Why Get OEM Muffler?
 

Need a new rear muffler for my 92 300D. Part is 124 491 92 01. Looks like I could get it for $189 (Eberspaecher) plus whatever it would cost to have it installed. OR my exhaust guy can put in an aftermarket muffler for $160 installed. Any reason not to save a bit of money?

What brand is the off brand? I've seen a lot of aftermarket W124 exhausts that do not look factory at all. I'd go elberspacher personally, $189 is cheap. Pretty sure most W124 mufflers clamp on. Buy the genuine one and do it yourself?

The Ansa's are nice.

Yup, an aftermarket muffler will probably work fine, but won't have the fit or look of the OE part.

-J

Hadn't noticed that....thought it would involve welding. So is there any sort of gasket that I need? Or maybe at least get a new clamp? Never replaced a muffler before....but it does look fairly straightforward.

Actually found it for $169 on A'zon.

One thing to look at with the aftermarket muffler is if it's a straight through design. Turbo diesel's thrive on having as little back pressure as possible, which is why even the oem mufflers on a w123 turbo diesel are a straight through design. If you put on a chambered aftermarket muffler for a domestic V8, you're effectively bottle necking your engine even more than stock.

I personally prefer straight pipe, as the turbocharger itself does a great job muffling the sound, and the less restriction the better in our case.

I think all the back muffler assemblies are the same. When I had the 124, I did discover that there are large differences in the front pipes, which you should be aware of if you ever need to replace those:

MBexh That's for a 603. I'm not sure if there's a similar issue on the 602's.

Previous owner replaced the whole exhaust with a 3" straight pipe followed magnaflow something or other (straight through) with ridiculous twin chrome tips. I cut off the tips and had a friend weld on the turn down which I later spray painted.
https://i.imgur.com/9N6W8p8.jpg

There's a seal ring between the mufflers and forward exhaust. Have replacements for the four bolts/nuts holding it on and be prepared for a battle with the old ones. The collars holding the ends together should be to reuse, I think.

For $20 more, why not?

Stock all the way....or straight pipe. :D

When I look at the EPC diagram, all I see is one clamp and no seal ring. Am I missing something? Perhaps the OEM muffler comes with a seal ring.

I put a Borla on mine,I got it free.I knew someone that worked there.Now I don't listen to radio anymore.I love the mufflers sound.

20 more uninstalled. Probably 75 to 100 more installed after its welded in. Personally id go aftermarket and forget about it