Mercedes W123 Interior Restoration: The Complete Parts Checklist

The Mercedes W123 is one of the most rewarding classics to restore — the engineering is honest, parts are still available, and a tired interior can be brought back to showroom condition without specialist tools. The trick is knowing what actually wears out. This checklist walks through every interior system, in the order most owners tackle them, so you can build a parts list before you start.

1. Wood Trim & Cassette Console (the W123 signature)

Nothing dates a W123 interior like faded, cracked-lacquer wood. The centre console cassette box and center-arm wood are the most-replaced pieces, available in the three factory finishes:

• Zebrano — the classic striped wood
• Walnut — warmer, common on wagons (T-models)
• Burlwood — the premium swirled finish

Match the finish to your car's original spec, and confirm sedan vs coupe vs wagon (C123/S123) fitment. Start with the Zebrano cassette console.

2. Sun Visors & Interior Trim

Original sun visors sag, discolour and the vanity mirror clips break. A replacement interior sun visor set (perforated or unperforated, in the correct colour) is a fast, high-impact refresh.

3. Rubber Seals & Weatherstrips

This is the unglamorous part that makes the biggest difference to how the car feels. A complete rubber seal set covers door, trunk, sunroof and window seals — killing wind noise, water leaks and dust. Do this before re-trimming, so you're not disturbing new panels later.

4. Dashboard & Instrument Area

Check the dash pad for cracks, the instrument surround, and switch trim. Small chrome/plastic switch bezels are often the difference between "tidy" and "restored."

5. Door Panels, Sills & Chrome Trim

Rocker panel mouldings, sill trims and door-card fittings. Reproduction rocker/lower mouldings are available for coupe and wagon bodies.

6. Floor & Carpet

Finish with fitted floor mats or carpet. New mats protect the freshly restored floor and tie the interior together.

A Sensible Restoration Order

1. Strip and assess — photograph everything
2. Seals and weatherstrips first (structural + sealing)
3. Wood trim and console
4. Sun visors, dash and switch trim
5. Door panels, sills, chrome
6. Carpet and mats last

Frequently Asked Questions

Are W123 interior parts still available?

Yes — wood consoles, seal sets, sun visors and trim are reproduced or available as quality replacements. Match by chassis (W123/C123/S123) and body style.

Which wood finish did my W123 come with?

Zebrano, walnut or burlwood depending on year, market and trim. Check any original surviving piece, or a factory data card, before ordering.

Where should I start?

Seals first. They're inexpensive, transform refinement, and are easier to fit before new panels and trim go in.

Build Your W123 Interior Parts List

Pair this checklist with our full Classic Mercedes Parts Guide: W123, W124, W126 & R107 for the mechanical and exterior side of your restoration.