I have a conversion V8 E 190. it is a 1987 and I want to swap the rear axel to the best choice for Mercedes benz that will swap. So the first question is what gear ratios are available? And two what complete rear assembly carrier axels crossmember complete will bolt in a 1987 E 190 the car had a 2.3 in it but has been converted to a 5.0 ford. I need to drop axel ratio to at or near 2.5 to 3.0 range. Can any body steer me in the correct direction. Also keeping in mind service life so the heavier duty the better. The engine produces 350 Hp and makes 380 Ft,lbs. torque

190d 2.5 automatics used 3.07s, 190d 2.5 turbo automatics had 2.65s. All the gas cars were shorter than that I believe.

I think if you swap the back covers you can use 124 diffs in a 201 but someone who knows better than I will confirm or deny.


You car is a W201 190E, that may help in your online searches to use the correct terminology.


Edit, here is a link http://www.baureihe201.de/W201/technik.htm

Note that several of the cars referenced on that chart were not available in the US.

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68 280SL - 70 280SL - 70 300SEL 3.5 - 72 350SL - 72 280SEL 4.5 - 72 220 - 72 220D - 73 450SL - 84 230GE - 87 200TD - 90 190E 2.0 - 03 G500

Nissan GTR - Nissan Skyline GTS25T - Toyota GTFour - Rover Mini - Toyota Land Cruiser HJ60 - Cadillac Eldorado - BMW E30 - BMW 135i

You will have a very hard time finding a Benz LSD/posi rear end. No one with V8 power wants one-wheel-drive.

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1988 300E

The W201 and W124/R129 rear suspension and center section (aka differential) designs are very similar, although there may be some dimensional differences. V8 W124/R129 cars were supplied with 210mm (ring gear diameter) final drives. These will be the largest MB rears available that will be anywhere close to being a bolt-in. By contrast, the original rear in the 2.3L W201 was 168mm. The 210mm rears are commonly available in a 2.47:1 ratio and with limited slip.

I have a 1987 300D that has some slop in the differential, can anything be done to take it out, with new ring gear and pinion?

Some good info here:

W124 LSD (limited slip diff) options? - Mercedes-Benz Forum

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1988 300E