Surely this vehicle is the same as (or very similar to) the 300E2.8's that were sold in 1993, just with the updated bonnet/hood and headlights - it should still be the M104 engine in a W124 chassis. I seem to remember the 300E2.8's being sold as 280E's in Europe as a replacement for the M103-powered 260E?

The coolant leak may be coming from the head gasket at the rear of the engine on the driver's side (in the UK, in the US, it's the passenger side).

Don't forget your wiring harness - that can't be a US-only issue.

__________________
--
Steven Harrison

1993 300E2.8 - 196K
2001 E320 4MATIC - 86K