Posted on 8/29/2025
When Mercedes-Benz introduced the W123 series in 1976, it was meant to be the company’s reliable, mid-sized sedan line—comfortable, durable, and refined, but still affordable compared to the brand’s flagship models. What Mercedes did not anticipate was that the W123 would become so well-built and long-lasting that it would create a problem for the company: customers were not replacing their cars often enough. The W123 earned a reputation as one of the most durable vehicles ever made, but its success also nearly pushed Mercedes-Benz into financial trouble. A Reputation for Unmatched Durability Mercedes designed the W123 with longevity as a top priority. It was built during an era when cost-cutting was minimal and engineering quality came before profit margins. The result was a car that could easily surpass hundreds of thousands of miles with routine maintenance. The body was solid, the engines were built to run for decades, and the interior materia ... read more