Need DIY info for Center muffler on w124 88 260E
 

Need to know how to install myself without getting ripped off by mechanic




also would this problem cause my car to staul at low rpms

The rear muffler of my car is due but I think it is not a DIY job unless one can weld, and most of us don't have the skill and equipment. I'd be happy to hear otherwise.

I did the center one on my first (still owned) 124 and the rear on the second (still owned) 124. Number three has required no attention to the exhaust.

Mine were clamped together so perserverance was the key. Did not have to cut or break welds. That said, I hear some "puttering" from one of them and am considering crawling under there with my Oxy/Ac and fixing it properly.

You can do this at home. Save a couple hundred bucks, but it generally ain't fun.

It all depends. You will probably need a hand held grinder with metal cutting wheel to cut the old rusted bolts off. You may then need to drill out the cut bolts from the clamp of the catalytic converter. Then you will need to separate the rear pipe from the center pipe... joint could be rusted fast. But rear muffler may also be ready to go. In that case just cut the pipe and remove both old mufflers and install new.
Do you think you can handle that? If not find trusted mechanic.

:o)

I think if i was doing this job... i would make it easier on myself by doing an entire cats back installation.

i think it would be simpler and give you the peace of mind knowing you were good for another 10 years.

Ditto what Lee said. If one's bad, the other can't be far behind.

While you're under there, do them both. You definately need the ability to cut the bolts. I used a Dremel and it worked great. The bolts in the cat were a major pain. I had to heat, drill, then drive them out with a punch.

And about your stalling issue: No, the muffler will have no affect on that.

did the rear muffler last year its perfect need info on connections to cat and rear
 

did the rear muffleryear its perfect need info on connections to cat and rear

The center muffler connects to the rear muffler with a simple slip-fit, and a common exhaust clamp. The connection to the cat is 2 bolts/nuts that compress the flanges and seal with a metal ring.

So there is no welding involved? Nice to know. Next time I'll crawl under the car to be certain of it :).

Actually, it depends.

These cars came from factory with center and rear muffler all one piece.

Generally, the rear fails first, and Mercedes replacements are separate pieces, meaning the original rear is cut off and a new rear installed as you state.

If the original poster's car has had a replacement rear installed and installed correctly, i.e. not welded for heaven's sake, the installation will have been fairly recent and separating the two at the new joint shouldn't be too difficult.

If not, then he will have to accurately cut the two parts apart.

It's a VERY good idea to join these pieces with some antiseize compound put in there.

There should NEVER be welding done on a Mercedes exhuast system.

Welding is for Model Ts and their descendants, i.e. American cars.

If the mechanic you visits suggests welding, he isn't a Mercedes mechanic.

My 108 4.5 still has the original welded exhaust...

thanks to all you guys
 

I want to thank each and everyone of you people who took the time to help me with a problem that could have costed me hundereds more. I bought the part for 128$ and am going to do it myself thanks to the info given to me by you on a side note this isn't the first time I have relied on this site to give me help when i need it. Its hard being a 23 year old benz enthusiast and poor as well.. I will keep posting and will lproboble need more help when i get to the install