W123 Wagon Differential change - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

joeywarren · #1 08-08-2003, 01:08 PM

Hey - I have a UK 230TE 1985. 82k miles!

It runs at 3,300 rpm for 70mph! Is that usual?! It does not have ABS.

I'd like to get the revs and therefore noise down at cruising speeds, so am looking at swapping out the diff.

1. What is the diff ratio on my car? Where is it indicated?
2. What ratio should /could I swap it out to?
3. Which bits do I need from a which donor car? (I have a good source of components - so just tell me what I'd need!!)

Has anyone done this - how long a job is it?!

cheers!:p

Ken300D · #2 08-08-2003, 01:33 PM

On most of the differentials, the ratio is stamped into the differential case in the lower left hand flange area, looking at the differential from the back of the car.

I can give you an idea of where to look from this picture, modified with a red circle to show where the stamp is normally located.

Ken300D

joeywarren · #3 08-08-2003, 03:08 PM

Thanks I will have a look, once I know what it is I'd really appreciate you opinion on the options I have!

cheers

>Joe

#4 08-21-2003, 06:01 PM

It feels like it should have another gear to shift to.

Cardude · #5 01-10-2004, 07:43 AM

Dude, tell us more about your engine swap in the CE. If it is already posted somewhere send me a link.

Sounds fast

Cardude,

#6 01-10-2004, 12:43 PM

It is posted somewhere but I dont remember where. Long story short - I bought a Renegade Hybrids engine swap kit for my Porsche 944 and oh my god, instant supercar. With my extensive welding and fabrication skills I decided to make the kit myself as
I went along doing a swap on a retired 300CE. Was not easy. Took a very long time. All black, Wald body kit, ungodly huge AMG wheels, springs and sway bars, less than ten grand total. Totally smoking a $160,000 Ferrari-- priceless. Tag reads PUREVIL. Sorry I dont have a camera or scanner (not much of a computer person) my friend did the pics on the other site.

stevebfl · #7 01-10-2004, 01:17 PM

It looks like the ratios were 3.69 or 3.58 with the first being the later version. Amazingly enough the 280 and 240D both use the 3.69 or 3.58 ratios also. There is a 3.46 in some 300TDs.

I don't think it would be worth the work to go from 3.69 to 3.58 or from 3.58 to 3.46. Now if you can find a 300TD turbodiesel it should have a 3.07 and if you can get an 85 US turbo diesel I think they had 2.88 ratio.

#8 01-10-2004, 01:27 PM

http://www.waldusa.com/W124_V4_coupe_(90-95).html

Mine has different grill, lights and wheels and dual mufflers.
A friend helped me get this kit, he says its very hard to find.

Cardude · #9 01-10-2004, 08:00 PM

Other Site, hmmmm that would be great to see some actual pictures of it. What part of the world are you located in.

Cardude,

jim16671836 · #10 01-10-2004, 10:00 PM

I would go with the 307 from a 300D-Turbo Diesel...and then if you wanted a little more I would run 15 or 16 inch rims with taller tires..just an idea...Jim