Differential Leaking?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 100
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From: Columbus, Ohio
95 M3, 98 C280, 97 E320 (sold)
Differential Leaking?
I think my differential is leaking fluid on my 97 E320. Has anyone else had this? I'm guessing it's a gasket somewhere. The car has 100k miles on it. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Thanks
Newbie
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8
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From: Los Gatos, CA
1997 E420
I noticed the differential leaking about 9 months ago when my 1997 E420 only had about 43K miles. I was surprised a MBZ should have such a problem so soon and have not done anything about it so far.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 564
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From: New Jersey
2006 E500 4matic Wagon
I know that 4matics are prone to "sweating" on the diffs. Both my 1998 E320 and my 2000 E430 had the problem. Nothing to do.
Leaking? Is it possible the fluid was changed and overfilled?
Leaking? Is it possible the fluid was changed and overfilled?
Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 96
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From: CA
In my case all 3 leaks did not have anything to do with an over fill.
When they started to leak, I took it to the dealer and the drained and replaced the seal and then re-filled it. I am assuming that the dealer filled it correctly.
When they started to leak, I took it to the dealer and the drained and replaced the seal and then re-filled it. I am assuming that the dealer filled it correctly.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 100
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From: Columbus, Ohio
95 M3, 98 C280, 97 E320 (sold)
I don't think mine has been messed with. So, it's due for a flush anyway. I'll just change the seal while I'm at it. Hopefully, that'll fix the problem. I just didn't think it would be leaking already. But, as we all know, stuff happens.
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Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 96
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From: CA
One thing that I noticed for all 3 leaks that I had was that the leak was not noticeable. There was no leaking under the car. I only noticed the leaks when I took the car to a mercedes mechanic that I use for oil changes. They put it on the lift and I noticed that there were some oil residue around the differential.
So be extra observant and check for any signs of leaks big or small.
So be extra observant and check for any signs of leaks big or small.
Newbie
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5
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From: Manhattan
97 E420
A little while back a service tech noted that my diff was leaking, but that it wasn't significant - though he said that I would have to address the problem soon. To date, I have yet to notice any adverse effects from this situation. What exactly should I expect to notice, and how much is this going to cost to fix (I'm at 93,000mi, so I'm no longer under warranty)?
-Adam
-Adam
Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 96
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From: CA
you may not notice anything for awhile.
In my case, I didn't notice any difference in performance. It was only when the vehicle was on a lift that I had a visual on the leak.
I am not sure what it would cost to fix it as all 3 of my leaks were covered under warranty.
In my case, I didn't notice any difference in performance. It was only when the vehicle was on a lift that I had a visual on the leak.
I am not sure what it would cost to fix it as all 3 of my leaks were covered under warranty.
Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 114
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From: California
2000 E430 Desert Silver
Same problem on E430
There was no leaking under the car just some oil residue around the differential.
I got exactly the same problem when my car was brand new (5 Miles). They fixed it and so far so good. It has been almost 3 years now. Will see.
I got exactly the same problem when my car was brand new (5 Miles). They fixed it and so far so good. It has been almost 3 years now. Will see.
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Senior Member
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From: Melbourne, Australia
GLE 350D GLC 250D, Previous vehicles W204, W164, W163, W210 & W202
My 1998 E320 also has some oil on the top of the diff. The local MB specialist told me he is more worried when he sees a diff with no oil on it.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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In my case, the top side of the diff. case is moist, it's not soaked and there is no drips forming. I wiped it clean and after 3000 miles, there is no sign of new oil.
How does the breather work? Does it let the oil out if there are too much oil in it?
How does the breather work? Does it let the oil out if there are too much oil in it?
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 23
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That is an ineresting comment from that MB specialist. I'd interpret it as saying that don't worry if there are oil on the diff. The oil came out from the breather when there are excess oil in the diff.
