MVK,

I am not sure about the cost of the exhaust system you are looking into, but if you intend to keep the car for a long time, I have found the custom made to order all stainless steel (304 grade) products from Timevalve (www.timevalve.com) are great. The guarantee cannot be beaten, as I just went over there with my 12 year old, 135,000 mile system, no reciept, and told them it was leaking at the first resonator section. They put it on a lift and agreed they made it, it leaked, and made an appointment to fix it. They will try rewelding on Tuesday, and if that fails, they plan to install a new system. You cannot beat that. The guarantee is forever, as long as you own the car. No fine print.

I originally bought it over the phone, they shipped it, I installed it, and it fit like a glove. Never had a problem until recently, and my son noticed the leak was not at a mechanical joint, it was a welded joint. I called them and they offered to fix it at the shop (I live about 35 miles from the shop). I could not get there during the week so the owner agreed to meet me at 9:30 a.m. to do the inspection this morning on a Saturday.

They make the systems to order, so there are no stock parts other than hangers and clamps. They do any car, but advertise MB's and other expensive European cars. The cost for my car was a little less than the next best MB OEM type exhaust system. Things may be a little different now, but I do not think they are way off on price.

Just thought I would share the experience, and since it was so positive, give Timevalve an endorsement. As with my recommendations for other products, I have no affiliation at all with Timevalve, just the one very positive experience. When that happens you have to share it just as you would a bad experience. Good luck with your endeavor to get a new exhaust system, Jim

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Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)