I'm considering buying an 86 380 diff. , Seller says 180k.
Will it fit my 83 300CD? Is it a BIGGIE to change? I've done quite a bit of mechanical work on various gas guzzlers years ago but I am a Newbie to MBs, anything I should know about it? What is it worth?
I appreciate your opinions.
Alberta Luthier

'86+ have different mounting flanges... so they will not work for sure. I'm not sure if early W126 diffs will fit the W123s or not.

__________________
I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

Agreed.

The diff from the '86 will not fit earlier vehicles.

Ohhhh you guys are GOOD! I've been buying a lot of small expensive parts for my new ride and I REEEALLY am glad I didn't buy & ship a diff that won't work.

What I need I suppose is a list of years and models that will work in my '83 300CD and have the holy 2.47 ratio that I yearn for!
I have searched and found a few bits and pieces but clearly was/am confused.

I'm not sure if we have confirmation that the diffs from the W126 fit the W123. If they do, then you can get a diff from any V8 from '81-'85.

The W123 never had a 2.47 ratio installed and, I don't believe anyone on the forum has put one in the vehicle.

I have some gas engine experiance but I would rather not be the guy who first attepts this
In an effort to make my question pointed I have overstepped my knowledge, a classic Newbie error I suppose....
What I should ask is: 'what do you reccomend?'
I love my new ride, but the engine is turning over faster than I would preferr at 125 km (maybe 85mph?)
It seams to have more than enough power to pull taller gears. (the roads here are not very congested)
Should I change to larger diameter wheels/tires?
Any thoughts?

I can shed some light on the 2.47 gears. If you can get a trans with a 1first gear ratio of 3.87 opposed to the STD.3.68 first gear ratio in the trans. The 3.87 ratio trans can be found in the 90-91 420&560 sels. This will multiply the 2.47 s to make up for most of that lag off the line
do the math its fun
3.68x3.07
3.68x2.88
3.68x 2.47
Then do the 3.87 ratio with the rear end gears.you will see what am talking about.
I have to build.my 83 300d trans. I got 3 whole planetary gear sets "3.87" I don't have a 2.47 gear as of yet. I was thinking of selling this car.but the trans has a noise in it so its got to come.out.
note aslo the second gear ratio in the trans with the 3.68 has a 2.41 second gear while the 3.87 trans has a 2.21 second gear.hope this helps.