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Who wants to crawl under their car to confirm that they have these exhaust valves?
This pic from the German configurator for the CLE53
...there's a plastic belly pan under the back of the car BUT, if you look up the (faux) tailpipes you can see the flaps. And, they appear to be half open with the engine off. I didn't start the car and check the Drive Modes to observe any changes, getting up off the garage floor twice was enough. Besides, the exhaust is still lame and I'm going to pursue that in the near future.
Finally, the car still sounds awful but it's FAST! Check out my 1/4 mile thread.
Look what I found on the CLE53 page at MBUSA. Looks like there will be an extra cost option coming sometime this year.
We'll have to wait and "hear" if there's any difference from the 2024 Exhaust system. I do disagree with this statement:
"The system's free-flow design delivers an audible celebration of power with every upshift, downshift and rev." <Laughable at best>
"Computer-control of the flaps base their operation on engine speed and load, to assure full power delivery regardless of the system's sound output."
This may be true, I can vouch for the performance, but the sound isn't what I and others have come to know as "AMG Performance Exhaust System" sound.
We'll have to wait and "hear" if there's any difference from the 2024 Exhaust system. I do disagree with this statement:
"The system's free-flow design delivers an audible celebration of power with every upshift, downshift and rev." <Laughable at best>
"Computer-control of the flaps base their operation on engine speed and load, to assure full power delivery regardless of the system's sound output."
This may be true, I can vouch for the performance, but the sound isn't what I and others have come to know as "AMG Performance Exhaust System" sound.
Nobody has it yet. I assume it’s a late availability option. My ‘25, much to my wife’s happiness, will have docile exhaust.
I can relate to the disappointment though my new m3 sounds better stock than the 53. One of the first things I got for my car was a valve controller that opened the valves 100%. It made a huge difference in the sound. Maybe someone will do the same for the 53. Eventually I put a midpipe on removing the secondary cats and resonators which made it sound great.
I can relate to the disappointment though my new m3 sounds better stock than the 53. One of the first things I got for my car was a valve controller that opened the valves 100%. It made a huge difference in the sound. Maybe someone will do the same for the 53. Eventually I put a midpipe on removing the secondary cats and resonators which made it sound great.
Certainly possible, asr.-component.de sells one that might work on the CLE 53, which by the way is licensed to be sold in the USA to RENNtech. https://asr-component.de/gb/begin/84...cedes-ml2.html
It does not list CLE though.
I did a little more digging and here's another nugget of information I found at mbusa;
AMG DRIVE UNIT
A set of controls on the AMG steering wheels lets you adjust performance settings quickly and easily, with integrated color displays to confirm your selection. The left switches can be assigned to functions such as the Manual shift mode, the damping modes of AMG RIDE CONTROL, the 3-stage ESP®, and the available multimode AMG Performance Exhaust System. The right round control knob selects and displays the driving mode of AMG DYNAMIC SELECT.
Im in the process of ordering one of these. The only option for the exhaust is the one the puts the exhaust sound into the cabin. Ive gone through this with my sales guy and the guy that does the ordering for the cars at the dealership. My build day is Feb 28, 2025 because the red interior has supposedly been on back order...
Im in the process of ordering one of these. The only option for the exhaust is the one the puts the exhaust sound into the cabin. Ive gone through this with my sales guy and the guy that does the ordering for the cars at the dealership. My build day is Feb 28, 2025 because the red interior has supposedly been on back order...
I ordered mine on 11/5 with a build date of 11/25. The above mentioned AMG Performance Exhaust is now automatically added when they enter the order into the system and it can't be removed. I would not have spent $550 for a microphone that pumps actual exhaust sound back into the cabin. I like exhaust sound, but prefer to have the adjustable flaps where you can control the actual exhaust like on my Corvette and X5 M50i.
I purchased my 2024 CLE 53 in Los Angeles, CA. My build sheet doesn’t include the AMG Real Performance Sound or switchable engine sound features, but I do have the exhaust symbol/feature that I can toggle on and off.
