Folks,

Well a couple of updates.. My usual independent shop has their state inspector out sick (in the hospital for chest pains - yuck, a VERY nice guy). He is very qualified ( Lotus, Ferrari, Porsche, Mercedes, and Bosch certified) and the only inspector. So off to another local shop for my annual inspection. I went to MBV Euro in Charlotte, NC as recommended by another poster here. Seem like very nice folks and busy, so hopefully that is a good sign. The car passed state inspection just fine. I asked them to look / diagnos the vibration I have been feeling if possible.

BTW - I have 4 new Michelins on it in the last 6 months and have rotated them a couple of times, no impact to the vibration. I have shifted to neutral at speed and the vibration remains, so probably not engine. Vibration is worst from 40-75 and stays with power on and coasting down. The vibration feels more rapid than a wheel balance problem.

The new shop drove the car with me in it, and thought it felt similar to the center bearing, but would investigate. They have worked on many MB driveshaft issues according to the service manager that rode with me.

Off I go to teach old computers new tricks... and talk with them as I return late this afternoon. They looked, felt, inspected, .. then put the car on the lift and dropped the driveshaft shield. They ran the car up to speed on the lift and listened and looked. Given their experience here is their diagnosis:

- both flex plates are fine
- center bearing and holder is fine
- driveshaft u-joint is fine
- both axles good - some looseness but no noises (clunking) to indicate CV issues
- noise from the differential and suspect internal bearing issues, possibly the pinion gear
- checked differential lube, ( it was changed by the first independent mechanic above when I bought the car 2 years/ 50Kmiles ago). It is clean and full - so doesn't appear to be a recent lube issue.
- they think it is ok to drive, not in danger of sudden failure

Now they aren't certain, but they feel it is a differential issue. There was a "loud noise - roar like" coming from the rear end while running at speed on the lift. To the greater body of experts here...any other tests to recommend? Rebuild or find a used one?

The shop quote they have is 6 hours to R&R a used one, 9 to rebuild + parts. I can't rebuild one, but I did swap rear-ends in my 92 mustang last year. Is the MB that much tougher ( yeah there will be more bolts with the axles and mounts)? Any special alignment, balancing or tools?

Any suggestions where to look? The site here was unavailable when I got home so this is the first post I have done. I will search more after this post. (edit Wed. morning- did search this morning and have notes from several posts. R&R doesn't seem too difficult)

Any other cars that are interchangable, like maybe the 300SEL? Guessing from some rough calcs (24" tires, 3500 rpm at 80mph), I think I have around a 3.2:1 gears.

Thanks again folks. You can't imagine the stress when I came home and this site wasn't available... now I feel better. (edit - and even better after an hour of searching)

Chuck