here is my problem...

my 1984 190e 2.3 is due for a head gasket replacement. so i was going to take it to a local shop and have rebuilt for $400 and reinstall it myself. i found an offer of $500 for a 2.6 engine with 130k miles on it. how dumb of an idea would it be to replace my 2.3 engine with the 2.6? and what else would need to be replaced?

The front radiator core support, radiator, exhaust downpipes, wiring harness, fuel injection computer, the list goes on but not too much more. You're better off buying a whole junked 2.6 to do the swap unless you can get a good deal on all of the necessary parts.

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Mike
-W126C 560SEC 040 Black
*6.0L AMG M117 32v Hammer
-W163 ML320 Brilliant Silver
-W124 300E Pearl Black

Yes, you need a donor car if you want to do that swap! However you would be better off just getting a running 2.6 190E!

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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

if you look at the specs of a M103-engined W201, you will notice that the front fenders are longer than early 4-cylinder W201s by a few millimeters (!).

The later 4-cylinder W201's had the updated longer fenders, though.

For sure, even the front suspension springs of an M103-engined W201 would be different, to deal with the heavier engine.

If you're going to do that, get a 3.0 instead of a 2.6. They are both M103's and will fit the same, and the 3.0 is faster.

well i have a chance to get 2.6 engine for 500 and all of the required parts to transplant, is it really going ot be that difficult?

would it make my car longer?

It won't make your car longer!

It's not that hard to transplant, the engine mounting positions are the same, but you'll need a bit of time to work out the wiring/exhaust/radiator and things.

However as said above, most people only go through the trouble if they are going to get something different and worth the effort at the end (i.e. fit the 3.0 engine, but now you may encounter autobox issues), as the effort to buy a factory 190E 2.6 is less than the effort to make your own. Still if you'd rather keep your car you know well do it, and let us know how it goes!


Russ

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190E's:
2.5-16v 1990 90,000m Astral Silver
2.0E 8v 1986 107,000m Black 2nd owner
http://www.maylane.demon.co.uk/190esmall.jpghttp://www.maylane.demon.co.uk/190esmall2.jpg