While I’ve seen a lot of complaints about the exhaust sound, I actually love how it sounds. It’s got a deep, meaty tone in Comfort mode with the exhaust on, and it gets even more aggressive in Sport+—especially during downshifts, which sound amazing.
As for the claims about sound being pumped through the speakers, I’m not noticing that in my car. I will say the start-up sound isn’t very impressive, but overall, I’d rate the exhaust sound an 8/10.
Originally Posted by Driver2
My CLE53 AMG does Not Sound like an AMG.
I figured out that the "Switchable Engine Sound" is in fact the "pumped" in audio of the exhaust controlled by the Left AMG Drive unit on the steering wheel. The tip-off was, with the widows open, the exhaust sound still seemed to be coming from somewhere in front of me. Weird.
The "Powerful" exhaust setting in the Dynamic selection menu is supposed to activate the exhaust flaps, it doesn't seem to be working on my car. No matter what drive setting I'm in, S, S+ or Race, the exhaust note hardly changes.
I don't know if this is "normal", but all in of the video's I've seen the exhaust sound is pretty lame. I wonder if my computer issues might something to do with this or, do I have and AMG Performance Exhaust that isn't a Performance sounding exhaust.
Just wanted to say that it's good to know I'm not alone with my disappointment in the 2024 AMG CLE 53 exhaust sound. Had a 2017 C43 that sounded 100% louder than the CLE 53. I thought for sure the new one would actually sound like an AMG. Is it just me or is anyone else confused? MB puts out the C63S with a four-banger and batteries but has the AMG exhaust note with cracks and pops. Then they put back an inline 6 for the 53 and hardly any enthusiasm. Beautiful car with an aggressive exterior and totally lame exhaust. I was always under the impression that the exhaust sound was synonymous with the AMG line.
I asked the dealer if they had heard anything coming from MB to open the exhaust for more volume and their answer was "not at this time unless the customers start demanding it". In my opinion, as long as they make the sale, MB will consider it a success. Very disappointing for the price. I'm thinking about the resonator delete too to see if that helps.
Where and how can we start voicing our displeasure? How can we reach MB?
I had a ‘19 C43 and even my ‘21 E53 coupe had enough pops and crackles. When I placed my order I was told that the PE was standard. I would have gladly paid for it if it was an option.
There is a button to set it to powerful on demand so why did they changed it to such an underwhelming exterior sound for the US market? If I wanted to save money I wouldn’t order an AMG supercharged vehicle.
That was a very unfortunate decision on their part. Very disappointing indeed. I feel cheated and will never again order a vehicle without test driving it. I don’t like independent shops modifying my vehicles while under factory warranty. This car is like a good looking boyfriend with a low credit score and no job, LOL.
Where and how can we start voicing our displeasure? How can we reach MB?
I had a ‘19 C43 and even my ‘21 E53 coupe had enough pops and crackles. When I placed my order I was told that the PE was standard. I would have gladly paid for it if it was an option.
There is a button to set it to powerful on demand so why did they changed it to such an underwhelming exterior sound for the US market? If I wanted to save money I wouldn’t order an AMG supercharged vehicle.
That was a very unfortunate decision on their part. Very disappointing indeed. I feel cheated and will never again order a vehicle without test driving it. I don’t like independent shops modifying my vehicles while under factory warranty. This car is like a good looking boyfriend with a low credit score and no job, LOL.
Maybe if we keep "respectfully" commenting on the lack of powerful exhaust "emotion" in these cars, and AMG/MB are "listening", we might get some action, or at least an explanation.
Thanks for the link. I perused the thread and copied these two responses:
1) “No. because I’m planning on trading every year. I was at the dealership today and the tech guy said he read something about Mercedes making the exhaust quieter because of complaints in Europe.”
