Hey everyone, first time posting here.

I noticed there is another thread with the same title, however it did not answer my question.

I am living in Canada, I have a 2.6 Sportline and recently saved a 1991 1.8 from the junk yard.

Upon getting the 1.8 home one of the ball joints exploded and upon further inspection the previous owner had done quite a job to the low control arm when replacing the last ball joint.

As the 1.8 was not sold on this side of the pond it's very pricey to source the correct part (In the range of $1000 CAD per side after shipping).

Would anyone be able to tell me if the control arms are interchangeable between any models sold in North America? I can get the control arms for a 2.6 for about $300 each.

Thank in advance to anyone who can help me!

 

I think it's wonderful you're saving the 1.8. You'll have a nice pair of W201 bookends. As to your question, I'm not sure. Given the lighter weight of the 1.8 engine versus the heavier 2.6, I would guess that there might be some differences in the suspension set up.You might try contacting the MB Classic Center in Irvine, CA. to see if they might know what the differences between the North American W201s and the European W201s are. I know there are differences but as to all of the differences I'm not sure because my W201 is a North American model. Interesting that a 1.8 made it's way to North America. I know there were some grey market W201s that did come to North America but I don't think there were too many. Wish I had more info for you. I'll be curious to know what you find out.

 

Welcome r0b0,

Read here

 

There are a couple of online forums dedicated solely to the W201. There's www.190rev.net that's U.S. based and also www.mercedes-190.co.uk.that's U.K. based. I know there are 1.8 owners who are members of the U.K. based forum and there are members from around the world there as well. Someone in the U.K. based forum might know the answer. As I said previously I'm not sure if a ball joint for a 2.6 will work for a 1.8 due to the differences in size and weight of the engines and how the suspensions might differ because of those differences. . I'm also not sure how much the U.S. located MB Classic Center knows about the European market 190s as they deal exclusively with the North American market cars. They're very knowledgeable and helpful with the North American market 190s. I've gotten help many times with my 190. Maybe the MB Classic Center in Germany might be able to answer your question. I'll be very curious to hear what you find out. My 190 is a U.S. 2.3.

 

Hi rObO, I've contacted a member of another MB forum I belong to who I'd forgotten owns both a 1.8 and a 2.6 190. I'm told that the control arms and bushings are interchangeable between the 1.8 and the 2.6 so you should be good to go with the 2.6 parts you found. I'm further told that the differences are in the sway bars etc where the different engine sizes and weights are accounted for. I hope this helps you to save the 1.8 from the junk yard.

 

Thank you so much for your help 190Efan, I really appreciate you going out of your way for me! I owe ya one!

I am very glad to say I have just ordered the control arms.

I will be more active on this forum in the future, and once I get the 1.8 back from the shop if anyone is to see this post and has questions about part interchangeability between 1.8s and 2.6s I am happy to take a look and answer you as best as possible.

Thanks again 190Efan!

Cheers

 

Your most welcome rObO. I was very determined to help you save the 1.8 from the junk yard so it was no trouble at all. Now you have a great pair of 190 bookends. Would love to see some pictures when you get the chance. Please keep us posted on your progress and don't hesitate to ask if you need more help.