8V183 was based on a Mercedes design developed (I think??) before MTU bought Mercedes Benz commercial diesel subsidiary (??). It is 128mm bore/142mm stroke, which is the same as the MAN 2842, but I do not think (??) the engines share a design. The 183 designation means 1.83 liter per cylinder.
Following the 8V183 is a TExx designation, where the xx are numerals indicating how much power the engine is capable of creating. Higher the number, more fuel and more turbo. Get the full number and Boatdiesel has most of the data sheets.
I have some experience with these, but very limited. Not enough to guide you much. In general, I think they are pretty good.
I think the 183 was the predecesssor to the V2000 series, which has larger bore and stroke. Not sure how much if any design was retained.
MTU has bought Detroit Diesel. So many DD dealers now also cover MTU and can provide service and parts. Check that in you local area.