Hey, I did the head gasket on my 91 300E 2.6 years ago, still running great. But I learned a lot doing that job. Now I have to do my daughter's 190E 2.6.
One of the things I learned was that Victor Reinz has different versions of the head gasket out there. Presumably improvements in material and design. Problem is, I 'm seeing the different versions on different websites, just like I did years ago. I would've thought only one version (the latest) would be the prevailing stock by now, but apparently not. Some may be old stock on shelves still waiting to be sold, some may be just old stock photos still being used when newer versions are on the shelves.

What I need to know is, assuming one version IS an improvement over the other, which version is the newest, improved gasket (also assuming the improvement addresses the notorious gasket failure point).

Here are the [at least] visual differences:
Version "A" has a light grey material with "Victor Reinz" repeatedly across it diagonally. The metal rings around the cylinder holes are continuously CONNECTED to each other. The "red seal" only goes around the perimeter of the gasket.

Version "B" is a much darker material. still has the company name repeated bur harder to see. The metal rings are separated from one another. The red seal not only goes around the perimeter but also comes inside at the back to separate the problem spots where the gasket notoriously fails.

This doesn't necessarily mean that "B" is the better gasket.

To see examples Look at the enlarged view of the Victor Reinz head set on Pelican Parts Site for, say, a 1989 190E 2.6. It is version "A"

Then compare it to the same application on Parts Geek, version "B"

Does anyone know which is the most recent version of this Victor Reinz gasket?? No picture on the VR website catalog BTW, and no one on the parts websites are willing to have their warehouses check what's on their sshelves.

Please help if you can, I need to order these parts asap. Thanks!