Anybody out there with ML230 experience?

[azurite300E]

Hi, I am practically be given almost for free a 2-owner early W163 1999 ML230 (Euro build in Austria, I think it is - not Alabama) that needs some TLC, kind of a free time fun resto project. It has a 4-cylinder gas engine and manual transmission.

But I am not able to find the ML230 model listed at the usual online Mercedes parts dealers in the US I used to deal with, so I am wondering if I might need to look for early same year (1999) ML320 parts instead but wonder to what extent would these parts be compatible? Or would be a MB dealer the only workable option for ML230 parts?

Also looked on ebay, but not much there either, which used to be a decent source of some MB parts, specially for older cars.

I am guessing body wise the ML320 parts would sound like a possible solution, but not really sure. How about with other common parts like brake pads, drive train parts, front end, engine mounts, etc.

And in regards to any future needs for parts for that 4 cylinder engine, would anyone know where I can look for those as well? For example can one still get a water pump, engine gaskets, fuel filter, ignition cables, distributor, and other stuff that will definitively be needed at some point?

Are there any shop/service manuals on CD or PDF out there that include the ML230 model? Or any useful ML related books worth buying?

So far MLs are to me still uncharted territory.

Thanks in advance for any leads. I need to decide if I take it or leave it pretty soon.