W211 AMG Discuss the W211 AMG's such as the E55 and the E63

HEM, 2.82 Gearing and Quaife install

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Old Aug 4, 2009 | 09:35 AM
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No longer stock '06 E55, A3 3.2 Quattro, GLE 400d, R107 280SL, Golf Polo
HEM, 2.82 Gearing and Quaife install

Hi all,

Well finally got round to getting my Quaife installed but what I have done instead is source a breaker yard SL55 diff ('05 suppossedly 5000 miles) - this has the 2.82 gearing as standard. This was definitely the most flexible and cost effective option. I will fit the Quaife to this (having the ATB internals done by Quaife themselves), and then re-re the diffs. Easier to bring back to stock if I so wish.

I'll document the story and hopefully will have this install done for the fighting torque showdown on 16th August.

Also going in are a set of HEM's courtesy of Vadim, (hopefully they arrive soon Vadim!)

The removal and reinstall of the diff is going to a back breaker. Lots of stuck bolts and heavy lifting, but Ill take my time and hopefully we can get it done.

Thanks to BrianS for the "how-to" on this - been invaluable.

The TCU and software tweaks will have to be done as and when a problem arrises. For some reason my MB tech does not think Ill need to do anything to the TCU / Star setup. We shall see.

So this is part one Ill add pics as and when things are done.

Last edited by stevebez; Aug 4, 2009 at 09:49 AM.
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Old Aug 4, 2009 | 09:52 AM
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um from what i recall you need some ecu or tcu work for the gears
also not meaning to take anything away from the 2.8 , and i look forward to hearing back, but i raced a carlson car with it and it got pulled mid race and up top

Originally Posted by stevebez
Hi all,

Well finally got round to getting my Quaife installed but what I have done instead is source a breaker yard SL55 diff ('05 suppossedly 5000 miles) - this has the 2.82 gearing as standard. This was definitely the most flexible and cost effective option. I will fit the Quaife to this (having the ATB internals done by Quaife themselves), and then re-re the diffs. Easier to bring back to stock if I so wish.

I'll document the story and hopefully will have this install done for the fighting torque showdown on 16th August.

Also going in are a set of HEM's courtesy of Vadim, (hopefully they arrive soon Vadim!)

The removal and reinstall of the diff is going to a back breaker. Lots of stuck bolts and heavy lifting, but Ill take my time and hopefully we can get it done.

Thanks to BrianS for the "how-to" on this - been invaluable.

The TCU and software tweaks will have to be done as and when a problem arrises. For some reason my MB tech does not think Ill need to do anything to the TCU / Star setup. We shall see.

So this is part one Ill add pics as and when things are done.
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Old Aug 4, 2009 | 10:18 AM
  #3  
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as far as i remember reading you will need to get your TCU tuned to avoid getting the "wrong gear ratio" light.
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Old Aug 4, 2009 | 11:42 AM
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Originally Posted by Zod
um from what i recall you need some ecu or tcu work for the gears
also not meaning to take anything away from the 2.8 , and i look forward to hearing back, but i raced a carlson car with it and it got pulled mid race and up top
race it from a dig and see what happens that is where they shine not on the top end.
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Old Aug 4, 2009 | 04:18 PM
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Originally Posted by stevebez
Hi all,

Well finally got round to getting my Quaife installed but what I have done instead is source a breaker yard SL55 diff ('05 suppossedly 5000 miles) - this has the 2.82 gearing as standard. This was definitely the most flexible and cost effective option. I will fit the Quaife to this (having the ATB internals done by Quaife themselves), and then re-re the diffs. Easier to bring back to stock if I so wish.

I'll document the story and hopefully will have this install done for the fighting torque showdown on 16th August.

Also going in are a set of HEM's courtesy of Vadim, (hopefully they arrive soon Vadim!)

The removal and reinstall of the diff is going to a back breaker. Lots of stuck bolts and heavy lifting, but Ill take my time and hopefully we can get it done.

Thanks to BrianS for the "how-to" on this - been invaluable.

The TCU and software tweaks will have to be done as and when a problem arrises. For some reason my MB tech does not think Ill need to do anything to the TCU / Star setup. We shall see.

So this is part one Ill add pics as and when things are done.


so it finally was the correct 12 bolts crown ring ?
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Old Aug 6, 2009 | 05:11 AM
  #6  
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No longer stock '06 E55, A3 3.2 Quattro, GLE 400d, R107 280SL, Golf Polo
Originally Posted by dyno
so it finally was the correct 12 bolts crown ring ?
Took a chance actually and opened the diff with a little trepidation but yes was the 12 bolt. The only problem is quaife need 2 weeks to do the atb install which is very disappointing as it does not give me allot of time to resolve any problems with the ecu.

I am surprised you guys don't think it will be quicker up top... This gearing maxes out top speed at around 205 , the old gearing 226 ... Cannot see how this gearing won't help top end? We shall see I guess.
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Old Aug 6, 2009 | 05:35 AM
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No longer stock '06 E55, A3 3.2 Quattro, GLE 400d, R107 280SL, Golf Polo
TCU changes / mods.

