I have an 82 240d. Soon i am going to be replacing my axels and center support bearing. I have the differential from a 300d laying around and i have heard they have different gear ratios. Does anyone know the ratios for each and which one would be better for alot of highway driving? Any information is appreciated

i believe the ratios are 3.69 (240D) and 3.07 (300D). as you surmised, the latter keeps RPMs lower on the highway. there is also a 2.88 unit in some 300Ds and i think 300SDs.

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'77 240D, 504H, OM617.952, etc.

Your 82 240D has a 3:69 Differential.

77 - 81 300D 3:46

82 - 84 300D/SD 3:07

85.......300D/SD 2:88

The W123 280E uses a 3:58.

With the 67HP 240D you need the lower gearing. Going to a higher gear
Diff will dog it down depending how high you go.

Iam using a 3:58 in our 80 240 and I really didn`t notice any difference,
but we do get 33 MPG on the Hwy. usually around 29 - 30 in town.
The biggest reason I went with is, the 280E had a 150 mph spedo.

You probably could go to a 3:46 and be ok. But use the Spedo from the donor car.
The spedo is geared to the Differential.

There is a guy on the forum, think he is in Kansas that is using a 3:07. but
Kansas is pretty flat.

As long as you are always going down hill...no problem. It is when you encounter
some hills the higher gear ratios will cause you a problem getting going.

You didn`t say if you have a 4-spd manual or an automatic.

240d`s with an automatic are doggy, so gearing one higher will really slow you down.

Charlie

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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

I just thought of this old thread after posting to you.

This is good for a laugh. Ya don`t want to get beat by Geo Metro.

240D, a gift to son?


charlie

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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