ML63 W164 Rear Diff Issue

[AndySML45]

My 2007 ML63 had a grumbling rear end so I took it into a dealer (in France) to be told I needed a new read diff at circa €8000 (including some rusted sub frame parts replacement, disposal etc etc). I got a second opinion from an indie garage and they came to the same conclusion. A new rear diff and gimble (all in French) were recommended. Parts would be the same but labour would be cheaper.

My questions are - What on earth is a gimble? And is the ML63 rear diff an AMG specific part or is it a shared part with other MLs (ie the ML420, 350, 320 or whatever the versions are)?

Any views? I can't afford to get the work done at a garage so I'm toying with trying to source a used part (hence the questions) and having a go myself with a neighbour who has more tools than me. Otherwise the car is a financial write off which will be gutting.

Thanks.

Andy

 

[AMGeed]

Would you consider a used part from Latvia?

MERCEDES ML63 AMG W164 Rear Diff A1643501414 Differential Hinten RATIO 3.45 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for MERCEDES ML63 AMG W164 Rear Diff A1643501414 Differential Hinten RATIO 3.45 at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

That is the correct Part number according to the EPC

FG 164.177 - REAR AXLE HOUSING WITH DIFFERENTIAL > Mercedes EPC Online > nemigaparts.com

Parts catalogs. Spare parts catalog Mercedes EPC Online. Mercedes. Car. REAR AXLE HOUSING WITH DIFFERENTIAL.

nemigaparts.com

 

[AndySML45]

Would you consider a used part from Latvia?

MERCEDES ML63 AMG W164 Rear Diff A1643501414 Differential Hinten RATIO 3.45 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for MERCEDES ML63 AMG W164 Rear Diff A1643501414 Differential Hinten RATIO 3.45 at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

That is the correct Part number according to the EPC

FG 164.177 - REAR AXLE HOUSING WITH DIFFERENTIAL > Mercedes EPC Online > nemigaparts.com

Parts catalogs. Spare parts catalog Mercedes EPC Online. Mercedes. Car. REAR AXLE HOUSING WITH DIFFERENTIAL.

nemigaparts.com

I don't mind where the part comes from. I think initially I'm just trying to understand what it is I need as a complete job (just the rear diff or + this 'gimble' thing is) and what it may entail to install.

But thank you for the detail anyway.