You should be able to see an axle-shaft coming from the oil-pan and through the front-springs to the front-wheels. Turn the wheels hard-left or hard-right and you should see the axle-shafts.

I agree, I don't think there were any 2.6 4-Matics.

IMHO, stay away from the 4-Matic. It's expensive to maintain, it doesn't last long and eventually leaks (the tranny & diff case), and is not needed in So.Calif. regardless if you go to the "snow" for skiing (just get a set of Nokian snow-tires or chains).

It's also heavy, and you can't get aftermarket springs for the front.

:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E