I have a long steep gravel driveway. My 1986 300 SDL just makes it up the steepest part when I have a good running start. How much improvement could I expect from a later model car with rear wheel drive. I think that I've read about different generations of traction control from Mercedes. Is one better than another?
Thanks,
John

Anyone? The old Jeep maybe on it's last legs....I'm gonna need good info before trying to explain to the Mrs. why getting a second Mercedes is a good idea

Can you find a limited slip diff for the SDL?

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Traction control will help, but on a steep gravel drive, the only real improvement would be AWD. If your SDL starts spinning one tire only, you could get a limited-slip diff, which would help you get up the driveway by at least trying to turn both tires. You can use the LSD from a 560SEC/SEL, I think it would be a bolt-in to your SDL?

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Dave
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Really? 10 to 15% more traction seems like it would make all the difference... Any idea how much labor would be involved with the swap?

It would be a pretty involved swap. A quick look at the EPC shows that the SDL uses a smaller diff housing, with different output flanges. The input flange is the same, which is good news. So, a 560 diff *might* work, if you use the matching 560 axle shafts as well... but I'm not sure.

The big change would be going from the SDL's 2.87 axle ratio down to the 560's 2.47... this would be quite tall, and would require either a speedometer from the 560, or an electrical converter box to modify the speedo signal. Your off-the-line power would be reduced due to the taller gearing. It would definitely be a serious freeway cruiser though.

It's possible to swap the open ring gear carrier from your SDL diff, with a limited-slip carrier, which would retain your stock gear ratio... but that adds a lot of $$$ and more labor. Basically, there's no easy/cheap solution to get LSD (for most MB's - unless that model had optional ASD from the factory, which in the USA was pretty much only the 124.128 and 140.134 chassis.)

The good news is that 560SEL/SEC diffs are relatively easy to obtain, and pretty cheap too. Looks like you could probably snag one for about $100 plus shipping, plus another $100 or so for the matching axle shafts.

The bad news is, unless it's a low-miles unit (say, <75kmi)... the limited-slip clutch pack is probably worn and should be refreshed. That's another $250 in parts and a solid 4 hours labor for a pro rear end shop, or 12+ hours of DIY work (and some special tools, too.) There's no way to test it off the car, load is required to put pressure on the clutch packs. Might be worth gambling that it's OK and installing it, and if it's too worn, then worry about a clutch refresh later on.

It's possible to swap the open ring gear carrier from your SDL diff, with a limited-slip carrier, which would retain your stock gear ratio... but that adds a lot of $$$ and more labor. Basically, there's no easy/cheap solution to get LSD (for most MB's - unless that model had optional ASD from the factory, which was pretty much only the 124.128 and 140.134 chassis.)

[/QUOTE]

And the 124.193, but not in the US market.

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Sorry - I wasn't clear. I edited the post to clarify.

Outside the USA, there were a TON of models that had optional ASD, and not just for the 124 and 140. Both gas and diesel, btw. Here in the USA it was only the two I note above.