loud exhaust - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

zeggate · #1 06-01-2002, 11:25 PM

I replaced the entire exhaust system on my Mercedes 1973 450sl
and the car is still to loud are there any suggestions or hints as to where the problem is.

#2 06-02-2002, 01:21 AM

I considered my exhaust too loud also. Checked the entire system. Found a crack in the front neck of the cat. Had it welded. car is quieter, but still somewhat loud, in my opinion. Sounds to me like the exhaust manifold gaskets, dealer says their ok. It seems louder at idle or slower speeds, highway driving is fine. I have to admit it has a nice thoaty sound to it. Especially when letting off the gas and coasting, rumble, rumble, rumble. People have described it as a brute, and it is. Although a mellow and refined one...... Describe what you mean as too loud.

sbr
'79 450SL
76,000 miles

zeggate · #3 06-02-2002, 06:05 AM

It's hard to explain other than soundinig like a truck from the rear
I just removed the vaccum advance hose and she runs much qiueter but this can't be the solution maybe the distributor is bad.
I am besides myself trying to figure this out. MB dealer my be my only recourse.HEEEELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!HEEEEELP!!!!!!!!!

mikemover · #4 06-03-2002, 01:10 AM

An old SL like yours is a SMALL sports car with a BIG engine, and MB engine/tranny/rear-end combos tend to run at slightly higher RPMs than many other cars (which will make it inherently louder), and are not as well-soundproofed as the newer models, so are you sure what you're hearing isn't just "normal" engine noise?

Mike

zeggate · #5 06-04-2002, 10:03 PM

450 sl (1973) runs at idle 750 rpms. I've driven besides other early 70's models and they are super quiet. I hope to resolve this
with my mechanic.

haasman · #6 06-04-2002, 11:00 PM

This is a long-shot, but when I installed K&N air filters in my cars I definately noticed an increase in induction noise under acceleration.

How's the airfilter? what kind is it?