silence

anyone know of anyone who has done this?

Why not run a 9"?

Ausmbtech

The diff used in our cars isn't exactly considered weak, the only problem is the high cost of a LSD.

Also you might like to note that MB's have been using independant rear suspension for a very very long time now, even the W201 was using a 5 link rear suspension which is only just appering on some cheaper rwd cars now. A 9" is a live rear axle, not really great for going round corners.

NitrogenBalance

Yeah, I had a 454SS with a solid axle and the only thing it did good was go straight. Did it well though. However, cornering and bumps were an issue any time you were on the gas. I later switched over to an airride systems 5 link with bags and it was waaay better. I can also say with confidence that the ESP/ASR system will be all messed up.

I discussed swapping to another MB rear end with Cory from kleemann and he explained that the ASR/ESP system relies heavily on the rear end as well so it would trigger things downstream if you were to change it. The last promising detail I got was from mbenzman stating that he "may" be able to modify the W202 rear for a quaife LSD.

silence

i'm well aware of the driving dynamics differences between solid and independent rear- i honestly may be interested in making those sacrifices at some point down the road. At that point i'd have no intention of running any traction control whatsoever.

FLYNAVY

Which could have ramifications for your ECU as well......since the logic cuts engine power during ESP/ASR events. If you just removed this connection, it may very well default to a limp mode

lkchris

Just get a Camaro.

silence

i already have my esp/abs on a complete system "off" switch- does not create any negative effects other than turning the systems off.


as far as the "just get a camaro" comment- i don't think a properly done solid rear would be nearly the detriment to the car that you think it would be. I would put money on me out running a similarly equipped car with the stock rear diff with a 9" equipped car (with the gears and diff. of my choosing) in an autocross or track environment- and at a potentially much reduced cost.

Just wait until i start trying to figure out how to swap a chevy 6 speed in... dont' want to waste your barbs now.

NitrogenBalance

Your probably going to get a few more comments considering the overall appreciation of domestic autos/parts around here

I'm a fan of what your doing and like the fact that your not affraid to be different in terms of MB modifications. I must admit that my MB's have been the most challanging to mess around with.. my experience with the 5 link rears has been better than my experience with solid ones is all I really needed to say. I know you understand the two.

Why don't you do us all a favor and work out the details to fit a quaife LSD in there, then you can keep the dynamics of the 5 link. Just a thought.

FLYNAVY

So how exactly have you done this? I might be interested in it myself....

Also, I think the 6-spd manual sounds like a great idea if you can get it to work. This car absolutely needs a manual trans to reach its full potential...esp if it were being driven by a 5.4L m113 I don't think many folks would object to using a Tremec or ZF trans for this application....hell, Renntech used a ZF 6-spd in both the w124 500e 6.0 conversion, as well as the CLK60

silence

i dont have any personal experience with the inside of diffs though- and i'm not all that comfortable.

I have no qualms with suspension design and fabrication though (see my explorer)

You're probably right that would be the best solution though.

btw- i picked up a terminator heat exchanger and will be test fitting that in a couple weeks in my moving towards my self styled air-water set-up.

-drew

Ausmbtech

I still dont understand why you would want/need to change the rear end. By fitting a solid rear axle you are effectively downgrading the suspension setup.

MB 5 link suspension is used upto engines giving 1250NM of flywheel torque so power capacity isn't an issue either.

The only downside is the cost of a LSD which is still considerably lower than the retrofit cost of a solid axle and LSD

silence

i doubt it would cost me half what it would cost to purchase and have someone install the lsd for my car.

additionally, i would be interested in regearing.

maybe you know something i don't know about what lsd would work (and would really WORK)?

Dr. C36

worse idea ever, guy buy domestic junk if you want antiquated old school technology.

If you want LSD just buy one from the 190s and transplant

FLYNAVY

So you still haven't explained how you disabled ESP totally? Care to share....some of us would be probably quite interested, as it is quite annoying at times

silence

i'll make you guys a deal-

i'll keep the stock suspension and figure out an lsd until i figure out how to go over 500 whp or so... at that point i'm going to do whatever it takes to get traction.

i deliberately blew the esp/bas fuse and then ran fuse taps off of both leads (fused on the hot side) to a switch. Flip the switch for full-off dyno/play mode. I may go in and do it the right way (pulled fuse, find the wire colors and install the switch there down the road- but wanted to make sure it worked first).


will a w201 lsd work? no one has mentioned this option before?

EVLC36

Yes it will, direct bolt in, just have to use the 16v rear cover (it will work on the C36 anyway, not sure if the 43 is different....

Dr. C36

honestly the stock diff can handle stupid power so no point in trying to upgrade the rear end. The weakest link is the 5spd tranny but the 4spds can handle pretty much whatever you throw at them.

300e 5spd is a direct swap manual tranny and I heard both the old e & W201 diff internals can be transplanted over. its a bit of work but could be worthwhile investment. If you don't want to go to all that trouble just get a set of really wide sticky rear tires and roll your fenders a bit, much simpler & easier solution

silence

i've also heard the 300e tranny is only good for about 320 ft lbs...

i doubt any streetable set of tires is going to make my car hook for long with the power i hope to make after a few more years of ownership. I could do a widebody (just finished one for a friend's a4 btw) but that just isn't the solution to the problem. the solution is to spin both tires at the same time.

i'm very interested in any more information anyone has about swapping in w201 lsd or parts...

-drew