'90 300TE: jobs underneath (incl. flex coupling and exhaust)

[Greg in Oz]

The exhaust on our '90 300TE needs attention. Apart from the pipe between the centre and rear muffler, it is all still original after 183,000km and 14 years. Presumably that section of pipe which goes under the rear axle was replaced due to being damaged (squashed?) by the previous owner. This section of pipe which is not OEM is obviously not of the quality of the original and I have had to patch it several times now. I have also now noticed a rattle in the rear muffler (probably not helped by the dents it now has since my wife negotiated a speed hump at excessive speed). I am therefore considering replacing everything rearward of the catalytic convertor. My choices are genuine from the dealer ($$$) or aftermarket. Can anyone recommend a good quality aftermarket brand? Remember this is a wagon so the rear muffler is different to the sedan and coupe (runs across the rear of the car with inlet and outlet at same end). The original rear muffler (which I know is original with MB logo and 1990 date) is branded "Gillet". I am not sure of the brand of the centre muffler but it too is original. I notice the Ebersprecher rear muffler on my '90 190E is still original after 225,000km so that brand can't be too bad either. I want to retain both original appearance and quiet running.

While I'm under the car, the front flex disc needs replacing. I have read here that some have achieved this by simply dropping the rear transmission mount while others have dropped the exhaust and heat shields and loosened the centre tailshaft slip joint. Which is the best approach? Since I am going to have the rear section of the exhaust off should I remove the rest of it as well to do the flex disc? While under there the selector bushes also need replacing so I'll do that too. Sounds like I'm going to be on my back for a while!

I am planning to do this between now and September since that is concours time and I figure nice new mufflers would help with the appearance of the underside. Whilst this is our family wagon, it is also a regular class winner in concours so originality is important. Speaking of concours, can anyone remember whether the W124 originally had exhausts the natural metal colour or painted black?