Jim Villars,

The engine is nearly identical to the US model, as I ordered it with the US emissions package. At the time this was an option on select models in Germany, and the 190E 2.3-16 qualified. So it has the same injection system, the Oxygen sensor, and catalytic converter scheme. It has an adjustable ignition timing plug that I can change should I get stuck somewhere that 91 octane unleaded gas is not available, but other than that the engine itself has yet to take a part that is not the same as the US models.

I changed to platinum plugs about 6 years ago or so, and always noted a loss in mileage but no running problems before. I will change the plugs to copper ones to see if it helps - cheap and easy to do. Thanks for the hint Benzmac.

Look forward to any input you might have on the adjustability of the rest of the system. Jim

__________________
Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)