MB Exhaust System

[Charles 230SL]

I want to install an original MB exhaust system on my early 230SL - everything from the manifold to the chrome tips.
Can anyone recommend an MB parts supplier they've dealt with that has good prices and everything for the complete system, i.e., front pipes, resonator, rear pipes, muffler, chrome tips, manifold seal rings, rubber donuts, etc..I'd prefer to order the whole system from one MB supplier.

I've currently got my old exhaust system out of the car and I noticed there's supposed to be a rubber bumper above the resonator muffler (mine's missing). Does anyone have the part number for this bumper or know where I can get a picture of it? thanks for your help,, charles

[neelyrc]

Charles
There are several threads on the forum discussing the subject.  Search "exhaust system" at the top of this page.  One thread indicates that the MB Classic Center supplies a complete system.  I plan to change mine this winter and am considering stainless steel.  Timevalve, from Melbourne, Florida (timevalve.com) is often mentioned for stainless. I have not used and have seen both pro and con comments about their systems on the forum.

I can't help with the part number for the rubber bumper.
Ralph

[Jonny B]

Charles,

As an FYI - if you use the search at the top right of the page, it will search only the "Drive train, fuel, suspension, steering & brakes" area. If you use the search function just to the right of the "Home" link above, it will search the entire forum (but not the technical manual) You may get a few more hits.

Just tried it - also recommend you put "exhaust system" in quotes, that will search for the exact string, and not give you hits for the separate words.

[Shvegel]

I use these guys for most genuine Mercedes stuff.  You need the part #s for anything older than 1986.

https://mercedespartscenter.com/parts/?action=oePartSearch&siteid=215720&make=Mercedes-Benz

[Charles 230SL]

thanks all,
so after much deliberation (i.e., waffling), and based on pros/cons posted on this site regarding use of stainless steel, I went ahead and ordered a complete stainless system from Timevalve. It'll be here in a couple days. I'd much rather have gone with the original MB system but like most of you, I'm a "do-it yourselfer" and I just don't want to crawl under my car again in five or-so years and replace the exhaust system. perhaps if I were 30 yrs younger...   

[neelyrc]

Charles,
Let us know how your self installation of the Timevalve system goes: How it fits; problems you encounter, if any; recommendations for others doing an installation, etc.
Ralph

[Charles 230SL]

I installed the Timevalve exhaust system this past Saturday and unfortunately, the manifold down-pipes hang too low beneath the car. In the photos you can see they extend 3 - 4 inches below the subframe. For my own reference, would anyone happen to have pictures available showing their down-pipes' position relative to the subframe? Anyone else with a Timevalve SS system had this problem?

[Benz Dr.]

You know, it really pisses me off when someone can't use a ruler when making a repro part. 

 It's not like this is rocket science after all.....

  I had the exact same problem a while back and we ended up cutting a bit off the down pipes so everything would fit. Then the system had a bad habit of droning around 60 MPH - a bit above or below that speed and it was fine.

 All I can say about it is it's not my car of which I'm somewhat glad.

[hauser]

Keep the original down pipes and use the rest of the SS  exhaust.

[mbzse]

.../... the manifold down-pipes hang too low beneath the car.../..

Just a thought, did you renew all of the three engine rubber supports?
/Hans S

[Charles 230SL]

All new rubber - subframe mounts, engine mounts, trans mount...

The original OE downpipes are of course welded to the old resonator section and would need to be cut off - I would then have to either weld or re-couple the resonator pipes. I just hate to go that route with a new exhaust.

Mike at Timevalve is double checking the jigs and will build a new set of downpipes.
 

[ja17]

I recently had the same problem with an Original Equipment Mercedes-Benz dealer supplied downpipes for a 230SL (early).  I think the factory system for the early cars is not correct either. Most likely the Time valve system is a duplication of the current incorrect originals. This just applies to the early 230SL with the "header" type manifold.

[Charles 230SL]

I think the factory system for the early cars is not correct either. Most likely the Time valve system is a duplication of the current incorrect originals. This just applies to the early 230SL with the "header" type manifold

Thanks for the insight, that's likely what happened in this case as well.  I'll give Mike at Timevalve a heads-up regarding the incorrect originals.

[ja17]

Here are some pictures of the problem with the OEM (one year ago).  Maybe problem resolved now??  Maybe NLA ?

[Charles 230SL]

Wow, now that's quite a difference. Ironic that Mercedes' QC would permit an error like that. That's exactly how my stainless pipes fit - as you mentioned, Timevalve most likely duplicated the incorrect originals. I know Mike was really distraught that the pipes didn't fit and stated that this was the first time a set of his MB pipes failed to fit correctly.  I couldn't raise Mike on the phone today so I left him a voice message regarding the OEM pipes on early 230's.

[Charles 230SL]

Just remembered that I didn't conclude this topic with my happy ending..  Mike at Timevalve reformed the downpipes and they fit like a glove now. I did however elect to go ahead and TIG weld the slipjoints - the clamps just didn't do the underside of the car justice. Welds are much cleaner, less cluttered, and the ladies find them more attractive.

The new chrome tailpipes from AuthenticClassics look great. Surprisingly I can't detect any difference in the sound of the stainless system and the former OEM system.

[ja17]

Charles, did Mike shorten the downpipes also for a correct fit?

[Charles 230SL]

yes, he shortened the section of each downpipe between the exhaust manifold and where they bend toward the rear of the car. The downpipes fit much closer to the underside of the car now. He also shortened the ends going to the resonator section - I'd estimate about 3 inches off the length. They fit great.
thanks, Charles