W124: What would be effect of deleting resonator?
 

The exhaust on my 91 300D just rusted out around the back of the resonator. I don't know yet whether or not the resonator can be saved...taking it to exhaust shop next week. If the resonator can't be saved, what would be the effect of deleting it and simply running straight pipe to the muffler? I don't mind it being a bit louder but I'd be annoyed by a drone.

It could create a drone, my guess is it would. Really won't know how much for sure without trying. May want to ask the exhaust shop.

Please report back your findings.

Good luck!!!

I can tell you. I’ve done it. Same exact problem with the resonator rusting. I just had a muffler shop replace the rsonator with a straight pipe.
It sounds fine. Only slightly louder. No drone

Excellent news...thanks!

Had to do the same on my '91 300D about two years ago. Straightpiped to the muffler (deleted resonator). I've done several 200+ mile roadtrips. No drone.

I have done it too numerous times with not much noticeable effect....a little rumble at idle.

My '83 SD - my first MB owned - came with a straight pipe. I had always noticed a mild drone which was confirmed when i got the '85 SD (with the resonator) which didn't have the drone.

It bothered me enough to pull one from a junkyard car.

Resonator gone....no drone.

I run a 2.25" straight pipe on my 617 powered Studebaker. It is not loud at all and sounds like a baby cummins. A little turbo whine from time to time.

I deleted the muffler with straight pipe and left the resonator. No drone.

I love the sound of a straight pipe straight 5 :D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4k4OnG9GQQ