For a "stock" 500E you would want a 2.65. I have a 2.47 LSD in my modded 500E. The stock 2.82 just "feels" better, the 3.46 felt the most awesome but gears are funny, you really trade higher rpm/more wear/poor gas mileage for a short peak "G" feel that is harder to hook up off the line.
The 2.65 installed in a stock 500 would give you a longer barely less average "G" that would give you a better 1/4 mile time, be easier to drive/launch, have better mileage, and less wear.
The 2.47 is for a modded power level for all the same reasons and I have run a 13.7 on this setup with full weight, no tricks like even cool down time. But it didn't "feel" like a 13.7 because it's a slightly lower peak g force but a slightly high average g force. Everyones butt dyno notices peak g's, not averages, but averages win. The 3.46's "felt" like a 12 sec car, but wasn't even with Mickey Thompson drag e.t.'s.
The only real advantage is in first gear for a very short time if you can hook it up and not waste it. If you want to "feel" what a shorter gear is like, take your car and pretend you don't have a 4th gear anymore and place your gear selector in third and that's what it feel like exactly except that you can't try first gear which be a granny gear anyway if you actually did go with a shorter ratio.
It this a good explanation? This is my hard work at trial, error and testing to prove this recipe. It is only for a W124.036 and not for any other model except that the same rules can apply but power/torque weight/aero and gears all have to be considered for acurate suggestions for a tuned package.
I.E. I would probably try a 2.82 in a 400E

 

A few months later, same question. Thanks

 

^^ Bump.

E63 with Quaife... Is the LSD a worthwhile upgrade?
- Better cornering to be expected.. yes?
- Straight line feel/speed?
- Groans in the drivetrain due to LSD?


Any thoughts from those that have tried this on W211?

 

Yes, YEs and No.

Definitely worth the price - a lot more pleasurable daily driver, as you no longer fight ESP.

We have done quiet a few E55, E63, C55 and C32s.

 

Thanks Vadim for the quick responses.

I would like to hear from actual members that have this installed regarding those questions as well as general reliability and mileage driven with an Quaife LSD installed.

I assume faster straightline speed is achieved because LSD would distribute power to the wheel with better traction. (i.e only if one wheel was on some sort of sandy/gravel vs. tarmac)

 

I am putting mine in on Monday. BrianS did a write up and has had his in for quite some time so you may want to search for his post.

 

Got mine in its box still and trying to get it installed at next service - not sure when else I can get it done its a non-trivial install, otherwise I'd have a pop myself.

Regarding reliability its the only LSD (ATB) that has lifetime guarantee. And yes it attributes power to the wheel with grip and therefore you get more acceleration but generally this is only achieved when wheel loads are different - i.e exiting corners etc... But it should also help in a straight line, just less so. The best part about it is its 0-100% diff - so it can act as a rigid axle (when in straight line) and also let one wheel spin with the other not getting any torque. I don't actually understand why anyone would bother with any other LSD other than from a price perspective.

Can you guys remind me what other stuff we need for the install ... I seem to remember we need new bearings and seals / bolts?

 

+1000

ALL sport cars require a LSD to fully use what they give you. It makes the car a heck of alot funner, is that a word, to drive.

See yeah

 

I'm in I'm in I'm in!!

 

How much is the labor to install the LSD?? One shop quote me $1600 for labor, that seen alots to me since the Quaife LSD cost about $1500.

 

It's about a 10-12 hour job and that amount is pretty much in line with what I've seen & heard.

 

What does cost of part have to do with cost of install? How much do you think a crankshaft costs? To install?