Rear Muffler on 1987 300E
 

The front weld seam connecting the exaust pipe to the rear muffler has rusted out. Both muffler and pipe seem to be in good condition and they are stamped as Mercedes parts.

Can the seam be rewelded... is a special alloy rod needed for a repair weld?

If not can someone recommend a replacement brand? Fastlane lists: Eberspaecher, Ansa and Bosal as replacement manufacturers. Any suggestions as to one that will not rust out?

Thanks.

My friend Hans uses Eberspaecher, but says they don't last as long as the factory one in spite of having the MB logo. Who knows. Ansa is good, too, dont' know about Borsal.

At any rate, I'd replace the muffler -- if it has a clamp, it's a replacement, if it is welded on, it's factory.

Chances are the internals are rusty, too -- do you notice an "sporty" sound out of the back (separate from the leak, that is!)? These are VERY quiet in good shape, so quiet you cannot hear the exhaust in normal driving. Any exhaust noise means they are going fast....

Peter

You can get Bosal from Autozone with a lifetime warranty.

Thanks Peter... lots of info in that brief post. I did not know that factory mufflers were without clamp (welded) nor did I know that another manufacturer stamped the Mercedes symbol on their muffler. Mine has a clamp and it is stamped so I suppose it is a replacement... makes sense because the car has high mileage.

Local Auto Zones do not carry a direct fit muffler, only the cherry bomb universal. Possibly their on-line store carries the Bosal.

All three run about $200.00 from Fastlane which includes free shipping so if anyone can say which brand will be the most durable... please do. I like the lifetime warranty for the Bosal but that does not neccisarily make it durable. In fact those replacement costs have to be covered somehow and it could be through the manufacturing of a muffler of less quality.

Again Thanks.

I have had all 3 of those manufactures in my hands at various times and what I have found is this, Eberschpacher is as close to OE as you get (I have seen EB's come through from dealers..) Ansa is middle of the road and Bosal is by far the worst. Getting them to come through on their warantee can be quite a pain as well.

Jonathan

Quality wise 1. Eberspacher (OEM); 2. Ansa; 3. Bosal. Bosal will probably last about as long as Ansa, but they're loud as hell. We won't touch them for that very reason.

Thanks fellas... this forum is the greatest... better than Muhammed Ali!. You told me exactly what I needed to know. Iv'e removed the old muffler while waiting for your replies to come in and I will now order the Eberspacher.

Zoom Zoom...

:)

I just put Eberspaecher (both mufflers) on the TE last month. Fit perfectly, and other than removing the seized bolts on the converter to muffler clamps, very easy.

Worth every dime of the $450 it cost me (TE rear muffler is expensive) because the car is now whisper quiet. Had to replace some real links, though -- suddenly noticed them over the exhaust noise!

Peter