CLA 35, CLA 45 AMG (C117, C118) 2013 to Present, Two generations

CLA 45 Performance Exhaust System

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Old Jun 19, 2020 | 03:50 AM
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2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG
CLA 45 Performance Exhaust System

Hello CLA 45 owners. I ordered mine last December and am about to receive it next week. It just arrived in Brunswick yesterday. I have a question. When my rep was going through the configuration, he said there’s no option available for selecting the performance exhaust system. Does that mean it’s included in the US version? I’ve been watching a lot of videos about it and I know that the exhaust notes are piped in to the car’s audio system, so I wasn’t sure if it was included or not available in the US version. Thank you.

Last edited by macfreak86; Jun 19, 2020 at 03:53 AM.
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Old Jun 21, 2020 | 10:50 AM
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I don't have a CLA 45 but congrats on your purchase. The DOG also doesn't list Performance Exhaust system as an option, the closest I can find is Real Performance Sound, this is the description:AMG Real Performance Sound

Clever technology lets Mercedes-AMG drivers enjoy the signature growling exhaust symphony while reducing its impact on the outside world. Working in concert with the audio system, AMG Real Performance Sound enhances the in-cabin performance sensations while maintaining a stealthier volume outside the car.

I am not sure if any of this information helps but let me know anyways.
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Old Jun 25, 2020 | 01:17 AM
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Thanks. I’ve found a CLA45 at another dealership near me and it actually does have the performance exhaust button so I don’t know what the difference is about that build versus my build. I guess I’ll find out if I get a loud button. I had it on my C43 I traded in and I gotta tell you, I loved having the valves open. It was by no means anything close to a V8 C63, but it still sounded mean. We’ll see.


Originally Posted by W205C43PFL
I don't have a CLA 45 but congrats on your purchase. The DOG also doesn't list Performance Exhaust system as an option, the closest I can find is Real Performance Sound, this is the description:AMG Real Performance Sound

Clever technology lets Mercedes-AMG drivers enjoy the signature growling exhaust symphony while reducing its impact on the outside world. Working in concert with the audio system, AMG Real Performance Sound enhances the in-cabin performance sensations while maintaining a stealthier volume outside the car.

I am not sure if any of this information helps but let me know anyways.
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Old Jun 25, 2020 | 02:15 AM
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It's standard, here's the info pertaining to the US model:AMG exhaust system: with exhaust flap for sound modulation

As standard, the exhaust system has an exhaust flap which is automatically controlled depending on the engine speed and load. Depending on the drive program selected it modulates the sound from harmoniously discreet (in the programs Slippery, Comfort and Sport) to emotionally sporty (in Sport+).
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Old Jun 25, 2020 | 01:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Eaton
It's standard, here's the info pertaining to the US model:AMG exhaust system: with exhaust flap for sound modulation

As standard, the exhaust system has an exhaust flap which is automatically controlled depending on the engine speed and load. Depending on the drive program selected it modulates the sound from harmoniously discreet (in the programs Slippery, Comfort and Sport) to emotionally sporty (in Sport+).

Thanks. If I find that I do get a loud button (exhaust open/close button), will I still be able to use that if I chose to straight pipe it? Not that I would, I was just curious.
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Old Jun 25, 2020 | 05:30 PM
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Last weekend I test drove both the CLA45 and C43 (equipped with the additional Performance Exhaust System) both in S+ mode and the CLA45 sounded absolutely nothing like the C43. No crackles, nothing. Regardless, I'm still thinking about ordering the CLA45 just because I liked everything else. It'd be great if there's something we can do about the exhaust to make it sound meaner.
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Old Jun 26, 2020 | 07:01 PM
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Just looked at a 2020, did not have a PE button. I'm noticing some have the button and some don't. The one I saw was optioned out at about 59K MSRP. I'm wondering what option you need for it to have the PE button. Kinda odd!
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Old Jun 26, 2020 | 08:15 PM
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That is indeed strange ... it wouldn't be the Driver's Package right but since you are saying the exhaust is standard it can't be....
Hmmm, I was checking the MB Canada site and under the standard features under Performance & Safety tab, it doesn't list the exhaust, neither any other tabs are listing it, am I missing something?
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Old Jun 26, 2020 | 08:21 PM
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Link to the spec of the vehicle I viewed, very limited options.

