What is the W108 3.5 rear axle ratio?

[ScooterABC]

I'm trying to figure out what the rear axle ratio is on a W108 280SE 3.5

Is there a standard number for this? Or is it an optional item..

The numbers I'm seeing are 3.46 and 3.27, but also I'm seeing references to 3.69...

Ideas?

Also it sounds like the automatic with the 3.5 is the 4 speed where as the automatic with the 4.5 is the 3 speed...

thanks
Scott

[Stretch]

According to this 3.46

Каталог MERCEDES

Found via EverythingBenz - Mercedes-Benz Forum and Web Search Using Google EPC diagrams

[berfinroy]

My sources (carfolio.com) indicate 3.69 for the 3.5 vs 3.23 for the 4.5.

[ScooterABC]

Interesting. Classic Center also says 3.46 is the default. I think I need the vin or option code to figure it out. Or it actually says it on the differential, right? Where?

[Tomguy]

I want to say 3.27 is the 4.5 (3.23 is a typo) and 3.46 is the 3.5. The 3.5 had a fluid-coupling 4-speed, the 4.5 had the same trans internally but with 1st gear "Disabled" and it used a torque converter instead.

[berfinroy]

I can find no reference to 3.27 (vs. 3.23) for the 108/109 4.5 cars, which was very short lived (basically about 1 year production ending in the fall of 1972, although some were sold as '73s) and sold only in the USA. However, a German site notes that the 3.5 108/109 started with a 3.69 rear ratio but later models had a 3.46.

[Dr. Sternschnuppe]

280 SE 3.5:
3.46

300 SEL 3.5:
3.69 - up to February 1971 (US-ver. only up to Feb. 1971)
3.46 - from February 1971

280 SE/SEL 4.5:
3.27

For 300 SEL 4.5:
3.23 (but now no longer available and EPC says 3.27)


Salut!

[ejboyd5]

Originally Posted by Dr. Sternschnuppe

280 SE 3.5: 3.46

300 SEL 3.5: 3.69 - up to February 1971 (US-ver. only up to Feb. 1971)
3.46 - from February 1971
Salut!

Above is CORRECT! The 4.5 (US) had a 3.23:1 final drive ratio as standard. 3.69:1 was available.

[berfinroy]

Originally Posted by ejboyd5

Above is CORRECT! The 4.5 (US) had a 3.23:1 final drive ratio as standard. 3.69:1 was available.

I think this is correct for all US 4.5s. It makes no sense to have 3.27 for 280SE/SEL 4.5s and 3.23 for the 300 SEL 4.5s. The difference is inconsequential.