does anyone hav a picture of what a differential looks like. if u do then plz send it to me via e-mail. my e-mail address is hafiz1422@hotmail.com. and can yal tell me how often and how to change it's oil. thanx

It can go a long time between changes and there are different schools of thought... 30,000 - 100,000 miles (U.S.) are the extremes, 50,000 - 60,000 miles (U.S.) is probably a good target to shoot for.

P.S. alwawy remove fill plug before removing drain plug...

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-Marty

1986 300E 220,000 miles+ transmission impossible
(Now waiting under a bridge in order to become one)

Reading your M103 duty cycle:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/831799-post13.html
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/831807-post14.html

Mercedes doesn't have any recommendation to change the fluid. That being said, change it whenever you feel like it (maybe at 100k miles).

Not to be smug, but if you need someone to post a picture of a differential so that you know where it is and what it looks like, you may want to consider taking it to a mechanic if you want work done on your car.

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Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record

If you do change the fluid:

-It requires an 14mm allen wrench
-remove the TOP screw first - just incase you cant get it off after you undue the bottom (drain plug) screw.
-I would use standered dino gear oil

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-1983 VW Rabbit LS Diesel (5speed, VNT/Giles build)

Seriously, as stated before, if you have to ask for a picture of what a differential looks like, then you need to avoid working on your own car.

There are three main points. The first is that in order to learn about cars, how they work, and how to fix or maintain them, you will have to read about them. This knowledge can be acquired from repair manuals and to some extent on the Internet. For instance, if you were able to post your request for a picture of a differential, then you should be able to go to www.google.com and type in automobile differential. You will get the answer instantly.

The second is that if you don't own the proper tools, you should be prepared for hundreds of dollars for tools. You need a floor jack for a couple of hundred bucks. You need good jack stands.

The third and most important is safety. You must learn how to safely jack up the car and safely place jack stands under the car at the proper points. Don't just jack it up with the jack intended for tire changing.

You will most probably be better off paying someone to maintain your car.

Steve

Give this guy a break. We all were not born with automotive knowledge. He is at least trying to learn and has an interest in maintaining his car.

To the original poster I would suggest you have your differential serviced by a shop. Its messy and difficult to get to under the car. It is good that your looking for knowledge on your car. Knowledge about your car will keep dishonest mechanics and repair shops out of your bank account.

I do a lot of DIY jobs myself and there are some things that I avoid. The messy jobs that require me to have a lift I try to avoid. I have my differential fluid changed by the quick lube place when I have the oil done. I do however bring my own oil and own oil filters and own gear oil. I don't trust my car to their cheapie filter and oils. Go to a place that will allow you to watch the process and by all means watch them work on your car. You might learn something in the process and keep them honest as well. Be cautious when going to quicklube places and find an honest one. My brother drives an older 300D and went to one place and had a certain job done on his car for a certain price (I forget what it was now). I roll up in my shiny Black S class to the same shop(an 82 300SD essentially the same car) and the price is suddenly considerably higher because they think I have deep pockets.

One of the most important aspects of DIY work is knowing what you can handle and what you can't. Nothing is worse than having to give up and have your car towed to a repair shop half assembled and have the mechanic sort out your failed DIY project. Or even worse is finding out you did something wrong when there is a catostrophic failure due to a simple ommission or mistake.

ya u coldnt've been more right, thanx man. i mean wut all the ppl hav sed is tru, but wutch u sed is truer. i dont noe much bout cars but i wanna lern as mush as i can thanx yo once agen!

"Nothing is worse than having to give up and have your car towed to a repair shop half assembled and have the mechanic sort out your failed DIY project."

Probably worse is picking up your rebuilt engine that is half assembled by some tractor mechanic, and they broke a cam follower and painted the cam! (because your dad paid for it and knows best) then having a big oil leak in the frt crank seal, then giving up on your project ('68 TR250) and leaving it at a friend's house for, oh, 15? years. Sob. It goes to the point. You may not know what you're getting into, and the shop may not either. Be informed.

I almost didn't reply because of the lack of English in the above post. My daughters friends post like this also. They speak perfect English, but as soon as they start typing away they go! However, to each his own.

Shaqsta, check this page out. Lots of photos, great how-to advise, exactly what you are looking for.

http://dieselgiant.com/mercedesreardifferentialfluid.htm

-Jim

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1995 S350D, Green with black leather interior.
Bought January 2008 w/ 233,xxx miles.
I did 22,000 miles during the first year of ownership.

If your car has the Limited Slip differential, you would be best advised to use ONLY the Mercedes Benz differential fluid, I have been told.

The manual recommends changes at 30,000 miles. Follow that and you should be OK

Jim

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1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ...

1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold)

2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp

1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k

2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive (sold)

TYPO

It's 14mm ... like all German cars.

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

My mistake, it is 14mm.


(edited other post)

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-1983 VW Rabbit LS Diesel (5speed, VNT/Giles build)