I'm having a real problem finding the middle muffler (aka resonator) assembly for my 1976 300D (115 series)...other than from MBZ for $400!!!

I've been told by a local muffler shop that I really don't need the resonator, and that replacing it with just pipe will boost power slightly (any boost in power is welcome with the 300D)...they say the only downside is that it will be a bit noisier without the resonator.

On the other hand, the MB dealership tells me that the engine could be adversely affected without the resonator...that "your car was designed to have a resonator for a good reason."

So, should I replace the resonator assembly with pipe. or will this have some detrimental affect on the engine?

Robert

Check out TimeValve, they make a stainless steel exhaust.

My 220D has a pipe welded in instead of the resonator, but I have no information on performance, it's not running at the moment.

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

Me thinks that the people at MB are trying to get you to buy their resonator. The diesel doesn't need the resonator; in fact, it would be perfectly happy with no muffler whatsoever. As ou mentioned, the only potential issue would be noise...with a turbo, that isn't as serious of an issue, but with your n/a, I'd check the laws. But, one muffler is likely enough.

Good luck!

I do not think you need the MB resonator... any good muffler shop should be able to put in a regular muffler of the appropriate size ... the car may be louder than you think without the two mufflers... safer to put it in. What you don't want is a buzz in your head and ears on and after long drives due to the exhaust "note"...

For whatever it's worth, my 85 300D is missing the resonator. No adverse effects or high noise levels that I can tell. Last fall the section that descends from the header failed, and lacking proper replacements, was temporarily fixed with a sleeve. I've been wondering whether to go back to the resonator configuration, or leave the system with the single rear muffler.

I also have an 85 300TD that has the resonator: seems actually a little noiser, though currently it seems peppier than the 300D.

I just welded in two straight pipes where my rusted middle muffler was on my 500SE . What a chunk of metal, car runs great with out it, slight more rumble at idle and under hard acceleration what could be better! plus less weight.I searched the local auto part stores for a section of exaust pipe that would fit over the the metric pipe but could find none ,so bought exaust pipe expander ,it worked, I'm now the envy of my mechanic friends.
Going to do same on MY SD it has no holes yet but hangs low and keeps breaking the rubber donuts that hold it up...........
William Rogers........

If you want the resonator, call Phil at the PartShop; I bought the entire exhaust for my '72 from him and it was quite resonably priced.

__________________
1992 500SEL 25K
1995 E320 40K
1995 SL600 120K
2002 JX8 Sport 43K
2005 Volvo S40 95K
2006 Isuzu NPR 304K (Frankencamper)
2007 Crown Victoria 150K
2014 Smart Electric 20K

A diesel will run with no manfolds, so obviously the mercedes dealer is either confused or yanking your chain.

__________________
83 240D four bagger stick diesel 276K

just look at most heavy equipment, big engine one small muffler.........
William Rogers.........

Warden hit the nail on the head..... you might even appreciate the car even more - with a little rumble and engine sound beyond mute and politically correct 'invisibility' of driving cars.

Peter's advice for stainless steel straight pipe system will actually increase performance, running hotter than ordinary steel pipes.
Expect to pay double for stainless pipes, but its lifetime investment. Thanks Peter, for naming the company that makes stainless pipes..... got it written down for future refference.

You've gotta Laugh Out Loud at MB dealership recommendations. They were shocked when I asked about "MB approved" trailer hitch last March for my 4-spd 240D. They dropped their jaws when i told 'em a tree had fallen on the property and was gonna pull out the stump and drag tree limbs with my old rust-bucket diesel....... wanted the hitch so not to damage the bumper, i told em with a grin :-)