1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 Series

The Mercedes-Benz W123 was produced from November 1975 to January of 1986 and encompassed a wide range of executive cars with various body styles and powertrains. By the time production ended in the autumn of 1985, the W123 models had surpassed their predecessor, the W114, as the most successful Mercedes. It shared several technical similarities with its predecessor including steering and suspension systems and engines. The styling was inspired by its larger sibling, the Mercedes-Benz 116, with horizontal headlamps, ribbed taillights, pull-to-open door handles, and turn signal indicators located on the outer edge. There were larger round headlamps on all models except the 280, 280 E, and coupe with smaller round fog lamps with large glass plate covering the entire headlamp housing. The North American models had sealed beam units and glass plate partially covering the headlamp housing. Rectangular headlamps with round fog lamps were used for the 280, 280 E, and coupe models.

For 1985 in the North American market, the Mercedes-Benz 300 Series received a four-speed automatic mated to its overhead-cam five-cylinder, turbocharged engine. A different torque converter was used in hopes of overcoming the turbo lag and boosting low-speed acceleration. Body styles consisted of a 300D and 300SD sedan, a coupe, and a station wagon.

The 300D four-door sedan (with the 'D' in the 300D representing diesel) was priced at nearly $32,000, the 300CD ('coupe diesel') was priced at $35,200, the 300SD sedan at $39,500, and the 300TD (Tourismus und Transport (estate/station wagon)) at $35,300. Power was sourced from an overhead-cam five-cylinder engine with a turbocharger, a 183 cubic-inch displacement, solid valve lifters, fuel injection, six main bearings, and 123 horsepower at 4,350 RPM. The engine was paired with a four-speed automatic and disc brakes at all corners provided the stopping power. The front suspension had upper and lower A-arms with coil springs and anti-roll bars while the rear used an independent setup with semi-trailing arms with anti-roll bars and coil springs.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2017