The sheet metal of the rear muffler on my '83 300CD Turbo has rusted away over the years and I "wheeze" a lot when driving down the road.

For the rear muffler, a replacement looks to run about $219 for the genuine M-B article.

The center muffler appears to be ok, no rust or breaks in the sheet metal that I can see. Should I replace the center muffler on principle since I'll be in there replacing the rear muffler plus the four hangers, three doughnuts/rubber buffers? For a M-B middle muffler, the cost is, gulp, a mere $464! Probably better off with a replacement from the junk yard if I was to replace it, no?

For the most part, I keep the car stock. Having said that, is it best to use the M-B muffler in the rear or go for a Ebersbacher or Bosal or...?

Thoughts?