230TE/300TE Model Differences

[punkinfair]

i am relatively new to mercedes-benz autos, and brand new to this forum.

i am looking at a wagon to possibly purchase, a 230TE. i live in canada, this is a german car which was imported here. i understand that this model is very similar to a 300TE except for the smaller the 2.3l engine. are there any significant differences between the 230 engine and that found in a north american market 190?

are there any areas where a 230TE will give problems in parts availability? one thing i can think of is the transmission, as it is a manual.

thanks for any input.

scott lyons