towing capacity is 1200 kg and unbraked is 740 kg, with payload around 520 kg depending on model. The car suits light work or trailer use thanks to its strong chassis and four-wheel disc brakes. Self-leveling suspension was limited to estate versions.
The cabin feels solid and purposeful with supportive seats in cloth, MB-Tex, velour or leather. Optional orthopaedic backrests and heated front or rear seats add support. Manual or automatic climate control handles temperature, while a sliding sunroof is optional. Padded surfaces, good visibility and reduced wind noise from later roof trim make long trips comfortable and quiet.
Petrol and diesel engines offered. diesels popular for economy and durability.
ABS available as option from August 1980.
Driver airbag available as option from 1982.
Front and rear crumple zones with rigid passenger cell standard.
Self-tensioning seat belts and all-disc brakes standard.
Power steering standard from 1982.
Fuel choices cover petrol four- and six-cylinder engines plus diesel fours and fives, with turbo diesel arriving later. Diesels saw heavy use in taxis for their efficiency and ability to cover high distances with basic care.
Servicing stays straightforward thanks to simple mechanicals without complex electronics. Parts remain widely available, and the design supports long service life with only minor issues when maintained regularly.
Safety builds on a strong passenger cell, crumple zones that absorb impact energy, padded interior parts and seat backs that resist rear deformation. Self-tensioning belts come standard, with ABS and a driver airbag added as options in later years. The safety steering column is designed to move aside in a frontal impact.
Keeping the car rewards regular attention to seals, bushings and fluids. High-mileage examples remain common when cared for, and the overall build quality supports continued daily use decades later.
Length 4725 mm, Width 1786 mm, Height 1438 mm, Wheelbase 2795 mm (123 1976–1986)
Sources: manufacturer data, Mercedes-Benz public archive 230 E W 123 E 23 page, Wikipedia and Spanish Wikipedia catalogue data.