Mercedes-Benz 300D

The W123 chassis of the Mercedes-Benz 300D automobile was introduced as a 1976 model (1977 U.S.). Its 3.0 litre five-cylinder diesel engine with indirect injection produced 80 to 88 hp (59 to 65 kW), depending on year/country, from an extra 600 cm³ more of displacement than the four-cylinder Mercedes-Benz 240D diesel. The W123 chassis evolution continued with the addition of the 300D Turbo Diesel in 1982, sporting a 3.0 litre five-cylinder turbocharged engine used in the US market 300SD models. This engine developed 120 to 123 hp (88 to 91 kW) and considerably improved the car's performance while still maintaining the superb reliability and efficiency of earlier models. Both station wagon and touring sedan models were produced as the 300TD. The 300TD also had optional rearward facing third row seat which could fold flat into the floor (the predecessor to DaimlerChrysler's StowNGo™ Seating).

Production of the W123 chassis ended in 1985 but many cars remain on the road today 20 years later, a testament to the quality and durability of the original design. The 300D badge continued on in the W124 chassis family until 1993, but as a completely different design.

Trivia

Used diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz 300Ds have been part of the straight vegetable oil movement; a recent article in the Houston Press detailed a biochemistry student who converted a 300D sedan to run on SVO. Pre-1985 M-B diesel powerplants are known to be indestructible when converted.