sugg355

Does anyone know whether a W210 E320 rear differential would swap into a 1999 E300 Turbo diesel?

I looked at a 97 E300 differential but it has a slight different housing and the pinion is smaller as well.

RKP Waco

Depending on the year it will. I switched to a E430 rear end, it has a taller gear.

sugg355

I was contemplating going with an E430 rear end as well. Is the pinion shaft the same as the 1999 E300 TD then? Did you have any ASR issues or have to update your TCU?

Plutoe

Be careful,use EPC to define the correct differential and or comparability. Else you will wish you did!!

RKP Waco

I have a 99 E300 and I installed an 01 E430 rear end with no problems. You will have to add an extra differential rubber mount because the E430 produces more torque. Which is really no big deal. But if you don’t plan on increasing the horsepower of your engine then just swap differential covers and use yours.

sugg355

I was looking for someone to confirm that it was indeed possible. I can get a 98 E430 rear end from the local pick n pull in fact. From my research I have discovered that E300TD's in Europe had a 2.87:1 rear end. E430's ratio in the US is 2.82:1 to the best of my knowledge.

So, what do you mean by extra differential rubber mount?

RKP Waco

This is a E300 case, the mounts are close together.

This is a E430 case, the mounts are further apart to handle the extra torque

sugg355

I see. So, I would need to swap the back covers in order for it to fit correctly. Is the vertical bolt hole the same for both differentials then?

RKP Waco

You can’t swap covers, they are different sizes.

sugg355

I know it's been a few months, but I finally got around to sourcing a 1999 E430 2.82:1 rear end and getting it installed with a new bushing, which was a bit of a pain. However, I now get an check engine light and a TCM error indicating that it's either slipping or doesn't know the rear end ratio which makes sense. I can reset the codes (OBD2 and Mercedes TCM) with my OBD2 scanner and it shifts fine for first the first minute or two but then ends up in limp home mode which locks in 2nd or 3rd gear. I'm surprised that you don't have this issue. Does anyone know how to change the rear end ratio for these cars?

RKP Waco

I run an after market TCM, so I don’t have an issue. I should have asked you if you knew the issues with swapping drivetrain parts. To fix your issue you need the transmission and the TCM from the car you got the rear end from or a car with the same rear end ratio. Then you have to swap the bell housings to match your engine.

sugg355

How about just getting an aftermarket TCM? I think getting the transmission and bell housing is not possible for me. Where did you source your TCM?

RKP Waco

I got a TCM from Ofgear, they are located in Norway, it’s about $700. Then there is Sound German Automotive, they are in Washington state and their TCM is a $1000.

sugg355

I've contact Ofgear and they replied that I would need another gear lever with the electronics removed and placed in Neutral for my engine to start with the Ofgear TCM installed. What exactly did you do for your solution? Did you have to get another gear lever so your engine would start.

RKP Waco

I just used the original shifter.

sugg355

Ole for OFgear has a question for you RKP Waco.

RKP Waco

I ran the wire from Ofgear controller to the shifter

e320tony

Is your E300 Turbo?

e320tony

I think you need a 2.87 differential for your e300, which is why your car's limping.