I have a 2018 c43 with a stage 1 eurocharged tune, mid resonator delete and renntech evm. I have owned the car for almost a year and can probably count on one hand how many times I didn't start the car in sport+ so I've gotten very familiar with the exhaust note. I've always loved the exhaust which is why it's my favorite thing starting the car every morning but was still in search of something to improve it, hence the mid resonator delete and evm.

This brought me to looking at downpipes and there are tons out there. I searched this forum and youtube so many times trying to find what would be the best fit for me. Ultimately, I didn't want any rasp or smell that come with catless, didn't want a drone, still wanted a nice performance boost and obviously wanted to improve the exhaust note. I was torn between l.e.m and redstar. Considering the price point, it was pretty hard not to choose l.e.m.

I went ahead and purchased the downpipes along with o2 spacers they recommended and just got them installed today. My first reaction, HOLY ****. Starting the car literally made me jump in my seat, brought a big smile, followed by some laughter because I couldn't believe the difference. It sounds so sexy and just mean . I am in no way affiliated with l.e.m or have a youtube channel or anything, just an honest customer that is so satisfied so far that I had to write this review in case anyone else may be on the fence. Granted this may be an early review as I've literally had it installed for 2 hours but it was enough for me to find unnecessary places to go instead of home (liquor store) just so I could continue to enjoy the exhaust a little longer.

If you have any questions feel free to ask. I plan on getting the car dynod in a couple months just to see the performance gains from it. To l.e.m, from this product alone you have made me a loyal customer already and your customer service is unmatched. The entire process with my uncertainty and stupid questions thru email felt like I was texting one of my friends with how quick you were to reply

 

Good to hear. I've been tempted by them a few times but was worried they would throw a check engine light.

 

I too am in the same boat, I have a 17 vert without the stock performance exhaust. On the one hand I think the car sounds amazing stock just needs a little beefing up. I have the bms intakes which made a huge sound difference, I love that I can here the "blow off valves" but I would love to have just a touch more out of the exhaust. I have the jb4 so I'm pretty happy with the power I have out of a daily driven car so basically just want a little more hp but the sounds is going to be the big next. So questions for you, what did the whole thing set you back with parts and install and second how loud is it? I want it to sound mean but I also don't want to wake up the entire neighborhood every morning. Thanks for the feedback

 

downpipes were $1275, o2 spacers were $30 and installation was $500. It is damn loud. Its most loud on sport+ cold start obviously but when cruising around its less noticeable unless i want it to be. For sure the cold start is what made me be like damnnn so id be careful you just might wake the whole neighborhood. I was at the gas station today and when i started it up the guy next to me definitely got startled and i could see him staring at me the entire time i drove away. Another noticeable point for me was i decided to put the car in comfort mode just to see how big of a difference it would make. Previously, in comfort mode it would sound like a prius even with the valves open, now i literally had to double check i was actually in comfort because there were still some pops and bangs as i had it in manual in 4th gear and just revving it. That being said, while in comfort and just cruising it was very silent still which is a plus for when i dont wanna be an a******, gather attention from a nearby cop, or have a passenger in the car.

 

We have a youtube video of the Monster series Downpipes with the OEM AMG PE for those who are interested.

Thanks for the positive vibes, these are the perfect compliment to open up your exhaust without rasp-a-fying your exhaust tone. also you can get to stage 2 and pick up another 35-40 HP.

 

Yes your video on youtube definitely helped me to decide to purchase but even still the video doesnt do it justice. @Justins17c43 I guess i forgot to add that i do have the PE so it could very well be a different experience for you if you dont have the PE.

 

How is the 02 spacer with the middle insert holding up? No CEL?

I have The DPs and spacers ready for installation, I owe LEM more soundclips of the PE replica exhaust before I go ***** out with the DP and PER.

Did you go stage 2 with the tune?? Or did you stay stage 1 EC. Did you lose low end power because you stayed stage 1 and did not optimize the tune for DPs?

 

Yep o2 spacer with middle insert still holding up with no CEL.

I did not go stage 2 and haven’t noticed any loss of power from staying stage 1 but I haven’t gotten a dyno since to see if there were any changes

 

well as long as you didnt lose power with just staying stage1 thats what counts. on the opposite end of that, did you gain power or notice quicker spool (or any non-sound related enhancements) .

I honestly think this is the best DP on the market as it covers a lot of whats needed in such a mod (great sound, no rasp, good headroom for power and no smell, and great price for a catted DP).

 

@SilverBullet18 I am no master at being able to notice any sort of performance increase so it's hard for me to give any sort of definitive answer, I know the day after I got them installed I did a few pulls and it felt a bit more responsive and quicker. I am very much pleased with the DP so far and also agree its the best on the market for at least for what i was looking for, especially considering the price.

 

Very nice,
any future plans for a stage 2 file tune to squeeze a little more out of the tune?

 

@SilverBullet18 yes thats the plan down the road but i have quite a few more mods id like to make beforehand. Currently in the works for new wheels and tires, then cold air intake, a few cosmetic things and then yes finally stage 2 haha. Considering a tcu tune as well