https://www.plazamercedesbenz.com/ne...8df2adc18d.htm

Included Options
  • AMG Aerodynamic Package $1,250
  • AMG Night Package $750
  • Wheels: 19" AMG Cross-Spoke Forged, Matte Black $1,750
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Old Jun 26, 2020 | 08:32 PM
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Hmmm, my bad Dumi. Sorry, I misread something, I thought you live in Canada. I mixed up two threads in this forum.
If that is the case, do you think it is because you need to option the "AMG Dynamic Plus Package?" Hmmm, shouldn't though.
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Old Jun 26, 2020 | 08:53 PM
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I mean, the reason I said that is, the Performance Exhaust might be standard but I don't know if the valves are standard and the controls are standard (at least as far as North America is concerned).
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Old Jun 27, 2020 | 02:26 AM
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I went through about 50 listings on AutoTrader, the PE button is only available if the vehicle has the Dynamic Plus Package ($4300). The spot is a blank key if you don’t have this option.

https://www.mercedesofbuckhead.com/n...d07e6de3c7.htm

https://www.ipacket.info/W1K5J5DB0LN129168#MSRP (item 339 switchable engine sound)
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Old Jun 28, 2020 | 04:16 PM
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Interesting, I didn’t even notice that. I also just took a quick look at some that are in stock at dealers.

It does look like the AMG Dynamic PLUS Package indeed adds the “exhaust button” to the right of whatever that thing is behind the track pad (Im forgetting atm).

The question is what exactly does it even do, since “performance exhaust” is standard. Which as mentioned makes the exhaust louder / quieter depending on drive mode and throttle position.

Perhaps it just allows you to have the exhaust on the “loud” setting when you are in comfort / etc? Although it seems like you can configure your own custom modes as well, so I wonder if you can create your own modes will exhaust note on full?
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Old Jun 28, 2020 | 10:57 PM
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Ya pretty much how you explained it xD, it is just a button that controls the exhaust valves, that's all. (Well, at least that is what I heard)
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Old Jun 30, 2020 | 05:47 PM
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Took Delivery Today

Today I took delivery of my new CLA45 and it turns out it does have the loud button just below the track pad arm rest. Sweet. It is insanely quick. My only question now is how can I black out the chrome strip on the performance seats? The metal piece between the headrest and the body of the seat? Plasti dip? I tried that and when I took off the masking tape, there were more missed spots than I realized. Didn’t look good so I took it all off. I’d like to black out everything chrome.
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Old Jun 30, 2020 | 05:50 PM
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Originally Posted by macfreak86
Today I took delivery of my new CLA45 and it turns out it does have the loud button just below the track pad arm rest. Sweet. It is insanely quick. My only question now is how can I black out the chrome strip on the performance seats? The metal piece between the headrest and the body of the seat? Plasti dip? I tried that and when I took off the masking tape, there were more missed spots than I realized. Didn’t look good so I took it all off. I’d like to black out everything chrome.
Do you have the AMG Dynamic PLUS Package? And do you mind sharing your monthly payment numbers?
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Old Jun 30, 2020 | 08:35 PM
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Originally Posted by macfreak86
Today I took delivery of my new CLA45 and it turns out it does have the loud button just below the track pad arm rest. Sweet. It is insanely quick. My only question now is how can I black out the chrome strip on the performance seats? The metal piece between the headrest and the body of the seat? Plasti dip? I tried that and when I took off the masking tape, there were more missed spots than I realized. Didn’t look good so I took it all off. I’d like to black out everything chrome.
Post some pic too...
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Old Jul 1, 2020 | 05:03 PM
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Originally Posted by hellohello
Do you have the AMG Dynamic PLUS Package? And do you mind sharing your monthly payment numbers?

