alskompressor

I am contemplating an axle ratio change to my 2003 CL55 AMG. Is anyone aware if there is a higher numeric axle ratio on a different model that shares the same pumpkin or if optional ring and pinions are available in the aftermarket and if so, where? I beleive that the current ratio is 2.65. I am thinking of something like a 3.08:1.

Dr Matt

I haven't heard of any optional ratios for CL's, but the 55 has a different diff than my 65 does so maybe there is something out there.

It would be amazing to have a CL with a 3.50 R&P! I'd just be afraid of snapping axle shafts if you could get the car to hook in first gear.

cm60k

Great idea, to go with shorter Ratio, will gain some tenth with good tires for sure,

i know guys replaced their Ratio's from (2.65 to 3.06 or 3.27), will losing top speed, but amazing Results,,

just be sure; to go with big pumpkin to handle the 55k power..

"ZAYED"

RaceHorse

Gears aren't anything new to improving acceleration down low, but the pinion gear in our cars will not handle it. Lets not forget tuning the TCU without a stand alone has been a problem for many of the E55 guys running different gears. I can't see how it won't be a problem for us on our platform. Sticky tires still spin with 2.65 gears at speeds on the street. Sometimes you just have to accept the platform for what it is, a big heavy cruiser... Crush your competition from a roll.

Dr Matt

A lower ratio doesn't put any more stress on the pinion shaft, only the parts downstream of the R&P.

cm60k

^+1^,

Also, my friend using (3.06) on his "Cl55" since 2 years, great Run>>NO issues..!

"ZAYED"

RaceHorse

I know the pinion shaft can snap, I understand it will still be getting the same twist from the motor, but can't see how steeper gears wouldn't stress both gears and axles.

I remember hearing people using a TCU from a car that came with those gears, but others having issues. Glad to hear it's working for our platform, share any info you can get.

alskompressor

There is inherantly higher pinion gear stresses as the ratio increases numerically, roughly proportional to the % ratio change. However, I am not drag racing my car, simply looking to trade off some top end for acceleration. Does anyone know whether this rear end was shared with Chrysler, maybe the 300? Could be a source for different ratio. Also, any idea where the "friend" got his gearing?

principledchiro

Has anyone continued to expand on the topic of lower rear gear ratio for the 03-06 CL55 AMG? The plan is to place a Qauife LSD with 2.82 gears.

SmokinCummins

Lower gears are inherently weaker due to the smaller pinion head

Welwynnick

I think the 2.65 final drive is physically different to all the rest, like the 55K / 65 transmission is different to the 430/500 tranny. It's not just different ratios - they're heavier and stronger.


Nick

StarvingArtist

Just throwing this out there, I think the SL55 has a lower ratio.

cm60k

All M113K sharing the same tranny, (722.643), and all other 55K's equipped with (2.65)

R230 Sl55 is the only M113K family, which has a higher Ratio (3.06>>2.82),

E55/Cls/Sl55 uses the same diff., but the difference with Ratio only,


*if i'm not mistaken; W215/W220 got a differ diff., don't think it can be swappable with "E/Cls/Sl",,

unless if changing the Ring & pinion only for Ratio desired..!???!

-;ZAYED;-

principledchiro

Yes, the SL55 uses the same diff. as the E55, but the SL55 has a 2.82 ratio, while the E55 has a 2.65 ratio. Kleeman told me that the 03-06 CL55 and S55 have a larger diff. and axles, but there aren't lower gear ratios available.

cm60k

Sure bro.,

"Cl & S" 99% sharing the same equipment,

i think "R230 Sl55" Ring & Pinion can be swapped into "W215/W220 Cl/S55", but can't assure that..!,,

anyone here got any info. about that, pls. chime in..

-;ZAYED;-

cm60k

And guess what;-

"MAYBACH" is the only diff. with (2.82), that directly bolt-on into "W215/W220 Cl/S55"..!-!!-!

-;ZAYED;-

principledchiro

So you're saying the 2.82 geared Maybach shares the same differential as the CL55 AMG? If yes, can the ring and pinion be procured from a Mercedes Benz dealership?

cm60k

Yes, they're the same diff.,,

MB not selling "MAYBACH" Ring & Pinion separately, don't know why..?!!?

-;ZAYED;-

RaceHorse

I always wondered if the Maybach rear was used on the renntech record cl65. Even if the ring and pinion are sold separately, I'd confirm that it's the same part number on the maybach carrier before purchasing. I wonder if the pinion gear is a little thicker so it won't snap. On the street there are enough problems with traction. A steeper gear rear would only shine at the track.

ctravis595

for future research, my 2002 cl500 came with 2.82 gears stock. hope this helps someone

ctravis595

oh ive also been running the cl55 N/a engine, and e55 (722.636) tranny with no issues with my 2.82. i don't drag race but i do plenty of WOT

RaceHorse

This is not the same rear as the AMGs and 600s, despite being the same platform. Take a look at pics on line, your see the difference in the front mounting to the rear support, the 3 prongs instead of 4 bolting for the driveshaft flex disc. I think the breather vent is in a different location as well. I'm guessing the internals are not as beefy on the 500s.

ctravis595