The Mercedes-Benz W123 platform, while not a radical departure from its predecessors, cemented its place in automotive history as a paragon of engineering and enduring design. Mercedes themselves described it as a “thoroughly mature mid-range car,” a fittingly understated summary for a vehicle that has become synonymous with longevity and steadfast reliability, especially models like the 1982 Mercedes 240d.
Introduced in 1976, the W123 generation, featuring both a four-door sedan and an elegant coupe, was tasked with succeeding the popular W114 and W115 “Stroke Eight” models. Drawing stylistic inspiration from the contemporary S-Class, the W123 presented a more modern aesthetic compared to the classic lines of the Stroke Eight. It boasted increased dimensions – a longer wheelbase, wider track, and a larger overall body, offering enhanced comfort and road presence. The 280C coupe variant, distinguished by its pillarless design and shorter wheelbase, injected a sporty flair into the lineup. The range expanded further in 1978 with the introduction of the 300TD station wagon, Mercedes-Benz’s pioneering foray into the wagon segment. Demand for the W123 quickly outstripped supply, leading to substantial waiting lists and even a premium on the black market for immediate availability. The “touring,” as Mercedes termed the station wagon, faced waiting times extending up to three years by the 1980s, underscoring its popularity and Mercedes’ successful establishment of the luxury station wagon market.
In the United States, the W123 series was offered in all body styles, albeit with a restricted engine selection due to stringent emissions regulations. Mercedes’ nomenclature clearly indicated engine displacement, body style, and fuel type. For instance, “D” signified Diesel, “E” denoted fuel injection, “T” represented “Touring” (station wagon), and “C” stood for coupe. The 240D specifically housed a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder diesel engine, known for its fuel efficiency and robust nature. While not the most powerful option, the diesel engines in the W123, and particularly the 1982 Mercedes 240D, gained a reputation for exceptional durability. The 300D, equipped with a 3.0-liter inline five-cylinder diesel, was also available with a turbocharger from 1981, enhancing its performance and marked as “Turbo Diesel.” At the top end, the 280E and 280CE models featured a 2.8-liter inline six-cylinder fuel-injected engine, delivering a more spirited 142 horsepower.
The W123 platform was ahead of its time in terms of safety and features. It incorporated enhanced crash protection through a strengthened passenger cell and reinforced roof. An optional safety steering column was designed to collapse in a collision, minimizing cabin intrusion. Starting in 1980, anti-lock brakes became an available option, further bolstering safety, and by 1982, an airbag was also offered. The 1982 model year is particularly significant as it marked a substantial facelift for the W123 range. This update brought rectangular broadband headlights across all models and made power steering standard equipment, enhancing both aesthetics and driving ease for models like the 1982 Mercedes 240D.
When production of the W123 ceased in 1986, it had surpassed the Stroke Eight as Mercedes-Benz’s best-selling model, with over 2.5 million units sold. Built with longevity in mind, many W123s, including the 1982 Mercedes 240D, are still operational today, a testament to their robust construction. Their enduring reliability has made them popular as bush taxis in Africa, traversing demanding terrains with minimal maintenance. The 2.4-liter diesel engine in the 1982 240D, while not powerful, is lauded as one of the most dependable engines ever manufactured. Coupled with its timeless design, the 1982 Mercedes 240D and the entire W123 series remain enduring classics, cherished for their reliability, understated elegance, and lasting legacy of German engineering excellence. For enthusiasts and those seeking a dependable classic, the 1982 Mercedes 240D represents a sweet spot in the W123 lineage, embodying the perfect blend of updated features and the renowned durability of its diesel engine.
