swapping rear differentials
 

I have recently bought a 1980 mercedes 280e euro with 4 speed transmission and have noticed that the final drive is very low. When going 60 mph at 3000 rpm the engine is screaming wanting another gear. According to specs my final drive ratio is 3.54. Could I put in a higher drive and from which year and model mercedes. How much would it effect acceleration and driveability in general.

Thanks

The euro 280 motor has a lot of torque and power. I put a 307 in the rear of a us spec 280 and it still has plenty of power. the increase in mileage never matched what I expected it to though. A 354 is about 16% more than a 354 more or less. I would expect it to increase the mpg about 2 mpg. Still not stellar.

I don't know what you have been getting but my euro 280e with the five speed with overdrive got in the low 20s highway.

it was really nice to drive though. smooth powerful and about the same life expectancy as the bulletproof 616 and 617 na diesels.

Tom W

swapping rear differentials
 

Thanks,

When upgrading to 3.07 from which model should I swap. I know that 3.07 drive is found on all 73-79 models 450 sel, slc sl. How do I know which one will fit mine.
Right know I am getting 16 mpg in the city (eventhough I had some rich mixture problems).

Also, i am not sure how many hp i got on my euro 280e. The euro specs say 185, my mechanic tells me 153 hp.

Thanks