When we changed my diff, we removed the sensor from the existing diff and left it connected to the car. It came out without too much difficulty.

The diff we ended up using was from your 93 2.5 car. That sensor was much more difficult to remove, and I think it took a lot of patience and AeroKroil.

Both times the sensors were removed from the outside.

I am not sure how you would "tap it out from the inside" the reluctor wheel is right next to the sensor and you would have to remove the tail shaft of the diff to get to that area.

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The OM 642/722.9 powered family
Still going strong
2014 ML350 Bluetec (wife's DD)
2013 E350 Bluetec (my DD)

both my kids cars went to junkyard in 2023
2008 ML320 CDI (Older son’s DD) fatal transmission failure, water soaked/fried rear SAM, numerous other issues, just too far gone to save (165k miles)
2008 E320 Bluetec (Younger son's DD) injector failed open and diluted oil with diesel, spun main bearings (240k miles)

1998 E300DT sold to TimFreeh
1987 300TD sold to vstech