C63s Electronic Differential Whine / Failure
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 308
Likes: 71
From: Charlotte, NC
17 C63S Coupe PTG1000
C63s Electronic Differential Whine / Failure
I know there's a few threads on this topic, although they are fairly dated.
Very recently, my 2017 C63S Coupe (with electronic differential) with 22k miles, and a diff service performed 3k miles ago (2L of Liquimoly 75w-140 GL-5 spec) started whining ONLY when on throttle. Additionally, at low speeds, turning (i.e. out of garage) groans quite a bit and also has a sound/feeling like the wheel is hopping.
It sounds like there is either an issue with the diff itself, or some component of the driveline. The whine is definitely coming from the back of the vehicle.
My questions/thoughts are:
Very recently, my 2017 C63S Coupe (with electronic differential) with 22k miles, and a diff service performed 3k miles ago (2L of Liquimoly 75w-140 GL-5 spec) started whining ONLY when on throttle. Additionally, at low speeds, turning (i.e. out of garage) groans quite a bit and also has a sound/feeling like the wheel is hopping.
It sounds like there is either an issue with the diff itself, or some component of the driveline. The whine is definitely coming from the back of the vehicle.
My questions/thoughts are:
- are these diffs serviceable (i.e. seals, bearings etc.)?
- if the diff is damaged beyond repair, what options do I have?
- I know Weistec, PTG etc. have "built" differentials with Wavetrac internals, but they are ungodly expense
- I don't know if finding a good, used stock unit is the right move either - I have a very high-powered build, so there is a very good chance I end up back in the same place again.
Last edited by noremaC; Nov 14, 2023 at 10:01 AM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 11,400
Likes: 5,324
From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
Technically the diff can be rebuilt if you find somebody willing to do it. As far as Weistec etc. goes, they have mechanical LSDs. The C63S has an electronic locking differential. There's no aftermarket part for that as far as I know. You also can't just go ahead and replace it with an LSD as it is integrated into the rest of the car. You can code it out I suppose, since the non-S used to have a mechanical LSD, which AMG discontinued with the FL. It's an expensive piece of kit and there are a few recent threads of folks that have destroyed theirs. Your best bet is probably to find a used one.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 551
Likes: 133
From: Miami, Florida
W205 C63 AMG Coupe
How is your transmission holding up with the high power build, and how much power are we talking? I would think that the transmission would start slipping before the differential failed. I've only heard of a differential whining when the pinion gear is worn out, bearings are bad, or there has been a bad gear installation, so I'd start by checking those components.
Member
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 181
Likes: 21
From: Arizona
c450
I know there's a few threads on this topic, although they are fairly dated.
Very recently, my 2017 C63S Coupe (with electronic differential) with 22k miles, and a diff service performed 3k miles ago (2L of Liquimoly 75w-140 GL-5 spec) started whining ONLY when on throttle. Additionally, at low speeds, turning (i.e. out of garage) groans quite a bit and also has a sound/feeling like the wheel is hopping.
It sounds like there is either an issue with the diff itself, or some component of the driveline. The whine is definitely coming from the back of the vehicle.
My questions/thoughts are:
Very recently, my 2017 C63S Coupe (with electronic differential) with 22k miles, and a diff service performed 3k miles ago (2L of Liquimoly 75w-140 GL-5 spec) started whining ONLY when on throttle. Additionally, at low speeds, turning (i.e. out of garage) groans quite a bit and also has a sound/feeling like the wheel is hopping.
It sounds like there is either an issue with the diff itself, or some component of the driveline. The whine is definitely coming from the back of the vehicle.
My questions/thoughts are:
- are these diffs serviceable (i.e. seals, bearings etc.)?
- if the diff is damaged beyond repair, what options do I have?
