Hi MB Family!

Firstly thanks to all those who take the time to read and thanks in advance for any knowledge shared. It is much appreciated!

So I just purchased a used 2012 C300 W204 4matic about 64K miles on it. I know I know.... I'm 10 years late to discussions around this car but I hope I can find some friendly and true advice here!

Long story short I did not buy the car for the purpose of mods or to be the fastest car on the road, I am well aware of the engine limitations of this naturally aspirated 3L V6, and I am saving up for the AMG one day, but needed something immediate as my wife and I moved away from NYC due to COVID and needed a used car to get us both around the suburbs of IL. I can drive manual but she only drives automatic so the 4matic C300 was the perfect fit, plus I LOVE the prior 2014 look of the C-class, very aggressive. Now that I have the car I'm exploring my customization and mod options.

So I've been doing my research and searching the forums but most are 7+ years old of course as it is a 2012 model, but it appears there have been a lot of developments that I can't find much discussion on, specifically on 2 modifications.

Exhaust Systems:

- From old forums seems the most popular routes were either an X-Pipe and Muffler/Resonator delete etc... or straight pipes with the deletions. Both seemed like cheap shortcuts that for the long-run would be detrimental to the cars exhaust system and have horrible resell value. -
- Recent developments I have found some decent exhausts but only 1 or 2 vids on youtube about them being used on a 2012 C300 W204.

Exhausts:

• FI Exhaust Valvetronic Kit - https://www.vividracing.com/exhaust-...151443998.html
  • You Tube
• Eisenmann Catback Exhaust - https://www.vividracing.com/eisenman...150792680.html
  
• Meisterschaft Exhaust - https://gthaus.com/product/mercedes-...c350-v6-sedan/
  
• Is there any performance difference between these 3? Performance changes or only accoustics with dual vs quad tips?
  Are these complete exhaust systems actually better than a cheap X-Pipe/Straight Pipe with muffler delete process?
  
• Long tube headers - https://www.vividracing.com/mbh-moto...150917638.html
  • Anyone used this? Is it worth it? HP Gains?
    

- Are these complete exhaust systems actually better than a cheap X-Pipe/Straight Pipe with muffler delete process?
- Are there any other exhaust mods I am unaware of?

ECU Tuning:

- Older forums have suggested no good ecu chip or tune exists for the C300 and all that claim to be are gimmicks.

- Researching 2 recent ECU options: Kleeman tuning and VR Tuned

• https://www.vividracing.com/tuned-ec...150777637.html
  
• https://www.vividracing.com/kleemann...1-p-56179.html
  

- Has anyone had either of these done to a 2012 C300 W204?

Thanks again folks!

 

Welcome,

Resale value isn't gonna matter for exhaust because if the car hasn't bottomed out in value yet, it will soon.

No power changes, it's all sound, and that's purely up to you. No one has really bothered with the headers except a rare few that aren't on the forums. Not worth 2.5k.

Your best thing is an ECU tune for ~30hp. Eurocharged or OE tune are the best choices.

 

My 2 cents...Porterfield RS-4 pads front/rear and Michelin SuperSport Pilots for non winter use.

 

I have a 2011 C300 4matic. Been searching for a new exhaust as mine is at the end of its road. So why not upgrade right? CarID has a straight pipe direct fit from exhaust manifold back. But I only see 1 side (how odd). I put in a message to them and await reply. A little over $900 for 1 side including cat and muffler. Im a little concerned with rear fitment but it does remove like traditional exhaust where the resinator would go which is helpful because it needs to come out for various routine services. The 3.5 engine swap is what I want to do. Im told its the same block and a direct swap with only making sure the oil dipstick is also provided as its needed. Add a intake camshaft kit, do the computer upgrade and add a Injun gas pedal for response time. Some here feel the C63 is a better choice but I want the AWD and the C63 is a front heavy car, it weighs more and better suited to drift purposes. I have a pretty sweet spec C300 with the glass roof, luxury package, A/V package. Im also looking into a shorty header package on ebay thats stainless steel and pretty reasonable on cost.