Pls Help - Need advice on replacing engine

[Moski]

Hi Guys,

Being using this fantastic forum for sometime now for all my A-Class niggles but unfortunately our car has given up the ghost and I have being advised I need to source a replacement engine.

My car is a year 2000 A140 Classic and I was wondering if someone could clarify the following for me when sourcing a 2nd Hand engine:

1) Is there any difference engine-wise between cars with a manual gearbox and an automatic gearbox? Can an engine from an automatic be used as a direct replacement for an engine with a manual gearbox?

2)Seeing as my car is classified as a W168 and this model was manufactured until 2004 can I use an engine from a year 2001/2/3/4 A140 as a direct replacement for my year 2000 car or are there differences in the looms, mounts etc.

None of my local breakers have any engines available so before I order an engine from further afield it would be great to know what engines I can purchase and which to avoid.

Thanks in advance,
Mo