E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

03 Mercedes E55 Needs Differential Advice

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old May 5, 2014 | 07:27 PM
  #1  
jkb875's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
03 E55 AMG
03 Mercedes E55 Needs Differential Advice

I have a 2003 Mercedes E55 (July 2003 Production Date) and i cracked my diff and just purchased a new one off ebay. The part number for the one I purchased off ebay is 230 351 01 05 but off an e500. The part number was identical on my e55 differential so I purchased it. I was getting ready to have it installed but I am worried that the gearing might be different inside the diff. Does anyone know if that is the case? I have found parts sites selling the differential with the same part number 230 351 01 05 stating it will fit an e320, e500, and e55. Others say the gearing might be different. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Reply
Old May 7, 2014 | 03:42 PM
  #2  
N_Jay's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
15 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,516
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
I would not worry that it is a "boat Anchor" but it could have different gearing.


The question comes down to whether the MB part number is specific to a differential and gearing, or is just the differential number with gearing addressed as a suffix of some kind (like a color code).
If it is the former you should be good to go, if it is the later you could have a diff that fits but has a other than standard gear ratio.
On most cars I would not worry, as I doubt it is significantly different between a E55 and E500, but being as our MBs are so darn computerized, it could cause some odd issues. (On a 'normal" car your speedometer is off a bit and your acceleration is either a bit better or a bit worse.)
Maybe do a look up and see if the final drive ratios are listed for each car?
Reply
Old May 7, 2014 | 04:17 PM
  #3  
N_Jay's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
15 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,516
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
From the parts breakdown it looks like that "part" is either the "Differential housing" alone or "differential housing with differential".


Either way, it looks like the ring and pinion (that set the ratio) are not included in that part number.


So, it should "fit" but the ratio is a guess. (unless you can find the listings for the ratios for the various W211 models.)
Reply
Old May 7, 2014 | 11:03 PM
  #4  
N_Jay's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
15 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,516
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
Originally Posted by Plutoe
The ratio, 1:2.65 is a moot issue----you need the VIN to be correct!!


Why is that?


Does MB change the ratio every car? (or often at all?)
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:55 PM.

story-0
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-2
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-4
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-5
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-6
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE