Rear End Conversion

[doredavid]

First--Hello to all--I'm "the new kid on the block". I have a '71 280sl (silver/black). Thanks to your Forum, I discovered it was possible to change my 4.09 to a 3.27 from a 280 SEL 4.5. For those of you that are kicking around the idea--let me tell you that its absolutely worth it! Yes, you give up a little acceleration off the line, but a much smoother & quieter ride.
               Dore Brand         Los Angeles

[jeffc280sl]

I've done the change and like it very much.  I have a manual transmission so starts are not a problem.  Do a search on 3.27 axle and you will get a lot of information.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[ja17]

Hello,

Mercedes manufactured around 22,000 of these W108 (280SE, SEL 4.5) sedans in 1971 and 1972. Most had the 3.27 rear ratio. These "donor" sedans have been out of production for thiry five years. I suspect the supply of these axles will become scarce in the near future.

In addition good 280SE 4.5 sedans are appreciating in value and being restored and preserved rather than parted out.  These 4.5 sedans were once voted as one of the all time favorites of the Mercedes Engineers some years back.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[TheEngineer]

I have done it and wouldn't go back. It's wonderful!

'69 280SL,Signal Red,Automatic,retired engineer, West-Seattle,WA