SLK230 Exhaust

[mark999]

Hi, I have a 2000 facelift SLK230 6sp manual. The back box has started to blow very slightly on the top seam. Unfortunately the flange where it meets the catalyst section is badly corroded and would most likely need replacing too.
I am having great difficulty finding a replacement at a reasonable price. For the full system Mercedes are about £800. Autoelite in Hull can fit a non OEM ONE FOR £660.
Longlife can build a stainless system for just under £600 but with a warning of additional noise.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks, Mark

 

[brandwooddixon]

When you say a full system I assume that this includes a replacement catalyst?

Many people have replaced the catalyst with a straight through pipe - this would give an increase in volume of the exhaust note, but would obviously be cheaper.

Thus you could look at buying the back section as standard and then replace the catalyst itself with a new piece of pipe.

 

[mark999]

Hi thanks for your reply, just wondering what implication removing the catalyst would have for the MOT. I believe theft check its in place now.

 

[brandwooddixon]

I believe that MBs are fitted with two catalysts in each exhaust and it's the secondary ones that are visible.

Strictly speaking there is still a catalyst fitted to you vehicle and so it should pass.

There are members on here who have removed these catalysts and had a plain tube welded in its place.

I'm sure that one of those members, or one of those who perform MOTs as part of their trade will comment.

 

[orb the Impaler]

Both those surely must include the cat; they are very expensive.
I paid £300 back in 2008 for a cat-back stainless system; made by MIJ in Walsall who get mixed reviews. I had to take it back originally as it was far too loud but after that it was perfect; louder than stock but in a nice, fruity way.

Plenty of places should be able to do a custom cat back system for 300-400 pounds.

 

[mark999]

Both those surely must include the cat; they are very expensive.
I paid £300 back in 2008 for a cat-back stainless system; made by MIJ in Walsall who get mixed reviews. I had to take it back originally as it was far too loud but after that it was perfect; louder than stock but in a nice, fruity way.

Plenty of places should be able to do a custom cat back system for 300-400 pounds.

Hi, thanks for your reply. Both quotes include the cat. Unfortunately the pipe from the cat and the flange that joins it to the back box are badly corroded.

Longlife quoted just under £600 to build a system including cat, but mentioned it will be more intrusive than standard. A firm in Grimsby positively told me a stainless system would be too loud.

Mark

 

[johno2004]

I was browsing ebay today and seen this it would be a cheaper option

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MERCEDES-...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4ac4324bbe

 

[brandwooddixon]

If you look at this thread you'll see that the secondary catalysts have been removed. With a section of pipe added.

The new pipework has flanges at one end to meet the standard back system and slightly oversized openings at the other so that it can be clamped over the original exhaust where it met the catalysts.

 

[mark999]

I was browsing ebay today and seen this it would be a cheaper option

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MERCEDES-...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4ac4324bbe

Hi thanks for that. The back section on mine has 2 boxes, a resonator and the rear silencer which are in one piece. I think the ebay one may be from a pre-facelift car.
Cheers,
Mark

 

[mark999]

This is the one. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MERCEDES-...r_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2a0d440e61