Most old Diesels (and some newer) will have a primer pump on them, might be a plunger on top of the filter casing, might be a rubber bellows in the fuel line (PSA group).

Some don't have anything, surprisingly the W124 MB Diesel didn't have a primer, (don't know about W123) was supposed to be self bleeder so wind the starter over for up to 3 or 4 minutes to pump the fuel up, blow that for a lark on any amusingly called self primer (eyewash, they saved cost by not fitting a primer), it'll take years off the starter and do the battery no good at all.

In such cars its often the case that you can pre fill the canister with clean fuel before offering it up into place, thats what i did with any Diesel after filter change whenever possible even if it does have a primer...primer diaphragms do fail as they age too so test it works before you need it...the same will work if you run out of fuel.

Some older Diesels might also need the injector pipes loosening to expel air right up to the injectors, but usually if you pre fill the filter canister it will do the trick.