OBX Header doesn't fit into my M271 engine!!!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: seattle, WA
c230 '05 kompressor
OBX Header doesn't fit into my M271 engine!!!
Hi guys,
I just bought an OBX header from ebay last week. As soon as the item is delivered, I ask the nearest muffler shop to install it for me. Now, I am having a problem because they told me that the header wouldn't fit into my engine because the hole pattern is different. Here is the link for the item: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...ht_1355wt_1165
All the item descriptions is right, and it is made for my car. I have C230 '05 kompressor with M271 engine type. Anybody having same issue as mine here? I just contact the seller asking about the wrong item they shipped, but I still didn't get any answer from them. Any helps?
I just bought an OBX header from ebay last week. As soon as the item is delivered, I ask the nearest muffler shop to install it for me. Now, I am having a problem because they told me that the header wouldn't fit into my engine because the hole pattern is different. Here is the link for the item: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...ht_1355wt_1165
All the item descriptions is right, and it is made for my car. I have C230 '05 kompressor with M271 engine type. Anybody having same issue as mine here? I just contact the seller asking about the wrong item they shipped, but I still didn't get any answer from them. Any helps?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: seattle, WA
c230 '05 kompressor
Really? Does yours need some modification to get it fits into your engine? The muffler shop told me that there is no other way to modify it because it wont close the header correctly..
Here is the valid link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MB-W2...ht_1355wt_1165
thanks,
Here is the valid link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MB-W2...ht_1355wt_1165
thanks,
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: seattle, WA
c230 '05 kompressor
http://www.tuningdepot.com/ebay/images/H11574b.JPG
I think those hole patterns do not fit into my engine, it should be little bit more sloping instead straight up like that.
I think those hole patterns do not fit into my engine, it should be little bit more sloping instead straight up like that.
Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 126
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From: Canary Islands, Spain
Sportcoupe SE C180K + SC C180K Indianapolis
What is the difference between this
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MERCE...#ht_1482wt_962
and this
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MB-W2...#ht_1335wt_962
???
Underneath says it for our models both...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MERCE...#ht_1482wt_962
and this
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MB-W2...#ht_1335wt_962
???
Underneath says it for our models both...
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Please note that the M271 engine had two different exhaust set ups over the years - just to confuse the matter.
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Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Here: I have no idea which VINs were involved. The M111 also had two configurations during it's life. This might not be the issue the OP is facing. I just thought I should mention it.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: seattle, WA
c230 '05 kompressor
What is the difference between this
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MERCE...#ht_1482wt_962
and this
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MB-W2...#ht_1335wt_962
???
Underneath says it for our models both...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MERCE...#ht_1482wt_962
and this
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MB-W2...#ht_1335wt_962
???
Underneath says it for our models both...
Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Canary Islands, Spain
Sportcoupe SE C180K + SC C180K Indianapolis
Glyn those are the 2 configs you meant? In my case I think its the first one. but both are very similar so I'm still not sure.
Valloton I would have a close look at your header and see. However the dealer should tell you the specify one for you because watching the pics is impossible to know. Maybe I'm a bit short of mind but they seem to be the same pic. However lets see if this is solve.
Valloton I would have a close look at your header and see. However the dealer should tell you the specify one for you because watching the pics is impossible to know. Maybe I'm a bit short of mind but they seem to be the same pic. However lets see if this is solve.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: seattle, WA
c230 '05 kompressor
So here I attach some pictures of the new header with new gasket on it. The package didn't come with a new gasket. I need to buy it separately.
If you see my red arrows, it's where I have the problem right now. The last two tubes didn't fir properly to the gasket where it suppose to be.
And another thing is all the tubes (the green arrows) also don't fit properly to the gasket.
I don't know if it's the mistakes when they welded it or this header is made for a different type of engine..
If you see my red arrows, it's where I have the problem right now. The last two tubes didn't fir properly to the gasket where it suppose to be.
And another thing is all the tubes (the green arrows) also don't fit properly to the gasket.
I don't know if it's the mistakes when they welded it or this header is made for a different type of engine..
