how do i tell if my 1988 190e 2.3 is a 8v or 16v ?
 

how do i tell if my 1988 190e 2.3 is a 8v or 16v ? my vin number is WDBDA28D2JF421250 and i have engine number 102985 12 060484
thanks

the M102.985 is an 8V engine

Last model year for the 2.3-16 via MBUSA was 1987, and MB DOC is right about the engine number.

thanks guys
would a 87 16 valve mate with my auto tranny in my 88 ?

You're better off just seeking out a 16V car.

Yes, it will. The 2.3-16 with automatic transmissions used the same transmissions as the non 16 valves. You will need to get the proper flywheel for the auto trans, as well as the fuel pump relay for the automatic 16 valve, but the trans does bolt up.

The DOHC engine has many identifying marks on it. '2.3-16' cast into the valve cover is one.

will i need a computer aswell. i have a 88 in really damn good shape but need to do a bunch of work to the motor and i am going to go luck at an 87 with 110,000 k's on it but the body is crap so thus the questions

i'm thinking of just pulling the whole motor and tranny in one shot together if it's pos

The W201 engine/trans can be hoisted out as a single set.

If you do swap engines, you will need the ECU and ignition control, wire harness and other ancillary parts (oil cooler, radiator, etc.)

just buy my wrecked 2.3 -16v, see my post

sorry i'm in kelowna bc canada and it's deff not worth me bringing it up here. but if you where here i'd be interestead providing the block and such is in good condition. i have a line on a car with only 110,000k's but a bad rusty body for only 500. sorry

with the hood raising so high would i need to remove it for hoisting out the motor ? also will i need to remove the entire front clip and bumper ?

sorry forgot to ask why i'd need to replace the rad wouldn't they be the same ? and the wiring harnes ? i did a wiring harness in my 88 xj and man did it suck. The ecu is that diffrent eh ? this is my first mercedes and i'm used to jeeps, chevy, ford and dodge.

With the hood at full vertical, you don't need to remove the bumper or radiator support, although i would remove the radiator and condensor just to be safe.

The radiator for the 2.3-16 is smaller to accomodate the oil cooler and the intake scoop for the airbox.

The ECU, fuel pump relay (you'll need the one with the kickdown switch) and ignition control unit are different.