Was cruising down the highway nicely at 70 mph and slowed for the toll booth. BANG, crunch, scrape. My poor 2003 E320 4matic wagon. Towed to an independent repair shop. Still waiting on news. I'm guessing front axle and front differential. If the cost is too high, how hard is the front diff job? Is there a driveline drawing available anywhere? Only 120k on vehicle. Thanks

 

OK, got the quote from the repair shop for used front differential and an axle. within reason,so I'm saved from doing this job....

 

There is long way from broken CV joint, what might require axle replacement to bad differential.
How did they figure it out?

 

Differential had 2 holes blown through it. Turned out axle was OK. Transfer case was frozen. Anyway, all done, running great again. Glad i didn't have to do this job on my back in the snow....