In the middle of the 1970s, command vehicles were already commonplace at smaller stations – the W123 series coming just at the right time. Up until now, the 123 series has been the most widely built model of Mercedes-Benz and it also enjoyed great popularity amongst fire brigades. It counts among the upper mid-range of vehicles, and in many locations the 240 D relieved the W114 and W115 series, which carried out their robust service in the fire brigades. From the start of the series in November 1975 until January 1986, a total of almost 2.7 million vehicles drove off the production line.

White body with red imprinted doors, engine bonnet and trunk. Chassis with radiator grille and bumpers in silver. Interior with steering wheel black. Attached transparent blue light with bar fitting. White loudspeaker inserted in the middle of the roof. Base bar of the blue light hand-painted white. Front and rear indicators imprinted deep orange. Mercedes-Benz star on rear as well as model type plate 240 D and associated ornamental strips imprinted silver. Tail lights traffic red. Front doors with white “Feuerwehr” lettering. Window surrounds and all-around ornamental strips, windscreen wipers and door handles silver. White imprinted hubcaps with silver-painted Mercedes-Benz star. Rubber profile bumper offset black.