factory diffs with ratio other than 2.82?

[744Brillantsilber]

Hey guys,

were there any factory diffs for the .036 other than the usual 2.82 ration (e.g. for special markets)?
I never heard of one, but want to make sure before getting in close contact with the German "TÜV".

A 2.82 ratio would be my preferred option if I do a 5.0-swap! But they are very hard to get and very expensive over here from what I found so far.
Right now plan B would be using the E420s 2.65, and get the swap registered as drivetrain from a R129.

I would appreciate your help and opinion!

 

[gsxr]

In the .036? No, although I've seen claims of a 2.65 for "Swiss market" without any proof. AMG likely offered custom gear ratios but the cars always left the factory with 2.82 gears.

The 2.65 may be easier to find. You can also use the 2.82 from a 140.04x chassis (400SE/SEL/S420) if it's 1992-1994 vintage. Requires swapping the covers and flanges though.

 

[744Brillantsilber]

Thanks a lot gsxr!
I heard that rumour about "Swiss market" too and hoped somebody can confirm that.

AMG ratios will not help much in Germany. I need to change the drivetrain to the way an M119 5.0 left the MB factory. Otherwise I need to pay thousands of Euros for expertises.

Swapping the flanges and covers should be easy, but finding a good diff from a early 4.2 liter W140 can get hard too.

I try to contact Van De Velde in Belgium and hope they have a 2.82 diff plus a matching .036 speedo and some other parts!

 

[msq]

In the .036? No, although I've seen claims of a 2.65 for "Swiss market" without any proof. AMG likely offered custom gear ratios but the cars always left the factory with 2.82 gears.

The 2.65 may be easier to find. You can also use the 2.82 from a 140.04x chassis (400SE/SEL/S420) if it's 1992-1994 vintage. Requires swapping the covers and flanges though.

Yes, as @gsxr says the cars left the factory with 2.82 but AMG definitely did 2.65 for some Swiss Market cars.

 

[Rouven036]

After swapping to the 2.65 I found it the better combination, especially for long distances and higher average speeds (i.e. On the autobahn)

 

[Eno]

I have personally seen a W124 500E “Swiss market” turned into a 6 liter in Germany near Stuttgart during restoration phase which had a 2.65 differential, I confirm I have seen it and took some photos but cannot be seen clearly as attached.

 

[gsxr]

Maybe the 2.65 "Swiss" thing was AMG only, which would make sense... meaning Swiss 5.0L cars still came with 2.82 like the ROW.

You don't need an 036 speedometer, an electronic converter box will work to adjust for different gearing and tire size. Remember the 036 speedo is calibrated for 26" tires instead of the standard 25" on all other 124's.

 

[744Brillantsilber]

I have personally seen a W124 500E “Swiss market” turned into a 6 liter in Germany near Stuttgart during restoration phase which had a 2.65 differential, I confirm I have seen it and took some photos but cannot be seen clearly as attached.

@Eno, thanks a lot!! Do you have more info about this car (VIN...) or want to tell me who did this restoration?
I am near Stuttgart and know about a handful of companies doing such restorations in the area.

Maybe the 2.65 "Swiss" thing was AMG only, which would make sense... meaning Swiss 5.0L cars still came with 2.82 like the ROW.

You don't need an 036 speedometer, an electronic converter box will work to adjust for different gearing and tire size. Remember the 036 speedo is calibrated for 26" tires instead of the standard 25" on all other 124's.

@gsxr, thank a lot too! Yes, I know about the electronic converter. That would be "plan B", if I can not find a reasonably priced 036 unit.
The difference from European .034 (215/55R16) to .036 (225/55R16 or 245/45R17) tire perimeters is between -1,4% and -1,7%. This should not be a big problem.
I would need to change the whole drivetrain to M119 5.0, probably including tire perimeters. In that case, a 0.36 speedo would fit perfect.

 

[Eno]

@744Brillantsilber, the person owns a few .036’s he has his own private garage which he works on hos own restorations.
His garage is in Esslingen between Goppingen and Stuttgart.
If I am not mistaken it’s a hilly town.
The restoration was superb on this silver “Swiss” 036 with E60 M119 engine.

 

[Ascension]

Euro 034 ratio must be different than the US as my car has a 2.24 gear. Great long distance cruiser but rather lackluster around town with the lack of bottom end in the 4.2.

 

[gsxr]

Euro 034 ratio must be different than the US as my car has a 2.24 gear. Great long distance cruiser but rather lackluster around town with the lack of bottom end in the 4.2.

Correct. USA and Japan had 2.24 gears to skirt gas-guzzler taxes, at least in USA.

ROW all received 2.65 gears in the .034 chassis.

 

[744Brillantsilber]

@744Brillantsilber, the person owns a few .036’s he has his own private garage which he works on hos own restorations. His name is Robin.
His garage is in Esslingen between Goppingen and Stuttgart.
If I am not mistaken it’s a hilly town.
The restoration was superb on this silver “Swiss” 036 with E60 M119 engine.

OK, thanks for the info, I have highest respect for everybody who puts that much work in his car!
I know Esslingen, some areas are a bit hilly near the vineyards.
We have many W124-lovers around here