C219 CLS55 and CLS63, 2004-2010

Exhaust smell coming into the cabin (gutted cats)

Old Sep 26, 2022 | 07:55 PM
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Exhaust smell coming into the cabin (gutted cats)

Hey, so I bought an 09 CLS63 with 83k kms about a month ago. Has a horrible exhaust smell come into the cabin when your in manual mode going hard. Turns out 2 cats have been gutted and 2 removed.

is installing some high flow cats a decent option or just best to source a fully stock exhaust?

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Old Sep 27, 2022 | 08:41 AM
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Originally Posted by erikzap
Hey, so I bought an 09 CLS63 with 83k kms about a month ago. Has a horrible exhaust smell come into the cabin when your in manual mode going hard. Turns out 2 cats have been gutted and 2 removed.

is installing some high flow cats a decent option or just best to source a fully stock exhaust?
I would not think the absence or gutted cats should have any issue on exhaust getting in the interior. I would be looking for exhaust leaks along the entire exhaust system. If there are no leaks and the exhaust exits only from the end of the exhaust system at the rear of the car there should be no exhaust getting in the interior. Were the windows/sun roof open or closed when this occured?
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Old Sep 27, 2022 | 03:57 PM
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Exacty what @machild is mentioning, you most definitely have an exhaust leak somewhere
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Old Sep 27, 2022 | 04:11 PM
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Originally Posted by nd-photo.nl
Exacty what @machild is mentioning, you most definitely have an exhaust leak somewhere
And likely a significant one since it is getting into the interior.
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Old Sep 27, 2022 | 05:34 PM
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Originally Posted by machild
I would not think the absence or gutted cats should have any issue on exhaust getting in the interior. I would be looking for exhaust leaks along the entire exhaust system. If there are no leaks and the exhaust exits only from the end of the exhaust system at the rear of the car there should be no exhaust getting in the interior. Were the windows/sun roof open or closed when this occured?

yes it comes in with both windows up or down. Mechanic didn’t notice any holes anywhere when working on the car. Having high flow cats put on tomorrow so il get him to take a closer look and let me know.

Thanks for the insight. Il let you guys know what I find out
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Old Sep 28, 2022 | 12:04 PM
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Maybe around the headers, but could also be something EVAP or PCV related
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Old Sep 30, 2022 | 09:13 PM
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Originally Posted by nd-photo.nl
Maybe around the headers, but could also be something EVAP or PCV related

Got it back today. Had the exhaust inspected for leaks and none found anywhere up through the headers. However, now with the high flow cats installed the smell is basically 99% gone and the car has opened up a lot. Whole cooling system swapped as well as a tune to remove CEL from the absence of stock cats.
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Old Oct 26, 2022 | 09:22 AM
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I would change your cabin air filter with a nice hepa one, that got rid of a lot of fumes on my diesel w211
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Old Oct 26, 2022 | 01:30 PM
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I can recommend the Mann FreciousPlus filter

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Old Jan 17, 2023 | 08:52 AM
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Originally Posted by nd-photo.nl
I can recommend the Mann FreciousPlus filter

Great. I will try and find these and install. Do Our cars have two? I am a total newbie but with purchase of this car I am ready to start wrenching on it myself and learn along the way.

nice thread on your CLS55. Car is incredible and the work you’ve done to it is admirable.
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Old Jan 17, 2023 | 10:58 AM
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Originally Posted by erikzap
Great. I will try and find these and install. Do Our cars have two? I am a total newbie but with purchase of this car I am ready to start wrenching on it myself and learn along the way.

nice thread on your CLS55. Car is incredible and the work you’ve done to it is admirable.
I think it's just the one in the engine bay but I forget if there was a 2nd one to handle the rear climate control.

Check on rock auto for the best prices! Glad you still have the car too
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Old Jan 17, 2023 | 12:43 PM
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Originally Posted by Drifter2090
I think it's just the one in the engine bay but I forget if there was a 2nd one to handle the rear climate control.

Check on rock auto for the best prices! Glad you still have the car too
Nice yes il take a look at rock auto. I love the car and plan to make some videos as I repair a few things and enjoy the car. Do you know of any website with diagrams on the c219 engine system with names of all of the components? Lol
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Old Jan 19, 2023 | 11:52 AM
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Afaik its only one in the engine compartment. Its only 1x 10mm plastic nut to swap it out
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Old Mar 18, 2023 | 08:11 PM
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YouTube video on the smelly cabin CLS63

Decided to upload a video on my CLS to document the build process. 😀
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Old Jun 15, 2023 | 06:11 PM
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