560SL/SEC/SEL LSD Identification
 

Hey all,
I'd like to know how one can identify a 560SL/SEL/SEC LSD differential as opposed to a non-LSD differential. I know there's supposed to be a "256" code or something on the car itself, but since I will be hunting for parts in a junkyard I'd like to know if there were any physical differences between the diff housings or any codes ON the diff I can refer to? Thanks...

anyone?

on mechanic and timing chain
 

It is hard to know on the mechanic. First the owner may not have heard or listened to what the mechanic has said. Also if the plan was to sell the car, maybe the mechanic chose not to mention it. At 100,000 miles, that is the time to do the change therefore the mechanic might have waited to recommend it (for example, owner maybe only accumulated 2K miles per year), You could ask the mechanic what he thinks about the car if you drive it in, aka when do they recommend it be done. He should say now for this car.

Alright, let's try this one more time... Are there any distinguishing features (other than a sticker) distinguishing an LSD-equipped 560 diff from an open diff? Part numbers would be most helpful, thanks...

if all
 

else fails, jack up the car and spin one rear wheel. if the other goes the same direction it is a lsd.

tom w

There is a plate on the back, forgot what it says. Something in German. It either has the plate (LSD) or it doesn't.

Tom,
I guess I should have mentioned that the diffs I will be looking at will be on a shelf, and not on a car.

Dan,
Is the plate metal? The problem with plates and stickers is that they tend to get lost or destroyed so I was looking for an alteranate means of positive LSD identification...

THE only way to know for sure is to remove the rear cover! ALL USA 560's had LSD's except the 1991 cars that had ASR! Very few of those were made!
You can spot them very easy because they have 2 ABS sensor holes in the top rather than one in the side!

well
 

on a shelf the test will still work. if i were buying one, i would do the test even if it has the plate.

tom w