Same powertrain in 190e and 230e?

Hi,

It is my belief that the engine and 4-speed tranny in my 1982 230e is very simillar to that put in the early 190e. I need a clutch kit, fuel injectors, and A/C conversion kit, but have a difficult time being sure I'm ordering the right parts. I also have a service manual for the 190e--should be helpful for most powertrain repairs?

It's frustrating that this 123 model was only out sold worldwide by the 240d, and yet I can't find any info on it.

Thanks!

Matt
'82 230e
'99 C230

[Edited by Matt201 on 07-18-2001 at 04:37 AM]

[sixto]

Matt,

I can only add to your frustration. The 190E 2.3 is (or was) a US only vehicle. Someone would have to do a lot of manual work to see if parts can be shared between a 190E 2.3 and your 230E.

My advice would be to have someone in another country check for parts compatibility between your car and an 85-up 230E (W124), and provide you with the part numbers. There's a strong chance you can find the parts in the US if you provide a part number. If the they can check for 190E 2.3 compatibility, so much the better.

Another avenue would be to consult parts catalogs of foreign after market manufacturers. If they show the same replacement part numbers for the 190E 2.3 and your 230E, there's a good chance the 190E 2.3 part will fit. I know Koni (shock absorber) catalogs list nonUS applications. With any luck, a Beck-Arnley (sp?) catalog might do the same.

I've been trying to check http://www.haynes.co.uk for a manual for your car but he website's been down for the past couple of days. I know they have a W123 250 & 280 manual that's different from the W123 280 manual available in the US.

I envy you. I went to see an 84 230E for sale in my area. Beautiful dark green, AT, fabric seats, manual sunroof, rear headrests... everything a car should have. The minuses were oil leaks everywhere, a clunky transmission, roll-up windows and electric door locks. I couldn't ascertain that 190E 2.3 parts would work so I passed on it.

Good luck with your car.

Regards,
Sixto
91 300SE

I had an 84 230TE and purchased a Brooklands workshop manual from a company in California (can't remember the name for the life of me, though). Brooklands is a British company that does all sorts of automotive books -- workshop manuals, road test guides, etc.

In a quickie Google search of the web, I came across this company that appears to have this particular manual in stock: http://www.midlifeclassiccars.com/MERCEDES.htm Good deal at $20. I think I paid $40.

In addition, the 230E was very popular in England and I'd be very surprised if you couldn't find a lot of information on British websites about them, not to mention an old genuine workshop and or parts manual on a UK auction site.

Good luck!

Paul

Hi Paul,

Thank you so much for the workshop manual link. I'm going to order the book first thing Monday morning!

Matt