1990 190E rear diff going bad

[crhenkel]

I got a 1990 190E 2.6 stock setup w/ a growl inthe rear diff that is getting worse. SHop I use found a new one in Jersey they will install for $1900. I found a used one for $350 I have to install. Anyone know what diff from what years I can use to replace my bad one? I was told a 1990 190E 2.6 could use a 1991 rear diff, but a 1992 will not work. Will older ones work? I really would like to get the posi rear diff from something to install. Please help. The swap is a fairly simple one as far as the work goes, I just need to know which ones will mate up correctly. Posi rear diff option was out there, I would like that ...

Oh hey, Is there any truth to the comments I have hear several shops tell me that the rear diffs are not worth "rebuilding", replace them or do nothing till they go out is what I am told.

Are you sure that the diff is at fault?I had a noise which one shop tested by putting the car up off the ground and then running it at 60-70mph and listening to the diff unit with a stethascope ,they confirmed it was a diff bearing but the quote made me seek a second opinion!!This guy took it up the road ,wiggled about a bit and said the rear passenger side wheel bearing was weak!There was no play in it but I changed it anyway and the problem was solved for $40,so please be a 100% certain as diffs very really go!!
regards
Hamish

[Herr Leber]

I have been down this road before.

The dealer priced a factory rebuilt one at $1200. In retrospect, I should have jumped on it.

You're right in that it's a straight forward job to put in, but I was in there 4 or 5 times with bad used ones or improperly set ones over the period of a few years. That gets tedious.

Search my prior posts on this one.

[Mike Murrell]

Take Christopher's advise get ANOTHER(maybe two) opinions B4 you drop money on this repair.