I have searched and have not found a straight/solid answer to this question.

I brought a w124 e320 wagon home yesterday and I want to get all four wheels off the ground, no ramps. With my 201 I lift the rear using my hydraulic jack under the differential, place the jack stands under the lift pads, drop the car onto the stands. Move to the front and do the same with the cross member. I've done some searching and it seems that lifting by the differential is not recommended. (actually I lift the front first then go to the back)

What is the best way to accomplish this without using the jack holes? I don't want to use them because they are rusty. If I put the lift under the jack points where can I put the jacks? That's something I don't know because I'm used to putting them under the pads (you know, how the mechanic lifts the car with the big lift).

I need to have a good look over everything under the car and I need to take the wheels off to have a good look at the brakes and all. Car needs to be up a few days for me to get to it all because I don't get large chunks of time to mess with the car.

Can I lift the car by the differential? My searching has yielded mixed results and mostly in really old threads.

Thanks

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1992 190e 2.6

Really? Not recommended for the W124? I guess I should stop doing it then.

So, you've been doing this on a w124 wagon for a while and no ill effects?

Front crossmember ok too?

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1992 190e 2.6

Well a sedan but I searched a bit more and I think I'll stop lifting by the diff since I just replaced those mounts. Which are ridiculous to replace by the way.

I think lifting by the subframe the dif mounts to is acceptable.

Just use the diff. Done it for years on 124 wagon, W202s, W210s. No issues.

I've done it on my W124 with no issues many times, as well as my 201 which is the same design.

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
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'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

Thanks for the replies.

This is why I was doubting the naysayers. It's my understanding that the 201 and the 124 share the same multi-link rear suspension (that we're all so proud of being the first of it's kind).

Tonight I lift the car, please wish me luck because I don't know what I'll find down there! Also, if there really is a good reason not to go this way let me know!!!

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1992 190e 2.6

the suspension arms are made to pivot under the full weight of the car. The bushings in your differential mounts are not. Any more questions?

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1981 300TD
2005 C55
2004 E500
1999 ML430
1992 400E
1998 C43
2001 SL500
1988 300SEL
1986 190E 16V
1991 190E 2.6

Yes

I've been searching around for pics of how the diff is mounted, as yet I'm unclear and out of time. I'll figure it out.

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1992 190e 2.6

smp, the Haynes Service and Repair Manual for the 124 cars specifically states "To raise the rear of the vehicle, position a block of wood on a hydraulic jack head and position the jack underneath the final drive unit. Lift the vehicle to the required height and support it on axle stands positioned underneath the rear rubber support blocks, which are located directly underneath the vehicle jack location holes in the sill."

A MB dealer tech confirmed that this method was fine. I have lifted the rear of our 124 cars using this method without any adverse consequences many times.

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Fred Hoelzle

and don't forget the obvious - block wheels.
Installed sometime back a trailer hitch and have now an add lift point there.

best use a set of ramps - to support the lower control arms in the back you need to undo the plastic sheilds first which require you to get under the car first.

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2012 BMW X5 (Beef + Granite suspension model)

1995 E300D - The original humming machine (consumed by Flood 2017)
2000 E320 - The evolution (consumed by flood 2017)

Thanks Ferdman.

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1992 190e 2.6

One certain Mercedes rear shocks can be swapped to GM airshocks,Two Thicker spring pads will do the trick

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1999 w140, quit voting to old, and to old to fight, a god damned veteran, deutschland deutschland uber alles uber alles in der welt

I think we were discussing how to raise the car off the ground for work. - but thanks for the tip, GM airshocks.

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2012 BMW X5 (Beef + Granite suspension model)

1995 E300D - The original humming machine (consumed by Flood 2017)
2000 E320 - The evolution (consumed by flood 2017)