- I know Weistec, PTG etc. have "built" differentials with Wavetrac internals, but they are ungodly expense
- I don't know if finding a good, used stock unit is the right move either - I have a very high-powered build, so there is a very good chance I end up back in the same place again.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 308
Likes: 71
From: Charlotte, NC
17 C63S Coupe PTG1000
I used to have a 2017 c63s coupe and my rear diff made the exact symptoms around 24k. When the dealer flushed the fluid out it had tons of metal flakes in the fluid and the diff was done for in my case. I had my extended warranty cover mine, but when I asked around I know PTG rebuilds them and there’s a rear diff builder in the bay(San Francisco) that can do a drexler build.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 308
Likes: 71
From: Charlotte, NC
17 C63S Coupe PTG1000
How is your transmission holding up with the high power build, and how much power are we talking? I would think that the transmission would start slipping before the differential failed. I've only heard of a differential whining when the pinion gear is worn out, bearings are bad, or there has been a bad gear installation, so I'd start by checking those components.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,718
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From: Australia
⏱️ 700HP Facelift converted C63 S Coupe with Drexler 3.06 plated LSD
I got rid of the E-Diff and rebuilt mine with the same bearings, seals and a new ring & pinion gear but upgraded the diff to a Drexler Motorsport LSD (mechanical with clutches).
I have larger turbos, 700hp etc
Seeing as yours is whining and wheel hopping you won't need a whole diff - most likely just a crown wheel.
You can pick up a second hand complete diff and pinch the crown off it, heat shrink the old crown and you'll be set for a few hundred dollars.
Best to take your diff apart first and inspect your ring and pinion gears first as I suspect it's only those that will be worn.
Edit: This is my old diff out and gutted. They're totally repairable
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Joined: Mar 2022
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C63s W205
I just blew my diff at 47k miles stock tune car. No sounds or anything just a loud bang and car couldn’t move. I don’t think to many people are blowing through their diffs I might be wrong though. I would say buy a used one if it happens again then go upgraded.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,718
Likes: 608
From: Australia
⏱️ 700HP Facelift converted C63 S Coupe with Drexler 3.06 plated LSD
Sh*t what happened there? Coupe or sedan?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 308
Likes: 71
From: Charlotte, NC
17 C63S Coupe PTG1000
Damn that’s wild.
does anyone know
- Amount of fluid to fill diff?
- Can drain and fill plug be re-used?
- Torque spec for drain and fill plugs?
thanks!
does anyone know
- Amount of fluid to fill diff?
- Can drain and fill plug be re-used?
- Torque spec for drain and fill plugs?
thanks!
Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 79
Likes: 9
C450 AMG
Last edited by Matthew Cohen; Nov 16, 2023 at 09:18 AM.
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Joined: Dec 2024
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hi, I’m looking to do this to my C63S. Have emailed rjautomotive and my friend is the UK Drexler distributor so he’s going to quote me tomorrow for a centre.
is it as straightforward as you make out re: the coding out? Do you have any warning lights or traction control related issues? Or driver mode issues?
I had a W204 with LSD and loved every journey for 5 years and have been so disappointed by my C63S. Hoping the diff has me falling in love!!
is it as straightforward as you make out re: the coding out? Do you have any warning lights or traction control related issues? Or driver mode issues?
I had a W204 with LSD and loved every journey for 5 years and have been so disappointed by my C63S. Hoping the diff has me falling in love!!
Hey Norm, they're serviceable and can be completely rebuilt or have parts changed/reused.
I got rid of the E-Diff and rebuilt mine with the same bearings, seals and a new ring & pinion gear but upgraded the diff to a Drexler Motorsport LSD (mechanical with clutches).
I have larger turbos, 700hp etc
Seeing as yours is whining and wheel hopping you won't need a whole diff - most likely just a crown wheel.
You can pick up a second hand complete diff and pinch the crown off it, heat shrink the old crown and you'll be set for a few hundred dollars.
Best to take your diff apart first and inspect your ring and pinion gears first as I suspect it's only those that will be worn.
Edit: This is my old diff out and gutted. They're totally repairable
https://www.instagram.com/p/CoNCMe0J...RlODBiNWFlZA==
I got rid of the E-Diff and rebuilt mine with the same bearings, seals and a new ring & pinion gear but upgraded the diff to a Drexler Motorsport LSD (mechanical with clutches).
I have larger turbos, 700hp etc
Seeing as yours is whining and wheel hopping you won't need a whole diff - most likely just a crown wheel.
You can pick up a second hand complete diff and pinch the crown off it, heat shrink the old crown and you'll be set for a few hundred dollars.
Best to take your diff apart first and inspect your ring and pinion gears first as I suspect it's only those that will be worn.
Edit: This is my old diff out and gutted. They're totally repairable
https://www.instagram.com/p/CoNCMe0J...RlODBiNWFlZA==