2) “To summarize:
- When you push the exhaust button, the valves are not completely open; they're only 50% –70% open
- Valves only open 100% in Sport+ mode under heavy throttle at high rpm”
Based on some of the other responses I can say that I'm sure that neither octane, electric boost nor mileage have anything to do with the exhaust sound. It's MB and the #^@! European noise spec.
There's probably a US spec that allows more exhaust volume but MB is ignoring it.
What really cheeses me off is that MB is trying to gaslight us with their product description of the exhaust note as "emotional". The tip-off is the new "Real" sound option that just pumps exhaust sound into the car's audio. Which IMO is .
Now, having said all that, I can say that the performance of the car is probably not affected. AMG does after all have an entire department dedicated to the exhaust system design and it's probably as free flowing as they could make it.
I for one am working on "improving" the exhaust note by removing whatever "impediments" are responsible for quieting it down.
The car may not gain any HP, but it'll definitely sound faster, lol.
Thanks for the link. I perused the thread and copied these two responses:
1) “No. because I’m planning on trading every year. I was at the dealership today and the tech guy said he read something about Mercedes making the exhaust quieter because of complaints in Europe.”
2) “To summarize:
- When you push the exhaust button, the valves are not completely open; they're only 50% –70% open
- Valves only open 100% in Sport+ mode under heavy throttle at high rpm”
Based on some of the other responses I can say that I'm sure that neither octane, electric boost nor mileage have anything to do with the exhaust sound. It's MB and the #^@! European noise spec.
There's probably a US spec that allows more exhaust volume but MB is ignoring it.
What really cheeses me off is that MB is trying to gaslight us with their product description of the exhaust note as "emotional". The tip-off is the new "Real" sound option that just pumps exhaust sound into the car's audio. Which IMO is .
Now, having said all that, I can say that the performance of the car is probably not affected. AMG does after all have an entire department dedicated to the exhaust system design and it's probably as free flowing as they could make it.
I for one am working on "improving" the exhaust note by removing whatever "impediments" are responsible for quieting it down.
The car may not gain any HP, but it'll definitely sound faster, lol.
I would still recommend starting with the exhaust valve module and see how you like it, it is the easiest mod and easily reversible... compared to say... downpipes for example.
I would still recommend starting with the exhaust valve module and see how you like it, it is the easiest mod and easily reversible... compared to say... downpipes for example.
I'm not planning either mod, just resonator and/or added muffler removal. The diagram that I got from the dealer shows 2 "cans" in the CLE53 exhaust pipe. My C43 had only 1, so that's the staring point.
The other thread also mentioned that MB may have a s/w update to fully open the valves but I'm going to live with the computer controlled valves or now. My expectation for the exhaust mod is that it SHOULD do the trick.
If aftermarket downpipes replace the cat, then that's NG for passing emissions. Yes, I've heard that there are modules that will help you pass w/o cats but really, I'm not racing the car and don't want go though all that trouble to take that chance.
I just want a nice throaty rumble at idle and some pops and bangs when driving.
I'm not planning either mod, just resonator and/or added muffler removal. The diagram that I got from the dealer shows 2 "cans" in the CLE53 exhaust pipe. My C43 had only 1, so that's the staring point.
The other thread also mentioned that MB may have a s/w update to fully open the valves but I'm going to live with the computer controlled valves or now. My expectation for the exhaust mod is that it SHOULD do the trick.
If aftermarket downpipes replace the cat, then that's NG for passing emissions. Yes, I've heard that there are modules that will help you pass w/o cats but really, I'm not racing the car and don't want go though all that trouble to take that chance.
I just want a nice throaty rumble at idle and some pops and bangs when driving.
Thanks for the link. I perused the thread and copied these two responses:
1) “No. because I’m planning on trading every year. I was at the dealership today and the tech guy said he read something about Mercedes making the exhaust quieter because of complaints in Europe.”
2) “To summarize:
- When you push the exhaust button, the valves are not completely open; they're only 50% –70% open
- Valves only open 100% in Sport+ mode under heavy throttle at high rpm”
Based on some of the other responses I can say that I'm sure that neither octane, electric boost nor mileage have anything to do with the exhaust sound. It's MB and the #^@! European noise spec.
