Lito

How can I tell which model engine I have on my 4 cyl., 2.3, 1991, 190E? It is Canadian spec., and I see when looking at manuals that there are at least two models (102 and 103 if I am reading it all correctly).

Tgor

One of the easiest is to call the MB dealership with your VIN number. Occasionally you may be able to find a label on the valve cover.

slk230red

Lito, the 2.3 engine is a 102.

The things you should probably have checked out on your car are:
Front and rear flex discs, front and rear engine mounts (these make a huge engine vibration difference), belt tensioner assembly (you will find out when changing or replacing belt), all cooling/radiator hoses, spark plug wires, spark plugs (non-resistor type), rotor, distributor cap, vacuum hoses going to and from the Idle Control Valve (they become hard and brittle and crack).

As a newbie to the 190, when doing your first oil and filter change, I would also change the differential fluid and coolant unless you know for sure when it was last changed.

Since you are looking all over your car and checking things out, you might want to check out this website for future troubleshooting:
http://web.archive.org/web/200606021...01_Chassis.htm

Have fun,

Dave

Lito

Thank you Tgor and Dave!



The front one has a little play (± 10º), but I've been told that is OK, for as long as there are no ripped bits. (I am assuming that is the same as the "Drive Shaft Flex Joint")

These have been checked and/or replaced! The car was from an MB mechanic and he told me that if there were any (of that type) of problems I could bring it back

These where done too, thankfully, and as well I had it "winter oiled" (read rust proofing)

There's where they are! I actually posted a thread on another place in the forum about it. Great resource!

MTI

BTW, there are several flavors of M102 motors, so when ordering parts, make sure you have the right model M102 and know the serial number. Significant changes were made over the years to the valvetrain, the ignition system and other parts, so some pieces for earlier engines may not work on yours.

You will find the complete serial number for your engine stamped into the metal engine block on the intake side of the motor, near the location of the first cylinder. It should begin with the numbers "102"

Lito

Thank you MTI! That is super helpful!

slk230red

MTI is right, as usual....even my 1993 190E 2.3 U.S. model requires me to take my vin/engine number with me when purchasing parts. Even for something simple like the rotor, there are 2 different types for my car.

MTI

Mercedes, like most car makers, make production changes in mid-year and therefore it's important to know the serial number. Most of the time the mid year changes were due to parts suppliers, either being changed or a redesign by the supplier when old inventory was exhausted. In a few cases, there were actual design changes to reflect product improvement based on real world experiences.

Lito

OK, so here's another stupid question... A previous 190 owner offered me his Haynes book (1983 to 1993 A to L registration). What the heck is the "A to L registration" referring to? Do I even care?

MTI

Haynes is published in the UK, and the reference is to their motor vehicle licensing and registration system.

Lito

Thank you MTI. Now that explains why I was feeling like driving on the other side of the road since I started reading the book :P