300SD driveshaft front vibration damper
 

What is the deal with this on the SDs? None of my other 126s have this piece.

If this is not critical and not needed, can I just remove it from the front half of the driveshaft? :confused: Some '80s manual trans BMWs had this same type of deal attached to them and are always removed.

Thanks

Why would you need to remove it? It does make using cap head bolts for at least 3 of the 6 necessary....the Lemfoerder flex discs come with cap/allen bolts for this reason.

Maybe its to make up for the smaller flex disc vs the gasser ones? I don't remember if my 420 has one...I don't think it does....all the SD's and the 300D do though.

I see them on the w126 300sd many times. I also seen them without it, so I think it's your call on how much vibration you can feel or tolerate.
I've never saw them on a w123 300d except on a 5 speed manual, and I think those are a larger diameter to the w126 300sd units.


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My 300D has one on it... Havent looked at the SD's though.

W124 right?


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Correct. Not sure if 123 300D's had this or not.

Pretty much its only purpose is to quell vibrations due to the five cylinder, just as Delivery Valve stated.

Car can be used with or without it.

Better install it yo. :cool:

While your down there, replace drive shaft flex disc and hell why not, floor pans too. :D

No rust here. Just no paint. :o Flex discs are new. :) I had to reboot my axles, now I have a chance to use that Astoria Flexx tool. :D

LOL Replace paint.

My '87 300d doesn't have one, nor does my GF's '85td. The 190e 16v donor car used in a manual trans swap for the '87 did have one that was toast, the rubber was rotted and it was floppy. It was a press fit to the front of the shaft and was easily removed by tapping it off. I can't say that I'd recommend removing a good one.

My 240D w/MT had one so its not just the 5cyl's. I ended up using that front shaft for my 4spd swap 300TD. Don't know how much it really does, but i did not balance my shaft after the work and it is fine.

I'd prolly leave it on unless it had a flaw. But prolly will not be very noticable if you remove either.

"Is the vibration damper easy to remove? "
"On my W126 1985 300SD, vibration damper front of drive shaft near flex disk blocks access to the trans mount top nut. I want to remove the transmission mount to get to the front flex disk and replace both flex disks. Cannot get wrench on top transmission mount nut. A usual 19mm open end or box wrench does not get a good grip on the nut and just slips. "

Found solution. Support transmission with jack and wood or similar but not on the cross member. Remove rear transmission cross member under the trans mount. 6 bolts. Mine hung down on a wire from the trans. I just let it hang. Unbolt the vibration damper by removing the locknuts and bolts joining the flex disk to the driveshaft flange and vibration damper. The vibration damper will be unsecured and easily slides to the rear. Should be space to reach trans mount top nut. However, not sure if is wise to reuse lock nuts. Maybe reinstall locknuts and use 3 extra nuts on top as jam nuts.
I used new flex disk and hardware as my real goal was replace flex disk.

Pictures: First two not mine. Found on peachparts.com Third my vibration damper and transmission mount.
1st picture Vibration damper. 2nd picture vibration damper 3rd picture trans mount W126