The E63 diff is a 2.82, versus the 2.65 of the E55. The diffs use the same halfshafts, so it's likely the cases are identical and it would be a plug and play swap.

It would seem the optimal deal might be to install a Quife unit in the E63 diff, and then bolt this into the E55. Or if you don't care about the Quaife, it's a straight bolt-in. You get a modest 6.5% increase in gearing (better acceleration) with likely no fitment issues. Is there an issue with this approach?

 

Good luck getting AMG to let it go. That's was our first option.

They GRILLED my guys, "So why are you putting a new rear in such a new car....what's the VIN#"

We ended up giving up and throwing in the SL55 2.82 rear.

Don't forget to get that TCU relflashed to 2.82 program or it's "limp mode" city.

 

Talk to me here Jak!!! Whats the damage for this? $$$$$$$$$

 

Doesn't teh E63 have a LSD fitted as well - I am not so sure its as robust as ***'s unit - I would open up the exisiting 55's diff swap out the gears add a Quaife and be done with it. Major PITA and off road time and $$$ for labour time etc but think its best way - externally the car will look as it was 100%.

Are casing model nos for E63 and E55 diffs different?

 

.............the problem is not plug and play part. The Problem is the software in the transmission control module will be incompatible. You will need to reprogram your E55 to accept the new ratio. That is the problem.

Ted

 

Honestly, if you are looking for cost per 1/4 time increase, the 2.82's right now are not worth it. You could easily get Malcolms IC mod for 3500 and then get the heads done (basic head work) for another 3K and STILL have a few pennies to spare compared to what I did. Not saying I don't LOVE the gears....they are slammin.

Rear for SL55 was bout 3k
Quaife ran bout another 1700
Tranny flash from Kleemann runs around 1500$
Throw in labor for install and OUCH!!

My install added insult to injury in that I needed new half shafts too (Pre Sept 2003 produced E55's had different rear and half shafts) E63 halfers slipped right into the new SL55 rear noooooo problem. Not sure how they got those, but they did.

Someone was trying to do this and it was extremely difficult to get AMG to part with the gears and what exactly to order to make it work. Something about "ring and pinion only" not being available to order or something. Add on.... that the average installer is not the best at shimming and the idea just kinda limps along. Still waiting to see if someone wants to take a whack at it. Still gotta get TCU flashed like Ted said.

 

Can't a MB dealer reflash the transmission for the different gear ratio? Like tell the transmission it's in a SL55 or something? $1,500 for a reflash sounds like a real good bend over and spread 'em . . .