Super Moderator
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,403
Likes: 64
From: Camas, WA
2007 C230SS; 2014 ML350 BT
Super Moderator
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,403
Likes: 64
From: Camas, WA
2007 C230SS; 2014 ML350 BT
No apologies needed. You are absolutely right it is distortion from manufacturing, and it is poorly made. OBX is a knockoff manufacturer. They copy the design of major manufacturers and manufacture that copy in a high volume low quality control manufacture house, and sell them for a tiny fraction of the real thing. So, they usually require some tweaking to fit correctly. I have installed many of their products in the past on friends vehicles. I don't particularly like the ethics of the company, but frankly they are hugely popular in the US, since they are cheap, and the vast majority of Americans want to get the best deal (cheapest), on everything they buy. Since they are a copy of the real thing, they usually work just as well once you get them installed correctly.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
I'm not sure you'd want to be validating such a company with your money, though.
I would never want headers with that margin of error installed in my car.
Do they have any QC issues with any of the other parts of their headers, John?
I would never want headers with that margin of error installed in my car.
Do they have any QC issues with any of the other parts of their headers, John?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: seattle, WA
c230 '05 kompressor
No apologies needed. You are absolutely right it is distortion from manufacturing, and it is poorly made. OBX is a knockoff manufacturer. They copy the design of major manufacturers and manufacture that copy in a high volume low quality control manufacture house, and sell them for a tiny fraction of the real thing. So, they usually require some tweaking to fit correctly. I have installed many of their products in the past on friends vehicles. I don't particularly like the ethics of the company, but frankly they are hugely popular in the US, since they are cheap, and the vast majority of Americans want to get the best deal (cheapest), on everything they buy. Since they are a copy of the real thing, they usually work just as well once you get them installed correctly.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: seattle, WA
c230 '05 kompressor
Just to let you guys know, it's very hard to contact the seller on eBay. I tried to call them like 4 times in one day, and none answered. This seems to be ridiculous. I would never buy from this seller again if I know they have a bad communication. Seems like all OBX parts are being sold only on eBay..
Super Moderator
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,403
Likes: 64
From: Camas, WA
2007 C230SS; 2014 ML350 BT
Yes, occasionally they have other QC issues as well. I have seen welds crack, flanges warp, and tubes rust on these. The stainless they use is almost always thinner wall, and is always of much lower quality. But, since they can be had for as low as ~15-20% the price as the real thing, I can see their appeal if you are willing to deal with some issues.
Super Moderator
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,403
Likes: 64
From: Camas, WA
2007 C230SS; 2014 ML350 BT
Yes, I have successfully heated and realigned these to fit on other vehicles. In my experience OBX customer service is non-existent. Either heat and realign, try to get the seller to exchange or refund, or buy the genuine article.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,434
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From: Raleigh, NC
2005 C230K, 2019 Honda CR-V, '74 Lotus Europa
Thanks for your insight John. I was considering getting a set for my '05 C230K. I guess the real question is why do you want them (are you satisfied with just a cool look?) and if they provide a benefit over the stock exhaust. They are SO much cheaper than the Kleeman that they may make sense (though you have to include the cost and hassle of getting them to fit properly).
As for their business practices, I haven't heard of a reason to be down on them (but then I've never dealt with them). They sell a cut rate product (hopefully it is "good enough") at a cut rate price. At their prices, I wouldn't expect sales or tech. support from the manufacturer. However, the individual who sold it to you should be responsive to your questions. I would think he should at least tell you that the price doesn't include after sales service and if you're not satisfied to send them back for a refund, but preferably he might provide some tips on getting them to fit better.
Just my 2 cents.
As for their business practices, I haven't heard of a reason to be down on them (but then I've never dealt with them). They sell a cut rate product (hopefully it is "good enough") at a cut rate price. At their prices, I wouldn't expect sales or tech. support from the manufacturer. However, the individual who sold it to you should be responsive to your questions. I would think he should at least tell you that the price doesn't include after sales service and if you're not satisfied to send them back for a refund, but preferably he might provide some tips on getting them to fit better.
Just my 2 cents.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,434
Likes: 4
From: Raleigh, NC
2005 C230K, 2019 Honda CR-V, '74 Lotus Europa
That's an option. Kleeman claims "20-25 HP and TQ" from their headers and they surely would fit better - at $1245 plus shipping.
I'm not arguing for either one, just making the comparison.
I'm not arguing for either one, just making the comparison.
