I have decided to change the lubricant in the differential of my 98 E300 with 190K mi. Since I purchased the car a few months ago I have been working my way through maintenance items and have finally gotten to this issue.

The fill plug is corroded so as to be rounded off of the 6 flats and my 14mm wrench just spins in the socket. Luckily I didn't remove the drain plug first. Drain plug is fine and was easily loosened.

I'm thinking of getting a stubby Easy Out and pounding it into the plug recess and hoping to get enough bite to loosen it.

If I'm lucky and it comes out, is a replacement plug a common item or just a MB dealership item.

If I'm not lucky with the easy out, what about welding a hex into the socket as it sits in the differential?

If you mess up the back cover, there are a bunch of the W124`s in the yards. Just grab another one. seems like I was charged something like $12 for one.

Put some Anti-Seiz on the threads of the plug.

Charlie

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

He doesn't have a 124.

The plug is not a common part, but inexpensive from your dealer, or here from Peachparts.

OH!! Well what is it, a W210? one of those with the goofy looking head lights, reminds me of "Little orphan Annie" eyes.

So the plug isn`t in the cover?

Charlie

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

Going to an Indie in a few hours. His thoughts are to weld a hex into the plug and hopefully be able to torque it enough to remove it. I believe that the lube has never been changed in the 190K. Perhaps it doesn't need it but without maintenance records a change will give me peace of mind.

yes change it. welding something to the stripped plug is the easiest solution. i prefer redline gear oil myself. 75w90.

That's what I did on the Corvette transmission when the steel plug stuck in the aluminum transmission.

I replaced the plug with a brass one and it's been fine since.

__________________
-Evan


Benz Fleet:
1968 UNIMOG 404.114
1998 E300
2008 E63


Non-Benz Fleet:
1992 Aerostar
1993 MR2
2000 F250

I decided to take another shot at it myself. Used one of those hand impact drivers that you hit with a hammer. Put my 14mm hex on it and whacked away. There was just enough bite on the flats of the socket head plug to grab and it broke loose.

Getting a new one tomorrow. Drained and replaced with Amsoil Synthetic 75W 90W.

Having been from Colo. for most of my life I'm just not used to the rust issues on these things.

Now that this is done next step is to work on rust removal and prevention. Nothing like laying under the car in the cool shade on a hot day wire brushing rust. I can just hear the car saying thanks.

Use antiseize or teflon tape on the threads.