W123 = 'E Class'?

[JeeperDon]

... I don't think so. Also, where is the diesel crowd forum?

[kau]

What is it then? Everything I read and it's successor is E-Class.

[mbbuff]

I think where the confusion is, is that all of the "vintage" Benzes of the mid-size category were followed by the newer mid-size E Class Benzes. Don't think we can actually call them E Class, but size wise they fit better here, IMO. I think there should be separate heading (sub forums) for at least some of the more popular vintage models, such as the W114, W115, W123 etc. I notice that under the "S Class" section the W108 vehicles are listed, but no sub forum, such as others in the Class have???? What do some of the other new folks think of the placement of the various models/chassis numbers? Let's hear some cross talk and ideas.

I realize, with so many different models (chassis No's) it will be very difficult to set it up so every model fits where everyone thinks it should. Maybe a little brainstorming is in order. That's what's neat about this new forum. Along with the Administrators, I think we, the members, can put our two cents worth in and help make it the premier, unrestricted MB forum for enthusiasts, not just a forum that does not allow true open discussion and parts source recommendations other than their own. Your thoughts, Admin. folks???

[kau]

Excellent suggestions, could really use everyone's help in determining the structure and any mistakes I have made.

http://www.threepoints.com/forum/f2/forum-structure-117/

[benzaholic]

TV Commercials for the newest E Class refer to it as the 9th generation.
I'm pretty sure they're considering the 123 as the E Class before the 124.

Let's approach it another way, too.
I think everyone would agree that the 124 was the replacement for the 123.
The 124 came to the US as the 300E back when the E simply meant einsprizung (sp?) for "fuel injected." Around that time, MB stopped selling anything without fuel injection, except probably in a few countries with lesser emissions laws, so MB realized the "E" designation was losing its meaning.
With market competition (i.e., Lexus) and the switch to non-engineers in high ranks, came the rebranding of the early 90s. At that time in the US, we had the 300E, the smaller 190E, and the bigger SE and SEL sedans.
The W124 300E was a landmark vehicle, especially for MB in the US, so if the rebranding marketeers say to put a letter in front, the E was probably more associated with the 124 than with the 201, so the mid-sizer gets the E, the smaller ones get the C, and the big ones kept the S.
That means the E should be considered to represent the mid-sized offering, although there really was no small offering before the W201, so I'd list the previous generations of the E Class to include the 123, the 114/115, and the 110 fintails. Wikipedia also suggests that the W120 Ponton was the first E Class, and I think the current E Class commercials show a ponton when they mention the million mile vehicle.

[mbbuff]

Welcome, and good input, Benzaholic. I think that's what Kau is looking for, but you really need a scorecard and a flowchart to get all the model, chassis, letter designations down, especially since they've changed so much over the years. I too read the Wikipedia article, which is very enlightening and a pretty good reference. I know I learned quite a bit, and will use it in the future. Thanks for mentioning it in your post.

I think what Kau is looking for is where do draw the line as to which years/models/chassis numbers should be in the "Vintage" section, and which in the C, E, and S, etc. sections. When does "vintage" begin? I believe classics or vintage vehicles are normally 25 years and older, which would make up to the 1985 models fall into these categories. Am I right on this? Also, would you put the vintage C, D, S, SL, etc. in the "Vintage" section, or leave them in their respective letter designation section? Should be setup sub-sections for each chassis number/grouping within each major section, or lump them all together? Right now he has some sub-sections, but not for all. He is doing a great job getting this started and has gotten most of it in the ballpark....just needs a little fine tuning, IMO.

[iq678]

So I take it that w123's in both diesel and gas variants will be discussed here?

-Darren Asuncion
'94 Jeep Cherokee Sport
'81 Mercedes-Benz 300D

[thebenzbar]

We're doing it Darren! Musta!!