Joe_Villar

Haven't posted in a while, but haven't driven my CLK much either.
I'm thinking of improving my exhaust system. The thing sounds so muffled it seems to be robbing power from the engine. Not sure if the CATs are clogged.
Does anyone have any good experience in upgrading to a better exhaust system that is not as expensive as the car itself?
Thanks
Joe

MartinWake

Just take it to a muffler shop, I will take my CL55 and remove resonators, in its place they will put an x pipe but I dont think its necessary. Maybe the cats are clogged not too sure how to tell.

Thomas Grycz

if you pull the upstream O2 sensor this will allow exhaust to bypass the cat. If it’s clogged you will feel the difference.

Joe_Villar

Thats a great idea. I'll try that.
I'm sure the check engine light will come on right?

Thomas Grycz

yes it likely will but a clogged cat will eventually cause a CEL

Joe_Villar

Not sure but can you identify where the location of the O2 upstream sensor plug is?

Thomas Grycz

you want to look alright after the headers. Before the first cat you can see the O2 sensor. Here a pic of all the exhaust components Note the O2 sensor location. You can start with one side to see if your problem is only on one cat or both.