Which wheel is the drive wheel
 

I have a 1988 190e 2.3.

I was wondering if anyone know which of the rear wheels is the drive wheel? I believe only one really does the pushing, and I think its the right one, as it seems that one is the one throwing snow.

Many Thanks!!

That's probably because of the rear differential
 

If I understand your question correctly you describe the effect of the rear differential. As a result, one wheel (the one providing more resistence) spins slower than the other. This is desirable when driving in a curve where the inner wheel goes slower than the outer.
On snow, ice, loose ground etc. it is often less desirable because all the power goes the to wheel with less traction. Hence some cars have a mechanism to lock the differential in such situations.
Bruno

The answer is, both wheel are the 'drive' wheels. Both are connected to the driveshaft, through an ingenious device known as a differential.

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential.htm

If it does not have a slip-limiting feature, one wheel will spin more easily, and thus throw snow!

Hope that answers your question.

Best Regards,
Jim

They are both drive wheels, but there is a short coming on non-limited slip type differentials. This short coming causes all of the force to go to the tire with the least amount of traction, so if you get stuck in the ice or snow only 1 tire will spin.

Hey thanks for the quick replies! Now I get it. Sure wish i had limited slip!

Well, get one and put it in. Not that hard.

I drive with wheel directly in front of my seat. ....and push those thingys on the floor.

couldn't resist.