I have a '93 300TE with 4Matic, also 280,000 miles. The front diff. has just started leaking. I would like to know what tool will fit the plug so I can check the lubricant when I raise the car on ramps for an oil change. Ordinarily, I have always had this checked when the car has been "garage serviced" for other work and I have never checked the fill fitting. I'd like to have the proper tool when I go down there. Also, where is the fill plug if it is not in an obvious place. This website has been a tremendous help in the DIY jobs I have done on our three MB's. Thanks, SRHarvey

'93 300TE 4Matic 280M
'83 240D sedan 240M
'82 380SL 140M
All great cars.

the 4 matics are so rare you may have a bit of a wait for someone who has one!

good luck

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Thanks for the quick reply, Tom, there is some small traffic regarding 4Matics on the website so, hopefully, one of those master mechanics will recall the correct tool. Our three MB's all take different types and sizes of tools to open drains. The front differential will probably be another different tool. That's the way it goes. srharvey

This is a great forum and it has given me plenty of help but this is the first time I have ended up answering my own question. I asked, previously, what tool opened the drain plug on the front differential. I didn't get any answers so I just had to crawl down there without any tools and see what was required. For anyone else who might be interested, it takes a 14mm allen wrench. Fortunately, this is the same tool that opens the crankcase drain on our 380SL. I don't own a bunch of tools so it was convenient to have it on hand to make the check. Incidently, since most gear box lubricant levels are checked by filling them to the drain hole I pondered about using my front wheel ramps to gain access to the gear box and how to check the level on a slant. I drew a line on the side of the box that would be horizonatal when the car was on the ground, then drew another level line in the raised position. I had these two lines cross at about the mid point of the box. This gave me a new reference for the level, since it would end up about 3/4" below the drain opening when the front was raised. This should be "close". srharvey

'82 380SL
'83 240D
'93 300TE 4Matic

It's also (probably) the same tool for the plugs on your rear differential. It is for sure on the 2WD W124. It's the diff plug tool for BMW cars, too.

It's the German standard in other words. Yes, that's the way it works.

__________________
Kent Christensen
Albuquerque
'07 GL320CDI, '10 CL550. '01 Porsche Boxster
Two BMW motorcycles

The tool for the plug is a 14mm allen. If memory serves me there is only one plug for the front diff and it's a fill plug above the fluid level. So if I'm right you'll need to be able to suck out the gear oil, or drop it's sump pan. I remember when re-comissioning my TE I used an evacuator to suck out the gear oil in the front b/c it was really slow. If there had been a drain plug I'm sure I'd have used it instead.

duxthe1. thanks for your reply. Do you remember what viscosity hypoid gear oil you refilled the front differential with??? My lub sheet shows a
MBNA Part No. 001 989 05 03, they just call this "Life-long hypoid gear oil". No mention of viscosity. I haven't been able to find the MB oil from my regular suppliers. I find a variety of gear oils at local suppliers but would like to use as near the MB recommended oil as possible. Thanks. srharvey

I used plain 90W that we have at the shop. Special additives aren't necessary but don't hurt anything either.

Thanks for your reply. I see a variety of viscosities on the parts place shelf, even a multi viscosity one. The "Life long" nomenclature on the MB part makes me think it really wasn't intended to be changed. I think someone wrote in that there was no change time recommendation from MB. Be that as it may, with a small leak it has to be added to peridically. When you dropped the front diff. pan did you use a new gasket or re-use the one in place? My leak is not sufficient to worry about rebuilding or re-sealing the gear box so I would not ordinarily take the pan off.

At over 280M miles I have a couple of leaks. My independent repairman, who is very qualified, advises not to do a head gasket. There is no trouble there except for some expected leakage. I did have the front cover and valve cover gaskets done recently.

We can't find another car to replace this one with, it wouldn't be a new MB, we've looked at those and walked away and we want a station wagon but no one seems to make anything worth having. Life is tough sometimes.

Thanks for your help. srharvey