OK, I am getting back into the game. After giving my old 190 2.3 to the exwife some time ago. I am now looking at a 1991 190E 2.6. Any special issues that are different from the 2.3 that I should be aware of?

Thanks in advance.

__________________
Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

2006 - Suzuki Gran Vitara (2.0 L fully equipped) Like this car so far except for trying to put on the seatbelt.
1988 - 190e - 2.3L - 172K miles (It now belongs to the exwife)
1999 - Chevy Blazer LS Fully Equiped - killed it June 2006
2001 - Honda Civic EX - 68K miles (sold June 2004)
1963 - 220S - Dual Carb 6 cyl. (sold)
1994 - Yamaha WaveRaider (fun to ride)

The 2.6L six is a smooth powerplant compared to the 2.3L four; however the M103 motor does have a known tendency to have leaky headgaskets past 50-60K miles or more. The engine compartment is pretty tight with the longer engine, making any kind of work up front (belts, timing chaing, water pump) an exercise in draining and removing the radiator and supports.

The 2.6L was Mercedes' response to the BMW 5-Series in the US showroom wars. You may also want to consider the W124 300E from the same time period and certainly the 3.0L twincam version.

Thanks for the reminder. Now that you mention it, I do remember reading about the head gasket, though if I recall, it was more with the 300 series engine.

As for the other options that you propose, what I have found in very nice condition here in Guatemala, is this 2.6.

Thanks!

__________________
Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

2006 - Suzuki Gran Vitara (2.0 L fully equipped) Like this car so far except for trying to put on the seatbelt.
1988 - 190e - 2.3L - 172K miles (It now belongs to the exwife)
1999 - Chevy Blazer LS Fully Equiped - killed it June 2006
2001 - Honda Civic EX - 68K miles (sold June 2004)
1963 - 220S - Dual Carb 6 cyl. (sold)
1994 - Yamaha WaveRaider (fun to ride)

Unfortunately, the 2.6L does have the same problems with leaking headgasket (coolant in tank looks like milkshake). You'll want to be sure that the suspension has been refreshed at some point, since all the metal and rubber joints in the front and rear does wear out. The costly items to repair, at this age, are A/C system; transmission and cooling system. The W201 also suffered from particularly common leaks to the heater core, resulting in coolant in the cabin, especially in the driver footwell.

Thanks. Tomorrow I take a closer look at the car. And on Monday take it to my old Mercedes mecanic to overlook it also.

__________________
Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

2006 - Suzuki Gran Vitara (2.0 L fully equipped) Like this car so far except for trying to put on the seatbelt.
1988 - 190e - 2.3L - 172K miles (It now belongs to the exwife)
1999 - Chevy Blazer LS Fully Equiped - killed it June 2006
2001 - Honda Civic EX - 68K miles (sold June 2004)
1963 - 220S - Dual Carb 6 cyl. (sold)
1994 - Yamaha WaveRaider (fun to ride)