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4MATIC differentials

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Old 12-28-2008, 08:27 PM
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2003 C240 & 2005 BMW 330Ci ZHP 6MT
Question 4MATIC differentials

I was reading that the W204's 4MATIC system differs from the W203 4MATIC in that it is now an all-time AWD system as opposed to the W203 which is more of a 4WD system.

Does anyone here know what kind of differentials MB is using on the W204 4MATIC? Is it open in the front and rear with a mechanical limited slip in the center or are they all open? If they are using LSDs then what type are they using?

Thanks!
Old 12-28-2008, 10:08 PM
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Originally Posted by SpeedDemon
....Does anyone here know what kind of differentials MB is using on the W204 4MATIC?
W204 is now full time awd with 45/55 rear bias. Planetary center diff, I think it has lock-up clutch.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4Matic

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/05/n...lass-us-debut/

Last edited by kevink2; 12-28-2008 at 10:13 PM.
Old 12-29-2008, 12:15 AM
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So it sounds like a multi-plate clutch center diff (not a real LSD, but acts enough like one) and then open diffs in the front and rear.

I wish that BMW and MB would follow Audi, Mitsubishi, and Subaru in using at least 2 LSDs (1 center and then another in the rear). Mitsubishi is actually use 3 LSDs these days in their Evo X (front, rear, and center).
Old 12-29-2008, 04:22 AM
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Originally Posted by SpeedDemon
So it sounds like a multi-plate clutch center diff (not a real LSD, but acts enough like one) and then open diffs in the front and rear.

I wish that BMW and MB would follow Audi, Mitsubishi, and Subaru in using at least 2 LSDs (1 center and then another in the rear). Mitsubishi is actually use 3 LSDs these days in their Evo X (front, rear, and center).
The centre differential has a fixed spring loaded multidisk clutch that introduces a differential lock for up to 50 Nm torque levels.

I have not followed Audi but I would assume their latest implementations also making use of ABS brakes to emulate limited slip differentials. This comes for free and does not introduce additional weight or fuel consumption etc.

Subaru Evo cars are probably intended for pretty different use (I'm not familiar with those either) and then some real differentials make more sense.
Old 12-29-2008, 05:15 AM
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S204 C220 CDI, VW Scirocco III 1.4TSI 160
Had an BMW X5 the other day. X-drive is a joke in corners: understeering like crazy and choking when you turn the wheel and floor it.
Old 12-29-2008, 12:45 PM
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Originally Posted by ctgilles
Had an BMW X5 the other day. X-drive is a joke in corners: understeering like crazy and choking when you turn the wheel and floor it.
The one you were driving likely wasn't a 4.8 and didn't have sport package. If you had hopped into one with the 4.8l. sport package, and the 20" wheels then you would have been having a lot more fun. Its actually incredible how well they handle.

If you're going to make a claim like that then at least say what year the X5 was, what options it was equipped with, etc. We all know that BMWs and MBs vary greatly based on how they are equipped. I could say that 2003 MBs are slow and be referring to my C240 but obviously that doesn't hold true for a C32.

Old 12-30-2008, 02:08 AM
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Originally Posted by SpeedDemon
So it sounds like a multi-plate clutch center diff (not a real LSD, but acts enough like one) and then open diffs in the front and rear.

I wish that BMW and MB would follow Audi, Mitsubishi, and Subaru in using at least 2 LSDs (1 center and then another in the rear). Mitsubishi is actually use 3 LSDs these days in their Evo X (front, rear, and center).
The C300 center diff is real, not like a simple clutch coupling (haldex), and it is simialar to the ones you mention.

Look at pic is 1st link. It startss a and open biased center diff, and clutch plates are added, linking front and rear output shafts if lots of snow or ice are enountered.

And, don't forget the 7 speed locks up the TC in every gear, no slush box there.
Old 12-30-2008, 07:12 AM
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Originally Posted by SpeedDemon
The one you were driving likely wasn't a 4.8 and didn't have sport package. If you had hopped into one with the 4.8l. sport package, and the 20" wheels then you would have been having a lot more fun. Its actually incredible how well they handle.

If you're going to make a claim like that then at least say what year the X5 was, what options it was equipped with, etc. We all know that BMWs and MBs vary greatly based on how they are equipped. I could say that 2003 MBs are slow and be referring to my C240 but obviously that doesn't hold true for a C32.

Sorry, 2007 "E70" X5 with sports package (full option), 3.0d remapped to 290bhp with 620Nm. 19" 255 Conti SSC front and 285 at the back.
Goes like stink in a straight line though, trashed a Z4 with it the other day. Hate it when people keep hanging right on my behind

Btw, with cornering I mean the ability to drift. More torques to the rear would be a good start.
Old 12-30-2008, 02:17 PM
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A video clip about 4-matic here too:
http://www3.mercedes-benz.com/teclex/main_en.html
Click highlights, 4-matic and function.
Old 12-30-2008, 07:10 PM
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Originally Posted by ctgilles
Sorry, 2007 "E70" X5 with sports package (full option), 3.0d remapped to 290bhp with 620Nm. 19" 255 Conti SSC front and 285 at the back.
Goes like stink in a straight line though, trashed a Z4 with it the other day. Hate it when people keep hanging right on my behind

Btw, with cornering I mean the ability to drift. More torques to the rear would be a good start.
Umm...
Old 12-31-2008, 05:02 AM
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S204 C220 CDI, VW Scirocco III 1.4TSI 160
Originally Posted by AsianML
Umm...
Yes, again I did not say it like I meant to say it.

I mean it understeers on thighter corners. Because they don't shift enough power to the rear axle.
And yes, I know it's an SUV. But it's amazing how much more fun the SRT pickup is....

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