In the spring of 1976, a coupe version was introduced on a shorter wheelbase than the saloon (2710 mm (106.7 in) versus 2795 mm (110 in)) for the saloon. This W123C/CE was available as a 230C (later 230CE) and as a 280C/CE in most markets; in North America there were additional 300CD versions with naturally aspirated, later turbocharged 3 litre diesel engines.

It is a tribute to the car’s instant popularity - and possibly to the caution built into the production schedules - that nine months after its introduction, a black market had developed in Germany for Mercedes-Benz W123s available for immediate delivery.  Customers willing to order new cars from their local authorized dealer for the recommenended list price faced waiting times in excess of twelve months.  Hardly used models available at once were commanding a premium over the new price of around DM 5,000.

From August, 1977, long wheelbase versions (3425 mm (134.8 in)) were produced. These were available as 7/8 seater saloons with works bodies or as a chassis with complete front body clip, the latter serving as the base for ambulance and hearse bodies by external suppliers like Binz or Miesen. These “Lang” versions could be ordered as 240D, 300D and 250 models.

At the Frankfurt Auto Show in September, 1977 the W123T estate was introduced; the T in the model designation stood for “Touring and Transport”. All engines derivative except “200TD” were available in the range. T production began in March, 1978 in Mercedes’ Bremen factory.

In early 1979, the diesel models power output was increased; power rose from 55 PS (54 hp/40 kW) to 60 PS (59 hp/44 kW) in the 200D, from 65 PS (64 hp/48 kW) to 72 PS (71 hp/53 kW) in the 240D and from 80 PS (79 hp/59 kW) to 88 PS (87 hp/65 kW) in the 300D; at the same time, the 220D went out of production.

The first Mercedes turbo diesel production W123 appeared in September, 1979. This was the 300 TD Turbodiesel, available with automatic transmission only. In most markets, the turbocharged 5-cylinder 3 litre diesel engine (Type OM617) was offered only in the T body style, while in North America it was also available in saloon and coupe guises.

June 1980 saw the introduction of new 4-cylinder petrol engines (Type M102). A new 2 litre four with shorter stroke replaced the old M115, a fuel-injected 2.3 litre version of this engine (in 230E/TE/CE) the old carburetted 230. Both engines were more powerful than their predecessors.

In 1980/81 the carburetted 280 versions went out of production; the fuel-injected 280E continued to be offered.

In September, 1982, all models received a mild facelift. The rectangular headlights, previously fitted only to the 280/280E, were standardized across the board, as was power steering. Since February, 1982, an optional 5-speed manual transmission was available in all models (except 300 TDT).

W123 production ended in November, 1985. Most popular single models were the 240D (455,000 built), the 230E (442,000 built) and the 200D (378,000 built).

W123 introduced innovations including ABS (optional from August, 1980), a retractable steering column and an airbag for the driver (optional from 1982).

Available options included MB-Tex (Mercedes-Benz Texturized Punctured Vinyl) upholstery or velour or leather upholstery, interior wood trim, passenger side exterior mirror (standard on T models), 5-speed manual transmission (European market only), 4-speed automatic transmission (standard in turbodiesel models), power windows with rear-seat switch cut-outs, vacuum powered central locking, rear-facing extra seats (station wagon only), Standheizung (prestart timer controlled engine heating), self locking differential, sun roof, air conditioning, climate control, “Alpine” horn (selectable quieter horn), headlamp wipers (European market only), Tempomat (cruise control), power steering (standard after 1982/08), seat heating, catalytic converter (available from 1984 for California only, from fall (autumn) 1984 also in Germany for the 230E of which one thousand were built).

Power (vacuum servo) assisted disc brakes were standard on all W123s.