failed NC annual DMV inspection !!!
 

took my 1981 240d, 4 speed manual to be instected and it failed. the exhaust system had "excessive leakage."

what upset me the most was the young person, who must have been learning how to drive standard on my MB. I had to go out to the shop bay and ask if she needed me to drive the car out. she said no, and had someone else drive it out.

never going back there again.

will Midus (spelling ?) brake shop and exhaust people be good enought to replace the exhaust system?

Bob

I once took an 89 Chevy Celebrity to midas to get a muffler and tailpipe put on. Was quick but kinda pricey...

Check it yourself to make sure its really leaking. I've had one of those places try to rip me off before. I find the independently owned muffler shops are much better.

Scott

Ask around.....
 

As you are in NC, there should be a good, independent exhaust shop nearby. Look for one that caters to the race car guys! You list Fayetteville as your location, are you in the Army? Around 35 years ago there was a "Special Services" sponsored DIY Auto Shop on Main Post......you could fix it there, if you are in the Military.

SB
XVIII Abn. Cps. (ETS 1971)

no retired in 1992 and use the car daily for work. work in raleigh, so it is a long drive but the end is in sight. can retire next year, if I want.

since i use it daily, i just don't mind that much to shell out a few dollars. since I purchased the car a year ago, have not spend much except for fuel, 15w/40 engine oil, filters.

bob
1981 240d

Seems odd that you would find the first indication of an exhaust system failing to be a State Inspection. Usually they make some noise, and rarely does the whole system fail all at once. It seems like it should be worth putting the car on a lift and doing a good inspection yourself.

But, the car is getting older and has been out of production for some time. Typically no local muffler shop will have the hardware in stock. So the prices won't be any better than the local dealership. If you intend to keep the car for a long time, try a stainless system from Timevalve (www.timevalve.com). It is a reasonable do it yourself task to change the whole system if you have access to a lift. Or buy the parts and take them to the local garage and pay them to install it. Good luck, Jim

Check with Fort Bragg PX
 

Actually, if you're retired military, there's a good chance you could still get it done on base.

I'm retired Navy, and I know of several Navy bases that are nowhere near the size of Fort Bragg, that had a service station and garage w/ full time mechanics run by the Navy Exchange, in addition to the normal DIY auto hobby shop.

Being retired military, you can still make use of facilities on a military base - ie, base exchange, military hospital, etc. Granted, that use is restricted compared to active duty personnel, but there's still the possibility you could make use of it.

I'd at least check into it. They should at least be able to put it up on a lift and give you a second opinion on the exhaust system, if not do the repair work and the DMV inspection as well, and/or be able to order parts, depending on what type of facilities they have, and what the current rules are for retired personnel making use of them.

If you can't get it done on base, then I'd get as far away from the base as possible and the "strip" surrounding it - the often less-than-ethical establishments that make their living ripping off military personnel. That's another idea - check with the base exchange and see which if any of the auto repair shops in the area have been blacklisted for unethical business practices. If they wouldn't bat an eye screwing over someone on active duty, they certainly wouldn't hesitate to do it to the general public.

I'd be glad to sponsor you into the DIY shop, say the 240 is mine or something. I've never even been there and wanna check it out sometime.

If you use the DIY shop try to see if you can find the leak on the curb then you can already have the parts you need to replace when you get here. Better than going to the shop twice.

This happened to me. My 300D muffler and exhaust pipe were rusted with holes (both were original). Went to a muffler place on Capital Blvd and they had everything in stock - paid less than $200.00.

Take it to a different testing station.

Try Tuffyhttp://www.tuffy.com/
 

Theres a few in your area http://www.tuffy.com/

yesterday, took it to an indy, passed !! no problem.

came to the conclusion that a 18 yr old (younger then my MB 240d) just doesn't understand older diesel cars.

any good to go for the next year.

Bob
1981 240d