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.

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Earl



1993 190E 2.3
2000 Toyota 4x4 Tundra

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

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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!

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.

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Earl



1993 190E 2.3
2000 Toyota 4x4 Tundra

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

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Blue Ridge Mercedes
Jonathan Hodgman
http://www.blueridgemb.com/
Enthusiast Service, Restoration & Tuning.
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Located in the Atlanta area
Specializing in all pre and post merger AMG's including Hammers and DOHC M117 engines.
Mercedes Repair Atlanta

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...

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Earl



1993 190E 2.3
2000 Toyota 4x4 Tundra

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

__________________
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!