'W' numbers Explanation please

[abueloeddie]

A Mercedes owner of less than 1 month, I'm learning a lot just browsing the great forums which are ( for the most part) well written by fairly sensible people

Two questions have arisen on the Model numbers (W 123. W 212, Etc)... Could someone please point me to a list which gives a full run down of these type numbers and why do they all begin with a 'W'?

Thanks in advance

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

A good start:

List of Mercedes-Benz vehicles - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Saloons begin with a W, Estates begin with an S, Roadsters begin with an R, Coupe/Convertibles begin with a C, etc.