Diff between early/late '90 190E 2.6 clutch

[Glen]

I have a 1990 190E 2.6 with a 5-speed manual transmission that will soon need a new clutch. I priced out a new: pressure plate, clutch disc, throw-out and pilot bearing on this site's AllPartsExpress website. There was a note that the parts only fit up to a certain VIN number, which unfortunately, doesn't include my car.

I emailed Phil and he confirmed that my VIN specifies different clutch parts which sadly cost 2.5 times more!

So, my question for any techs that may have done this job, "Is there really a difference? Or can I use the earlier parts?"

Another option that I am open to if it's doable is to swap in the earlier flywheel, if that's the only difference. Or even better, put in a single mass flywheel.

Any opinions/suggestions?

Thanks!