If you replace the asterisks in the above link with "mercedes source" with no space, you should be able to see a photo of the differing spider types.

From your description, I take it to mean you have the "bolt-on" style, as shown on the right in my photo. Is that correct; and if so, are both of yours the same?

Attached is also a scan from the W123 shop manual page 35.1-660/2 with the diagram of the axles referring to the can style assemblies just outboard of the CV boot (when referring to only the axle) or the parts nearest to the hub and the differential as "spiders." I don't know why, that's just what the book says.

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