There's probably a US spec that allows more exhaust volume but MB is ignoring it.
What really cheeses me off is that MB is trying to gaslight us with their product description of the exhaust note as "emotional". The tip-off is the new "Real" sound option that just pumps exhaust sound into the car's audio. Which IMO is .
Now, having said all that, I can say that the performance of the car is probably not affected. AMG does after all have an entire department dedicated to the exhaust system design and it's probably as free flowing as they could make it.
I for one am working on "improving" the exhaust note by removing whatever "impediments" are responsible for quieting it down.
The car may not gain any HP, but it'll definitely sound faster, lol.
I noticed on the latest Mercedes web site there is a $500 real performance sound option. My
cle 43 purchased in August 24 did not have this as an option. I am not sure if it was available on the web site at that time. Is this just a software option or is there an actual hardware difference. When in S+ mode the exhaust sound is much better except for the gear shifts which sound like a boom inside of a crack. Does the car come standard with controllable exhaust flaps? Or maybe it is just an issue with removing the resonators. I test drove a 2024 c43 and it definitely cracks and pops. I don't see any reason why an inline 6 can't sound like an in line 4. Same bore and stroke size just more cylinders.
I noticed on the latest Mercedes web site there is a $500 real performance sound option. My
cle 43 purchased in August 24 did not have this as an option. I am not sure if it was available on the web site at that time. Is this just a software option or is there an actual hardware difference. When in S+ mode the exhaust sound is much better except for the gear shifts which sound like a boom inside of a crack. Does the car come standard with controllable exhaust flaps? Or maybe it is just an issue with removing the resonators. I test drove a 2024 c43 and it definitely cracks and pops. I don't see any reason why an inline 6 can't sound like an in line 4. Same bore and stroke size just more cylinders.
I have researched this and responded in the Aftermarket exhaust thread.
Old Jan 11, 2025 | 11:45 AMQuote:
Originally Posted by furio_CLE53
Please let us know of the outcome !
Good news, bad news…
The Good news: The system is a work of art, beautifully welded in one-piece. Nice large stainless-steel pipes too.
The Bad news: There is NO second resonator to R&R. That means no easy fix to increase exhaust sound. The only Resonator in the system is small and should stay based on the earlier Resonator function description. But, even if one wanted to remove it, the pipes leading to and from it are ovalized and will be difficult to match.
The sound quality and frequency are fine, just too quiet for my taste. The “problem” is with the mufflers’ and flaps’ arrangement. It’s completely different from my 2019 C43. As I see it, in the old C43 there is one fully muffled straight pipe and one minimally muffled valved pipe per side. In the new CLE53 there is only ONE fully muffled straight pipe on the drivers side only. The drivers side valved pipe may be minimally muffled while the passenger side has a dedicated muffler for the valved pipe.
I took pix of the system at the dealership and summed up how I see this all working in the attached pdf.
I based by assessment of the valve operation by looking at the condensation coming out or the tips under the different Dynamic Modes. The valves are half open with engine off. They’re “computer controlled” so are probably not fully open at idle for instance, but are fully open at WOT. I couldn’t check that. I’m not sure if aftermarket valve opening module would help given all of the mufflers.
Yes, there will certainly be aftermarket exhaust components and full systems available eventually, but the car is new so it’ll be a while. I wonder if the C43 mufflers will fit…
Finally, why did MB/AMG have change the exhaust system? Using the old C43 muffler/valve arrangement as-is would have been a lot cheaper than redesigning a new system. And it sounded great!Attached Files
File Type: pdf
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
I did and...
Hopefully MB/AMG are trolling these threads...
.
why did MB/AMG have change the exhaust system? Using the old C43 muffler/valve arrangement as-is would have been a lot cheaper than redesigning a new system. And it sounded great!Attached Files
