Exhaust system for 1971 280SL

[PS1971280SL]

Does anyone know where I can get a factory exhaust system, in the Southern California / Palm Springs area,  for my 1971 280SL vin#11304410021716?
Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Jim Murphy

[MikeSimon]

Tim: Others with more experience will probably chime in, but I would NOT want a "factory exhaust system" for my 71 280SL. For one thing, it may no longer be available, but even if so, the factory exhaust was welded together, and I would not want this again on my car. A "slip-together" with an easier installation and option to replace parts of it would be my prefrence. Then, the stainless steel version, which is being offered by one supplier would be my choice.

[StevenF]

When I had restored my w113, I chose to go with a new exhaust from :http://www.timevalve.com/cat/us/p05c.html
It sounds great and I couldn't be happier!

Steven

[ja17]

The timevalve systems can be clamped or welded if you have the equipment. They are hand made and are very good quality. The owner is second generation in the business. There are some minor issues; The front pipes do not have an exhaust gas cross-over between the two pipes (as in the factory systems), for some reason they have been welding the connector pipes to the middle muffler backwards ( back end first the front end last) for years. Lastly the exhaust tone is slightly different.

I get them to ship me the connector pipes not welded to the center muffler. In this way I install them the right way!  I like to totally weld the system the way the factory did it. It's a lot of work 6-8 hrs. I just don't like to see all those clamps. It's faster and easier to clamp it together and a lot of owners are happy with that.

[Bshaunessy]

FYI
  I recently ( DIY…..no muffler shop in my neck of the woods would tackle this job) installed a complete new exhaust system sourced from Buds Benz.   Aftermarket ( not OEM).  It is clamped together at resonator and again at muffler, making install considerably easier than the OEM factory method which welds the entire system together end to end.  Some welding ( down pipes plus crossover needs to be welded to resonator…..a tedious but precise process that requires installing downpipes, tack welding on resonator to get the right angle and then removal to allow bench welding).
   As Joe states above, the install is a huge job……I took considerably longer than Joe's "shop rate" of 8 hours.
   I’m happy with the Buds system , however.   It has a great melodious growl at highway speeds ( some may find it too loud).  I’,d like to hear a TIMEVALVE system to compare.
 

[mdsalemi]

FWIW i have a clamped together Time Valve, installed 23 years ago during the restoration. The exhaust “noise” is not anything I’ve ever really thought much about since the engine itself makes plenty of noise, and when driving there’s so much other noise exhaust would be far down the list. As for the clamps, well…you have to get it on a lift OR get on your back underneath to see. So, not something that keeps me up at night.

Even on a well sorted car there’s always something to do! So the thought of welding together a system never crossed my mind.

[Cees Klumper]

Back to the original question, would the Mercedes Classic Center, now in Long Beach, not sell the exhaust system new?

[mdsalemi]

Back to the original question, would the Mercedes Classic Center, now in Long Beach, not sell the exhaust system new?

The original poster is in SoCal (Palm Springs) and Long Beach isn't all that far. Moreover, the Classic Center DOES do work on cars--unless they changed their business model, so if you must have a factory OEM exhaust, that would be the place to go to buy it AND have it done.

[Bill Sgro]

I have had a Time Valve system in my 109 and my 113 for over 30 years and they have been great!

[rwmastel]

I emailed the classic center in CA a few months ago and could not get a normal steel original exhaust system for my 230SL.  They were out of stock.  Doesn't hurt to send your own email.