Argh more problems, and I think they're big 'uns...
 

First of all, i noticed that exhaust fumes were coming from around the engine of the car....not a lot but noticeable in the headlights at night at a stoplight. I took the car to an exhaust shop and they pu it on a lift, and ill be damned if the flex-pipe section of the front exhaust pipe wasnt broken completely off. That explains why its so freakin loud! Also, later that day, I popped the hood to turn off the engine (still has a vacuum leak. I'm broke for another couple of weeks), and I see that two glow plugs and a couple of the braided hose covers on those plugs are wet. the rings at the bottom of the plugs actually had a small bit of diesel around the bottom. Enough to whereif i blew on them the liquid moved. What the hells going on with this, and how do i fix it. Also, can i have a new piece of stainless flex-pipe welded onto the exhaust raither than blowing 150 bucks on a whole new pipe? Or any other alternatives. I can take some pictures of the diesel leak (im guessing thats what it is) if that would help. just let me know.

I don't know any good alternatives to replacing the front pipe, but maybe someone else does.

Regarding the fuel leak, the most likely source is the small (braided) fuel return lines from the injectors. If that's it, just buy a couple of feet from the dealer and replace all these lines.

Flex Pipe
 

Any Good Muffler Shop Can Weld In A New Piece Of Flex Pipe Instead Of Repalcing The Entire Pipe.

How much...
 

...might one expect to pay for that service?

Too much.

The universal flex pipes are about $100 for the part, plus welding. Check the price on the part for your car. It's not all that bad.

As for the fuel return lines (which is what you describe), get them from any MB dealer, or any online site. Like this one. They're not expensive, and extremely easy to change on the earlier models. Don't forget about the 1" long piece and its (reusable) plug on the last injector.

My Flexpipe Piece And The Labor For Cutting Old And Welding New Was Less Than $100....

A new header pipe was less than $20 last time I bought one, maybe a year ago.

me too
 

for 123.00 had a new exhaust pipe from the exhaust header to the broken exhaust pipe.

also had a some injectors all wet, with diesel. so, last Saturday, I went down to the local MB dealer, and for less then 15 dollars got 1 meter of the braided hoses. just make sure you don't cut the hoses too short. my first cut was short, but used in to run from injector 3 to 4.

bob also new 81 240d owner.

is flex pipe totally secessary? or can i use basic exhaust tubing?

Braid stays flexible over time. Coiled flex hose eventually takes a set and doesn't flex.

Have you tried a wrecking yard? You might find a good downpipe or a braided section from another car.

Sixto

running wo the flex will result in shortened life from vibration, it will crack i expect. and prob will cause some wierd vibration sounds. i wouldnt.

tom w