A perplexing problem. In replacing a differential with whine, I found another from a 1979, the axle shaft seats up on the outside but is not long enough so the clip will go on on the inside, about the width of the clip too short. I found that there is 2 different drive axles so I got the other type and it fits the same way.

I keep trying, at this point I have 2 differentials that are good, a 1979 and 1983. I have both types of axles, neither will clip. I have the original and a replacement that are exactly alike, both are bad. Both sets of axles fit the bad differentials and clip easily.

The original and one replacement differentials (both bad) have a row of bolts around where the axle goes through, the other 2 differentials that are good but will not clip have no bolts.

Literature says there is only 2 axle types for the car, either should fit the differential.

Please help! Thanks! Norm

1982 240D
1981 300SD