I do have the dynamic plus package. I paid cash for it. However, I was able to get the cheapest insurance from Geico. $160/mo for 6 months at a time.
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Old Jul 2, 2020 | 01:59 AM
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Originally Posted by macfreak86
I do have the dynamic plus package. I paid cash for it. However, I was able to get the cheapest insurance from Geico. $160/mo for 6 months at a time.
Thx! Any idea, or did the dealer give you any idea, on what the button adds / does in comparison to not having it?

Note sure I really want to pay for the dynamic plus package, Id rather the full leather steering wheel too.
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Old Jul 3, 2020 | 12:07 AM
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2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG
Navigation Help

Does anyone know how to create a name for the navigation destination favorites outside of work and home? For example, if I want to add a friend’s house, how can I put their name on the destination so I can say “navigate to (friend’s name) house". Does that make sense? This is for the 2020 model.

Last edited by macfreak86; Jul 8, 2020 at 01:35 AM.
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Old Jul 8, 2020 | 01:37 AM
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Does anyone know how to make the silver piece on the amg performance seats that's above the amg logo on the seats black? I've tried plasti dip, but I can never cover the entire insert piece. It never comes out good. Can that be removed and replaced with one that's black? I've seen people on youtube with performance seats that have a black insert piece above the amg logo and it looks as though it's factory. Any suggestions?
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Old Jul 9, 2020 | 01:01 PM
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Originally Posted by macfreak86
Does anyone know how to make the silver piece on the amg performance seats that's above the amg logo on the seats black? I've tried plasti dip, but I can never cover the entire insert piece. It never comes out good. Can that be removed and replaced with one that's black? I've seen people on youtube with performance seats that have a black insert piece above the amg logo and it looks as though it's factory. Any suggestions?
When ordering the performance seats, you choose between the normal and "advanced" packages.
The normal package lets you choose either MB-Tex or Dinamica, and this is when the piece is black.
The advanced package is for leather and this is when the piece is silver.
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Old Jul 9, 2020 | 01:53 PM
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Originally Posted by ozo
Interesting, I didn’t even notice that. I also just took a quick look at some that are in stock at dealers.

It does look like the AMG Dynamic PLUS Package indeed adds the “exhaust button” to the right of whatever that thing is behind the track pad (Im forgetting atm).

The question is what exactly does it even do, since “performance exhaust” is standard. Which as mentioned makes the exhaust louder / quieter depending on drive mode and throttle position.

Perhaps it just allows you to have the exhaust on the “loud” setting when you are in comfort / etc? Although it seems like you can configure your own custom modes as well, so I wonder if you can create your own modes will exhaust note on full?
That "exhaust button" is not for a valve exhaust like on the C43 or C63...it is a new product called "AMG Real Sound". Because things need to be quieter on the outside by law AMG has added this.

What it does is take the real sound of the exhaust from outside and pumps it into the cabin...therefore, it is real exhaust sound not fake like on a BMW.

Check out this video around the 16:25 point and he explains

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Old Jul 9, 2020 | 11:25 PM
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Originally Posted by W205-S
That "exhaust button" is not for a valve exhaust like on the C43 or C63...it is a new product called "AMG Real Sound". Because things need to be quieter on the outside by law AMG has added this.

What it does is take the real sound of the exhaust from outside and pumps it into the cabin...therefore, it is real exhaust sound not fake like on a BMW.

Check out this video around the 16:25 point and he explains

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cw70cJmOxs
Understood, but I think the car does that by default anyway, depending on drive mode and throttle position. So I guess I dont understand the point of the button.
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Old Jul 9, 2020 | 11:32 PM
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Originally Posted by ozo
Understood, but I think the car does that by default anyway, depending on drive mode and throttle position. So I guess I dont understand the point of the button.
I would assume it just makes it sound better...maybe a bit louder???
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