How long does the exhaust last

[joshhol]

I think mine is orginal. Not that it seems to have any problems, but maybe the car would run better with a new system.

300D.

[Lycoming-8]

Not sure that the extrapolation is accurate, but the whole exhaust system on the '68 220D still consisted of original pipes and 'cans' when we stopped using it in 1990. There was one small repair that was done to the front wall of the main muffler. The shock waves of the gasses blew a hole out of the front wall that was about a third of the area of the metal there. Had a piece of 1/4" steel tread welded in over the hole and never had another problem. It had not rusted out and no other leaks ever developed.

i don't know about the old ones but i unload at lest 5 a day and they look like there made of brass or something they look well made

[psfred]

Typically, 20-25 years. Owner then faints when told the price of a new one, but that will last another 20 years, too.

Peter

[P.E.Haiges]

joshhol,

As far as I know. the exhaust system on my '80 300Sd is original at 250,000+ miles. I'm not about to replace and hope it last another 24 years.

As long as your system doesn't leak, there is no advantage replacing it except making the seller of the system richer (and you poorer).

If it ain't broken, don't fix it !

P E H

[rdanz]

If anyone needs an exhaust system replacement a good alternative is Autozone they sell Bosel exhaust with a LIFETIME warranty for about 1/5 of the cost of MB original I baught one six years ago and its doing fine.

[joshhol]

They also expect people to keep cars 1/5th as long as we keep our benz's.

I replaced the exhaust on the 220S, it was about $600.

[P.E.Haiges]

rdanz,

Thankyou for the AutoZone info. I didn't realize they could get MB exhaust systems.

P E H

[engatwork]

The more oil that the engine leaks the longer the exhaust lasts. Just look how oil covered the exhaust system is on a car with a leaky front main seal.

My 1979 300CD, still has the original exhaust, as far as I know...

[Lars]

I believe diesel exhausts last longer than gasser exhausts because the diesel does not produce acidic water at start-up like a gasoline car. When you start a gas car, you can often see water dripping out of the tailpipe. If you only drive a few minutes, this acidic water collects in the muffler and causes it to rust from the inside. Once the car is warm, all this water evaporates.

[dhbecker]

This is a very interesting question. I bought my '82 240D from my brother in law in '91 at 300,000 miles. It now has 381,000 miles with a reman MB engine installed last year. The exhaust system hasn't been touched, and seems to be in fine shape. I am going to ascertain if that is the original exhaust.

Both my 76 330D and 80 300SD still have the origingal systems with no sign of needing replacement.

I priced a replacement on a 86 300E awhile back and it was around $2000.00

I'm with PEH here,
if tis isn't broken or worn out, don't fix it.

[dhbecker]

I checked with the original owner (I am the 2nd) & the exhaust system is original. '82 240D, 382,000 miles; 2nd engine & transmission. Apparently still intact!