Stainless custom exhausts. E200 W124 (same engine as 97 C200)

[cubicincubi]

When the exhaust eventualy expires (shouldnt be too long as back box is looking awful) what are the opinions on these lifetime guarantee exhausts such as powerflow?

Not looking to make it loud or high flowing, just want a long lasting system.

Are such set ups advisable for my motor or should I stay stock?

Cant seem to find blue print type parts - only dealer exhausts.

cheers

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

I fitted a full system from the manifold back to a 300TE. I kept the car for a further 9 years and it turned out to be a very sound investment. The back boxes on the 300 were very prone to fail around the exhaust pipe entry point.

I have since fitted a SS system from the cat back to the family Focus as soon as a replacement was needed. Not cheap to buy but if your going to keep the car you will benefit from less inconvenience due to exhaust failure and in the long run save money.

Go for the thicker SS material if you can, the thinner SS systems can be a bit noisy.

 

[clive williams]

When the exhaust eventualy expires (shouldnt be too long as back box is looking awful) what are the opinions on these lifetime guarantee exhausts such as powerflow?

Not looking to make it loud or high flowing, just want a long lasting system.

Are such set ups advisable for my motor or should I stay stock?

Cant seem to find blue print type parts - only dealer exhausts.

cheers

cubicincubi,

I recently dismantled the 500E's exhaust as it was blowing and I rewelded the joints as the main system was MBs original (225K mls) and had plenty of meat left and it was only weak at the pipe/box junctions. I reckon it'll last another 100k! I has considered a ss exhaust but Powerflow did not impress locally (leics). As and when the cats go, which can't be far away I decided to go for a 16g ss system, double wall boxes, and ss cats from the states from one of the specialists advertising in the mag. All up the cost will be less than a new system from MB.

Clive

500E
E320CDIT210

 

[cubicincubi]

well, i put it in yesterday to the indie for a handbrake adjustment and asked him to check as i thought it was blowing at the back. paid £30 labour for both jobs + £130 for the back box so with vat it was a cheap fix. it needed doing and i didnt have the £400 for a stainless.

so it'll have to do.

 

[Silver Arrow]

My E220 coupe goes in tomorrow for a stainless. The stock back box fell off friday night. The box was sound and substantial, but the entry weld had failed.
The last mercedes had a stainless which was fine.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Silver Arrow

I'd be interested to get some feedback about who you sourced the ss system from etc. Also what you think to it compared to the original system, ie. is it noisier.

I've never fitted a ss system to a diesel but will no doubt be considering it when part of the system fails on the 320CDi.

 

[Silver Arrow]

Malcolm;

Just got back from the exhaust shop. It is the local Powerflow agency which I have used during its three incarnations locally. The current fitter is top class and uses the better stainless, not the original 409 stuff which is magnetic, 304 I think, is non magnetic, much thicker and welded with stainless welds. (some use mild mig wire I know).
I had only the back box and pipe to the centre box fitted after all as my man considered the stock stuff forward of this to be in good order. I had a source of cats, but he had SS ones cheaper, but they are shorter and fatter than the stock pair and could prove difficult to fit into the transmission tunnel. We therefore decided to leave well alone until necessary.
From the run back I'd say that it's quieter, but it's petrol.
George.

I had a full SS system on the previous diesel and had no noise penalty. I also have a full SS system on the Lotus which sounds just the same. When the time comes for the Quattro, that will get the same treatment as my man considers that a turbo diesel with a cat free SS system runs better than stock. But he says that quality cars, such as MB and BMW petrol run rubbish when de-catted and he won't do it.

 

[clive williams]

My E220 coupe goes in tomorrow for a stainless. The stock back box fell off friday night. The box was sound and substantial, but the entry weld had failed.
The last mercedes had a stainless which was fine.

My 500E was blowing slightly around all the box welds, so I took it off from cat back and welded the original welds up as there was so much meat in the rest of the pipework and boxes that it was a shame to see it fail. Should last another 100k ontop of the current 225k mls!!!!!

Clive

500E
E320CDIT210

 

[RonH]

Had an exhaust made for my 2.3 16v by Quicksilver exhausts.Type "304"stainless throughout, 3-part from manifold to tailpipes.Exact replica of original ...even got the subtle Cosworth sound.£720 including v.a.t. and delivery.Came with a 25yr. corrosion guarantee and must say was a work of art!.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Thanks for the reply Silver Arrow,
I've heard of the Powerflow franchise, I think there is one in my area, will check them out some time. I'll also ask around, as with all franchising there is good and bad.

Regards
Malcolm