# 1981 Mercedes-Benz 300TD Estate Tail Lights: OEM Parts Guide

Vehicle Overview

This guide covers tail light sourcing and fitment for the 1981 Mercedes-Benz 300TD estate (S123/W123 platform). The S123 estate went through specification changes across its production run, with US-market and Euro-market variants differing in lens design and reflector patterns.

Before You Order

Determine the following details about your vehicle and requirements:

  • Market specification: Is this a US-spec car or Euro-import? This affects lens design and reflector pattern compatibility.
  • Part scope: Are you replacing the full lens assembly, or just the lens, housing seals, and bulb holders?
  • Current condition: Identify whether the issue is a cracked lens, fading, missing gaskets, yellowing, or general wear.
  • Restoration standard: Decide whether you need numbers-matching concours-correct parts or a tidy driver appearance with proper sealing.

Sourcing OEM Tail Lights

Mercedes-Benz Classic Parts (Primary Source)

Mercedes-Benz Classic Parts through the dealer network is your best first call for any parts stamped with a Mercedes part number. They reproduce some trim and lighting pieces to original specification for the W123/S123 range, rather than requiring you to hunt for NOS (new old stock) examples.

AutoAtlanta

Supplier: AutoAtlata via carspanner.com/go/autoatlanta

AutoAtlanta specializes in Mercedes-specific trim and lighting and actively stocks the S123 wagon range—many suppliers only carry saloon variants.

eBay Motors

Supplier: carspanner.com/go/ebay-motors

Genuine take-off NOS examples do surface on eBay Motors. When purchasing:

  • Check the seller's feedback history specifically on similar Mercedes trim parts before committing
  • Locate and record the Mercedes part number moulded into the plastic lens itself
  • Use this stamped number to verify early or late production specification and avoid purchasing incompatible units

Important Fitment Notes

Specification Sensitivity: The S123 estate range experienced spec changes across its production run. US-market and Euro-market cars differ in lens design and reflector pattern. Always verify your vehicle's market origin and production date before ordering.
Part Number Verification: The stamped Mercedes part number on the lens itself will immediately identify whether the part is early or late production spec, preventing costly ordering errors.

Obtain the stamped part number from your current tail light lens before sourcing replacements to ensure correct fitment and specification match.