How to identify differential?

[roky]

since my 240D differential has died an early(120K) death, i am beginning to wonder if this whole rear end was replaced at some point, and is not original -- i know that someone had done a very sloppy job of removing/reinstalling the diff cover at one point -- the numbers stamped on the diff case are :028941, followed by the ratio, 3.69 -- it would be helpful to be able to identify a differential by number, as i also have a replacement arriving by ups, would like to be sure its compatible before i put it in this weekend

as always, thanks for any help offered

roky

[charmalu]

The numbers 3:69 is the differential ratio thart the 240D uses. the other numbers are not all that important.

the last 3 numbers on the lower left corner looking forward, is the ratio, Mb has these stamped on about all differentials.

Charlie

[roky]

thanks, charlie -- i did realize that the 3.69 is the ratio -- what i am trying to figure out, is what year this rear end is out of, as i don't think it is original to my 240D -- a bad pinion bearing at only 120K, with no leaks, and a shot rear axle wheel bearing -- my previous mercedes had way more miles than this, without either problem

roky