If anyone has any detail of what and where in star the diff ratio needs to be calibrated / changed, this would be most helpfull!!!
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Old Aug 6, 2009 | 08:03 AM
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Originally Posted by stevebez
If anyone has any detail of what and where in star the diff ratio needs to be calibrated / changed, this would be most helpfull!!!
All i know is carlson knows how to do it
but like i said car has super sprint LT's, pully, airbox, lsd, SL gear ratio.
It got pulled bad up top. At low speeds fair enough...but can u get traction ?

bottem line when ur pushing a little more hp dig races are mute on normal roads

but like i said It would be great if you proove they work in street applications, not just the papper part
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Old Aug 6, 2009 | 09:46 AM
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No longer stock '06 E55, A3 3.2 Quattro, GLE 400d, R107 280SL, Golf Polo
HEMs have arrived ... Thx vadim! Will go in tonight / tomorrow.

Nice and light btw... A point to note on the code3 h/e is that it's a heavy piece of kit. The oem unit can be picked up with one hand easily - not so with the code3. Also was missing the oil cooler bracket with this kit So need to wait a week for one to come from Germany.

After HEMs tear the back end down and pull diff and replace rear discs. Still contemplating doing Quaife install myself .. Their turnaround is going to be very marginal.

Pics to follow tonight.

Last edited by stevebez; Aug 6, 2009 at 09:49 AM.
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Old Aug 7, 2009 | 02:55 AM
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*watching this thread*

Love to know how you work out the TCU issues, as I am going this route on my 600.

Last edited by Auraraptor; Aug 7, 2009 at 03:00 AM.
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Old Aug 7, 2009 | 03:13 AM
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No longer stock '06 E55, A3 3.2 Quattro, GLE 400d, R107 280SL, Golf Polo
Here some pics...
Attached Files
File Type: pdf
before surgery.pdf (481.3 KB, 369 views)
File Type: pdf
bits and pieces.pdf (496.8 KB, 359 views)
File Type: pdf
cm90 and code3.pdf (430.1 KB, 310 views)
File Type: pdf
code3 in place large.pdf (463.3 KB, 309 views)
File Type: pdf
code3 v stock.pdf (534.6 KB, 331 views)
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Old Aug 7, 2009 | 03:17 AM
  #12  
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2006 E55 AMG
Originally Posted by stevebez
HEMs have arrived ... Thx vadim! Will go in tonight / tomorrow.

Nice and light btw... A point to note on the code3 h/e is that it's a heavy piece of kit. The oem unit can be picked up with one hand easily - not so with the code3. Also was missing the oil cooler bracket with this kit So need to wait a week for one to come from Germany.

After HEMs tear the back end down and pull diff and replace rear discs. Still contemplating doing Quaife install myself .. Their turnaround is going to be very marginal.

Pics to follow tonight.
WOW!!! Everyone that I know of that bought Code 3's HE kit was missing the oil cooler bracket. WTH is up with that!!! Is it really that hard to make sure the brackets are included? I would highly recommend the HE but just make sure to specify "PLEASE MAKE SURE TO INCLUDE THE OIL COOLER BRACKETS"!!!!!!!!!!!! Good luck with the install and please keep us updated.
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Old Aug 7, 2009 | 03:28 AM
  #13  
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Think I may just end up making this bracket... just need to find the right size grommets.
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Old Aug 7, 2009 | 03:37 AM
  #14  
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Originally Posted by stevebez
Think I may just end up making this bracket... just need to find the right size grommets.
That seems to the common solution. It just sucks that the extra efforts are needed for such a silly mistake on their end.
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Old Aug 7, 2009 | 03:52 AM
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No longer stock '06 E55, A3 3.2 Quattro, GLE 400d, R107 280SL, Golf Polo
Here is a pic of the W220 rad I have installed - dont think I have shared before. Would really like to relocate the power steering coolers as it is just in the way and a real PITA. Finny had a nice, neat rad he used. That may be next in the agenda. Just to confirm any oil cooler rad should be ok right - nothing special to note here is there?

Also a pic of the donor diff, ring gear and Quaife.

BTW the 2.82 ring gear part number is 230-353-3512 ... dunno what the pinion gear p/n is tho... I was quoted ~$1000 for a new ring gear and pinion set by the stealers - there was some confusion of the gears were available as a set or if you had to buy the whole diff. Oddly NONE had been imported into the UK before according to the stealer. I got a whole SL diff for $750.

BTW the iphone camara sucks big time. I'll try a proper unit from now on.
Attached Files
File Type: pdf
w220 rad.pdf (475.6 KB, 296 views)
File Type: pdf
Sl55-diff.pdf (540.4 KB, 309 views)
File Type: pdf
ring gear.pdf (415.4 KB, 312 views)
File Type: pdf
Quaife.pdf (414.3 KB, 301 views)

Last edited by stevebez; Aug 7, 2009 at 03:58 AM.
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Old Aug 7, 2009 | 06:06 AM
  #16  
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Originally Posted by stevebez
Here is a pic of the W220 rad I have installed - dont think I have shared before. Would really like to relocate the power steering coolers as it is just in the way and a real PITA. Finny had a nice, neat rad he used. That may be next in the agenda. Just to confirm any oil cooler rad should be ok right - nothing special to note here is there?

