230 TE, S123, 1980-1986

Product Description

The third variant of model series 123 was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in September 1977, this time an estate, known in German as a "T-Modell" – the "T" standing for tourism and transport. This was the first time that the official sales range had included an independently produced estate model.
In April 1978 production began at the Bremen plant – a facility which had previously been dedicated to van manufacturing but which was now gradually expanded as a car assembly plant.
In terms of technology and style, the estates were virtually identical to the saloons on which they were based. In fact the only differences resulted from the altered design of the rear. The engines, brake system and suspension were adopted virtually unchanged from the saloons.
This meant that the estates also featured a diagonal swing rear axle, which was now combined as standard with hydropneumatic level control, and double wishbone front suspension with 0 scrub radius.
Between June and November 1980 three new variants were added to the line-up of estates. The first of these, introduced in June, was the 230 TE. It succeeded the 230 T with carburettor engine, which had been in production for two years. The 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine, an all-new development with mechanically controlled petrol injection, delivered 136 hp and replaced the carburettor engine with the same displacement not only in the estate but in the coupé and saloon too.
The first-generation estates were taken out of production in January 1986. Series production of the successor models had begun in October/November of the previous year. In a production period of just under eight years, the Bremen plant turned out 199,517 models.

Mercedes-Benz 230 TE, S 123, champagne. Diecast metal. Scale 1:43. Genuine paintwork colours. Accurate reproduction. High-quality printed interior. In presentation box, on printed base. By Minichamps for Mercedes-Benz.

Product Information

• Article Number: B66041027