New exhaust system. OEM or Stainless Steel?

[silver surfer]

Hi all.

Restoring my car and planning to replace the whole exhaust system. Should I get one from Mercedes or look for a Stainless system? I am in the UK so would be grateful for any recommendations of good UK manufacturers / suppliers.

Many thanks   

[Cees Klumper]

I put in a stainless system back in 2003 and never looked back. Love it, I bought it from Van Dijk in Holland.

[WRe]

Hi,
my stainless steel exhaust is 10 years old and I had no problems at all. I think it's a little bit louder and rougher than a steel exhaust.
But the main problem with stainless steel exhausts is their lack of fitting accuracy especially of those cheap ones: https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=27995.msg201522#msg201522.
...WRe

[mercakungen]

I will go opposite way and switch from stainless to OEM. I will keep the stainless system as a spare part for the future.

BR,
Matti

[mbzse]

I will go opposite way and switch from stainless to OEM../...

Ditto. Mild steel exhaust for me, like originally fitted ex factory.
See for instance:
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=24399.msg174524#msg174524

[stickandrudderman]

Bare in mind that since these systems are all welded multi-componential systems the labour content in fitting the original is significantly higher than fitting a stainless system.
The original does sound better though, in my humble opinion.

[Dudlow]

Just had my stainless system removed, and a full new MB original system fitted from the downpipes backwards.
What a difference,  sounds wonderful. Much quieter and a much deeper sound. I'm probably imagining it but car seems to drive smoother as well.

Expensive, particularly as the old SS system looked fine, but worth it. Recommended.

[Pawel66]

Are the pipes from exhaust manifold down available at MB?

[badali]

I installed factory parts in 2009 and it still is in perfect condition.  I always let the car warm up completely if I start it so I don't have any moister left in the mufflers to cause rust.

[Pawel66]

I was curious. I ordered the front pipe for 280SL a year or so ago. Never got NLA reply. Now I hear it should be here any day. I wonder if I get it...

[Dudlow]

Are the pipes from exhaust manifold down available at MB?

All factory parts..

[Rick]

I prefer OEM.   But-- I am also in California where rust is not an issue.   What will destroy an exhause system is running the engine for a short time without heating it up fully and then letting the car sit for an extended period of time. I always run the car fully to temperture and run it properly before parking it for an extended period. 

[ja17]

A lot of the stainless systems do not have the "cross-over" feature at the front pipes. However there is so much labor and skill required to weld up one of these systems correctly, I like the idea of a permanent solution like stainless.

[mbzse]

.../...the "cross-over" feature at the front pipes.../...

Read more for instance in this posting: https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=20707.msg150036#msg150036

[Benz Dr.]

Are the pipes from exhaust manifold down available at MB?

I was told recently that the front down pipes are not available from MB. I had to go aftermarket for that part with mostly ANSA for the remainder.

[mbzse]

I was told recently that the front down pipes are not available from MB../...

Looks like confusing info. Indeed, the parts market is in something of a flux; parts come and go on the shelves of M-B warehouses.
However, it seems that today, according to the Classic Center M-B official website, the Part is readily available

[Benz Dr.]

Maybe today but not a month ago. Sometimes we run into regional or country shortages until stock shows up. None of my regular suppliers had any at the time.

[Tyler S]

2 things.
The Pipes are NOT AVAILABLE. I just checked with the classic center for the 5th time in 12 months.
And Yes the cross over box does make a difference in performance, exhaust note, and fuel economy. If it didn’t MB would have never put it on the car.

[Benz Dr.]

For a while now, head gaskets for 230/250SL haven't been available. A customer asked for one, which I had in stock, and then he told me he would look around to see if he could find one. Later he told me he bought one from the Classic Center. I found this odd because my own suppliers couldn't get one from them during the same time period but somehow he could for a really good price?

 

[johnk]

I was debating if I should put my rusty looking but solid exhaust back on my car when I am done with the restoration. They muffler is a fairly new from Mercedes. Perhaps I will try and have it sand blasted then treat and coat with ceracote (ceramic heat paint). Not sure this will last forever but seems much simpler than painting and installing a new system when they are available. Much cheaper too. I only plan on showing it for a year or so before I get rid of the trailer.

[doitwright]

Perhaps I will try and have it sand blasted then treat and coat with ceracote (ceramic heat paint)

I believe most exhausts rust from the inside out.

[ctaylor738]

A few months ago I put a Timevalve stainless system from the manifolds back on a 280SL.  Everything fit, no issues.  They have changed the muffler pipes so they take the Mercedes tips.  I like these systems because a reasonably talented amateur can adjust them to get the tips right and then tighten the clamps.  With the factory exhaust, you need a skilled installer who will take the time to line up the pieces, tack weld them, take the system off and finish the welding, then reinstall.

[lowpad]

Put a German-made stainless system on my 230 not long after I bought it there 20 year ago.  Still looks good.  Agree with the prior comment that it's a bit rough sounding, but I like that it has a more aggressive tone.