Also a pic of the donor diff, ring gear and Quaife.

BTW the 2.82 ring gear part number is 230-353-3512 ... dunno what the pinion gear p/n is tho... I was quoted ~$1000 for a new ring gear and pinion set by the stealers - there was some confusion of the gears were available as a set or if you had to buy the whole diff. Oddly NONE had been imported into the UK before according to the stealer. I got a whole SL diff for $750.

BTW the iphone camara sucks big time. I'll try a proper unit from now on.
What was the stock gear ratio ? i wouldve went at least a mid 3 ratio for some increased out of the hole performance .
gonna see if they make it for my 63
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Old Aug 7, 2009 | 06:47 AM
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Originally Posted by stevebez
Here is a pic of the W220 rad I have installed - dont think I have shared before. Would really like to relocate the power steering coolers as it is just in the way and a real PITA. Finny had a nice, neat rad he used. That may be next in the agenda. Just to confirm any oil cooler rad should be ok right - nothing special to note here is there?

Also a pic of the donor diff, ring gear and Quaife.

BTW the 2.82 ring gear part number is 230-353-3512 ... dunno what the pinion gear p/n is tho... I was quoted ~$1000 for a new ring gear and pinion set by the stealers - there was some confusion of the gears were available as a set or if you had to buy the whole diff. Oddly NONE had been imported into the UK before according to the stealer. I got a whole SL diff for $750.

BTW the iphone camara sucks big time. I'll try a proper unit from now on.

you have been lucky to get the ring for that price (given it really is in good conditions)
afaik, it isn't availabole as a spare part alone

- the 220 rad what for .. as an additional HE ?
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Old Aug 7, 2009 | 11:28 PM
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Where / how did you source the diff...I could only fing one and the want $1250. :-(
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Old Aug 8, 2009 | 01:42 PM
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For those interested, I've got a set of these same VRP HEMs for sale. PM me if interested.
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Old Aug 8, 2009 | 03:23 PM
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HEMs are in. One side had a slight overweld issue blocking one of the threads that would not allow the bolt to push through. Chopped the bolts and all is well. Pity this was not right out the box though. It did come with new nuts and gaskets.
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Old Aug 11, 2009 | 04:07 AM
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What a surprise! Quaife called me yesterday morning. Your diff is ready! Bargain.

Anyhow got started on the re-re of the diff and also swapping in new rear brake discs. The caliper bolts are fully siezed. Taking off the whole wheel carrier off and then torching those suckers. The rest of the wheel bolts came off relatively easily.

One thing on Quaife's ATB install is they did not fit the ciclips with the oil hole in the open space. Is this a bad overshight or on purpose? I will give them a call anyway to hear what they say.

Pics later
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Old Aug 11, 2009 | 04:49 AM
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Originally Posted by Auraraptor
Where / how did you source the diff...I could only find one and they want $1250. :-(
Question Bump....Where / how did you source the diff...I could only find one and they want $1250. :-(

Also, are you going with Kleeman(sp?) to reprogram you TCU for the new gearset, or someone else?
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Old Aug 11, 2009 | 06:03 AM
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haha dang, good luck!

im in the UK studying abroad now, maybe ill see you driving by, haha
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Old Aug 11, 2009 | 05:16 PM
  #24  
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Originally Posted by Auraraptor
Question Bump....Where / how did you source the diff...I could only find one and they want $1250. :-(

Also, are you going with Kleeman(sp?) to reprogram you TCU for the new gearset, or someone else?
Place called Dronsfields. Not bad... packaging needed to be more robust, but they try and sort things out. There was another one going somewhere else but they wanted £1100 for it !!! Go to breakeryard.co.uk I think was the site I used... or google breaker yards.

I am chatting with Wetterauer and MKB re the software... Ill try Kleemann next. I first want to see what the car does when I drive with this ratio. It will certainly throw a code but I just want to see if it will go into limp mode - or still be drivable.

Got all the stuck bolts loose. The Caliper bolts were a nightmare as well as the rear casing diff bolts. Unreal - they must have used a can of locktight on each nut... Diff (now "loose") gets pulled tom and the new one goes in. May need to change back plates on the donor diff with the oem unit but thats minor. Hopefully it fits as is. If not the bits inside the SL diff get swapped into the oem diff casing ...

So far so good. Would definitely been done already if I had use of a lift but trestles it is for now... and the work continues.

Would have been quite enjoyable were it not for the stuck bolts and the carmped working conditions ... but hopefully the hard stuff is done.
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Old Aug 12, 2009 | 03:54 AM
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Thanks for the info!! I can't wait to see how it works out! I definitely want to go the 2.82 route.
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