SL55 AMG, SL63 AMG, SL65 AMG (R230) 2002 - 2011 (2003 US for SL55 and 2004 for the SL65)

SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: 2003 SL55 Quaife Part number?

Old Aug 23, 2012 | 03:53 PM
  #1  
over the edge's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 88
Likes: 2
From: San Francisco, CA
SL65
2003 SL55 Quaife Part number?

I recently purchased a Quaife QDF9V1 thinking it would fit my 03 SL55, but it does not. I took my diff out and disassembled to find I have a 10 bolt ring gear not the 12 bolt on the Quaife. The housing of my diff is cast steel painted black not aluminum as on the E55.

Searching around I see some people suggest the QDF7V for my car. Can anyone verify this would be right for my car? I have a pretty early production 03 (build in 02) with the bolt-on axles. The dealer had a different part number for the diff seals after I gave them my VIN vs what was normally listed for an 03 SL55.

Has anyone else with an 03 installed a Quaife? What part number did you use?
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2012 | 03:57 PM
  #2  
over the edge's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 88
Likes: 2
From: San Francisco, CA
SL65
Pic of my diff for reference.
Attached Thumbnails 2003 SL55 Quaife Part number?-img_20120821_213355.jpg  
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2012 | 06:20 AM
  #3  
over the edge's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 88
Likes: 2
From: San Francisco, CA
SL65
Originally Posted by over the edge
Pic of my diff for reference.
In case any one cares, early (all?) 03 cars like mine have the 210mm rear axle with a 10 bolt ring gear. The correct Quaife part number is QDF7V, which is unfortunately a few hundred $ more than the 9V. I finished the installed and works great! I can't imagine a better mod. If anyone is interested in a DIY I took a bunch of pics along with the install.

One huge short cut of the WIS method if you have the bolt-on axles (again I think some 03's only) is not having to disassemble the rear suspension to slide out the axles. I was able to do the install with my car on four ramps and with no worries of being under a 4300 lb car resting precariously on jackstands.
Reply

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

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:
You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:48 AM.

story-0
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-1
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-2
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-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE