bryanjchen

Hi all, I am looking for some help on making a diff change on my 1993 w124 300ce(M104 engine). I currently have a 2.65 diff on the car but feel that the car's acceleration is a bit sluggish/lazy. I would like to get some insight as to which diff to get so as to improve acceleration but still be able to do highway driving without reving like crazy. I have been told that my best options are probably a large 2.87, 3.06 or 3.07 rear diff. I have recently found a 3.06 rear diff(part number 12894683.06) taken off a w124 E280, the cluster from the car which it was taken off is also available. Can anyone tell me if this diff will fit on my car and what performance results should I expect to see? Which of the options, 2.87, 3.06 or 3.07 is most appropriate for me? I am looking to get faster all-around acceleration and willing to give up some top-end speed(hopefully not too much) but also want the car to be drivable on the highway. How much will a change in the diff affect my fuel efficiency? Any help that anyone can provide regarding the above, part numbers for the diff/cluster, model car which the parts originally came on, leads on where I can get the parts would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.

Saijin_Naib

I've got the 90 300ce, so the 3.27 final. I tach about 20:1 (aka, 3500rpm @ 70mph) on a flat road, and have taken the car to 125, so top end still exists.

chlippo

if you got 5 speed automatic, the factory setting was 3.27 on those

bryanjchen

Thanks Saijin_Naib, was that the stock diff on the car? I have a 4 speed transmission, so wondering if that would have an affect on my diff options.

Saijin_Naib

Yeah, its the stock 4spd Auto. I think the 90 was the only year to offer it in the coupe, as previous and later years used lower gears. I did not know the 5spd used the 3.27 as well.

I believe its the 210mm bell housing as I remember reading some documentation from AMGDave about that. I believe it is possible to put an LSD in it as well, but I don't know what car it can be transplanted from.

bryanjchen

Thanks everyone for the quick replies. My car is a US spec car which was imported into Taiwan. Bought the car pretty much in stock condition from the second owner about a year ago and gave the car a complete overhaul, mechanics, interior and new coat of paint. Given the age of the car, had problems looking for some of the modification parts and as such used parts from a few modification brands. Here are some of the changes I have made to my car, a 1993 300ce M104 3.2L:
AMG 17 inch monoblock rims off a C36
Car lowered using Bilstein shocks and Eibach springs
Eibach sway bars for 500e
Wald front spoiler
Lorinser exhaust
Macintosh car stereo
Still looking for a AMG steering wheel like the one in the Hammer and the diff to finish off my CE project, so if anyone has any leads, please advise. thanks again!

bryanjchen

Just got the 3.06 diff and cluster installed and must say there is a noticeable difference in the acceleration but also the interior/exterior noise due to the increased rpm. Not sure how much my top speed is affected but within my normal speed range, throttle is much more responsive. Noise level is not the typical silent cabin at highway speeds anymore but still acceptable to me. Will road test a bit more and report back with results.