Muffler or resonater, which is it?

[pezzy]

Ok heres my problem, a part (which I am not sure what it is) on my exhaust system is rusted out and makes the car quite loud so I decided to drive around to a few places to see how much it would cost to replace. Well the part that is rusted out isnt the assembly right before the tailpipe but the one that is under the car by the rear drivers side door. The first shop I went to said it was a muffler but couldnt quote me a price because this muffler guide book didnt have a '86 300E listed but looked like it had every other MB model, the second place I went to also said it was a muffler but couldnt quote me a price because they had the same book as the first shop but they did tell me that they could replace whatever it was with something generic for $150, the third shop I went to told me it was a resonator but they couldnt tell me a price because they had the same book as the other shops. I am wondering what is this part I need replaced and what should I expect to pay for it? Also has anyone noticed that local mechanics are very reluctant to work on Mercedes? Nearly every place I go to I hear "Sorry we dont work on Mercedes" and they dont seem too happy that you are in there asking either, even though I have had a few Japanese cars worked on at these places that wont even touch mercedes automobiles. Sorry for such a long post, just getting it all out there at once. Thanks for your help also.

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Adam,
1986 300E
1997 Acura Integra GS-R

[engatwork]

pezzy - based on looking at the book it is called the "rear" muffler. I would strongly suggest spending the $ and replacing it with OEM or if mercedesshop Partsshop has it getting the OEM or OEM equivalent from them. You will be better off in the long run if you stay away from the Midas type places on this one.
OT - what part of Ga are you from?
good luck
engatwork
'95 E320
'97 Honda CRV

[engatwork]

pezzy - oops - I might have misunderstood. Here is the breakdown. The one closest to the engine is called "front exhaust pipe with catalyst", the next one is "center muffler" and then the last one that dumps out the tailpipe is the "rear muffler". Again though, stick with OEM or OEM equivalent material.

[420SEL]

The one mostly referred to as the resonator is the centre piece. On my 420SEL there are just three pieces. The cat, centre resonator and rear muffler. These pieces all run close to $1000 Canadian. I got a few quotes from some US sources but after currency conversion and customs charges it would have been more expensive. I would suggest getting it from the dealer, even if it costs you $100 bucks or more than at a discount place. I checked my service records and on my car the original factory exhaust lasted 120,000 miles and 10 years. The second owner replaced it with ANSA, a high quality but cheaper part (probably saved $200, but they only lasted 50,000 miles and 4 years. I think the MB parts are worth it, unless of course you plan to sell in two or three years. Then it will be someone elses problem.



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Jason Priest
1986 420SEL

[pezzy]

Well I would prefer something that would last the rest of the cars life (like the stainless steel systems you see on newer cars). Are the replacement mufflers made of stainless steel and does the parts shop here have them, the gaskets and hangers in stock or available? Also how hard is it to break the bolts on the clamps loose on the old system (they look quite rusty). Thanks for your help. Engatwork, I am from St. Marys, it is about 30 mins north of Jacksonville on the GA/FL border.

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Adam,
1986 300E
1997 Acura Integra GS-R

Adam,

The Center Muffler you are referring to, costs from $100 - $200 OEM. Yours should be in the upper-half of this range.

I highly recommend to get the OE parts. They last much longer and are more cost efficient.

It is always a good idea to replce the entire system if parts are starting to rust out. As soon as one goes, the rest are sure to follow. Also, it is very difficult to weld in a new piece when the pipes are rusting up.... the welds will not hold and the new part runs the possibility of falling off.

Good Luck,


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William
76 240D (W115) - 555K miles
78 300D (W123) - 200K+ miles -- SOLD

[This message has been edited by WmHarlow (edited 11-26-2000).]

[engatwork]

pezzy - I know where St Simons is. I have some friends that live there and I lived in Savannah for a period of time. Suggestion on the bolts - do not worry too much about saving them. You will more than likely destroy them getting them off. I would plan on replacing all of them along with the gaskets. If you can afford it, I would suggest replacing everything except the cat. if it is still in good condition.

Another thought - if you only drive around St Simons (short trips)then this is probably the worst thing you can do to an exhaust system. You see the exhaust gases condense inside the exhaust system and then it does not get good and hot to "boil" the condensate out of the system. The condensate stays in the exhaust system where it will make it rust faster. I did not see how much milage you have but this may have been just a carry over from the previous owners driving habits. I purchased my E320 used at 81k and the records show that the following exhaust items were replaced at 74k (p/n 124-491-21-00 and 124-491-08-00) because it says there was a "crack along 2nd half of exhaust". I am not sure exactly which sections these were but the cost was $346.00 each item - from the dealer. Labor shows up at under $150. I do not know where you can find the stainless exhaust system.
good luck
engatwork
'95 E320 - 96k
'97 Honda CRV - 76k

Adam,

St. Mary's..... My sister and her family live in St. Mary's...... Small world Huh?

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William
76 240D (W115) - 555K miles
78 300D (W123) - 200K+ miles -- SOLD

[Arthur Dalton]

If you like SS, then here is the info.
I like oem parts, but for lifetime exhaust, SS is my preference.
I have used these on both my 250SL and 190SL
and they have lasted for years.

http://www.timevalve.com/cat/us/p20b1a.html