This weekend I finished replacing my exhaust system that I purchased during my buying spree (I think I need a support group)

When I was taking the exhaust system out it came out in 2 pieces: The top half of the down pipe and the bottom half of the down pipe + the rest of the exhaust. Yes my Down pipe was broken in 2 pieces since I got the car. That break also contributed to: black goop all along the bottom of the engine compartment, smoke coming from under the car, and a louder then what I presume normal engine sound (I never really paid attention to the exhaust note of other 300D's).

The installation was very easy since the new system came in 3 pieces: the down pipe, middle, and muffler. The old system was 2 pieces: Down Pipe, the rest. I first put the down pipe in place with all the bolts tightened loosely. Then I hung the muffler from it's 4 hangers. I was then able to fit the intermediate pipe in between. The only hard part was holding the Intermediate pipe up while tightening the bolts.

When I went to start up the car I was shocked at how quite it was, it was if my engine wasn't running at all. I would have taken it out for a test drive but the left rear brake caliper has sprung a big enough leak to render the brake system useless. (I would have loved to take it for a drive since the weather currently falls into the "Perfect" category)


Some things to remember if y'all are going to replace your exhaust system: get new bolts to connect the Intermediate pipe to the down pipe, get an 2.5" x .25" U-Bolt and nuts from Mercedes to connect the Down Pipe to the bracket that keeps it from rattling, no automotive stores care that narrow a U-Bolt in stock. I also tried the local Hardware stores but they seem to be poorly stocked since they didn't have them either. Either way, get that U-bolt from Mercedes and save your self the hassle.

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2005 Audi A4 1.8T CVT -Silver/Black "Siegfried"

1982 300D - Silver/Blue "Ralph" -For Sale:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?p=852260

1989 VW Diesel Jetta Blue/Blue "Bodo" RIP