CLE Class Coupe (C236) & Cabrio (A236) 2023-

CLE53 Exhaust sound...lame?

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Old Jan 25, 2025 | 12:55 PM
  #51  
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Originally Posted by lfvillarosa
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.
The real performance sound option seems to be about two sensors in the exhaust system capturing the sound then playing back inside the cabin.
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Old Jan 25, 2025 | 01:55 PM
  #52  
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Originally Posted by W205C43PFL
The real performance sound option seems to be about two sensors in the exhaust system capturing the sound then playing back inside the cabin.

Could be that man its a joke why other brands can have good sound in their cars . Looks at latest mustang that is available in europe , it has to pass same regulations as any other brand . Still sounds good and loud . Mercedes does not understand their customers, its very easy to be proven when they did C63 with 2.0 and they claim still claim people want performance and dont care about v8`s.
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Old Jan 25, 2025 | 02:06 PM
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Originally Posted by furio_CLE53
Could be that man its a joke why other brands can have good sound in their cars . Looks at latest mustang that is available in europe , it has to pass same regulations as any other brand . Still sounds good and loud . Mercedes does not understand their customers, its very easy to be proven when they did C63 with 2.0 and they claim still claim people want performance and dont care about v8`s.
Ya I don't understand, that said, I know MB has been fined heavily on their fleet emissions in Europe for several years hence why they had such a push on electric vehicles or maybe they want to save some volume/sound to put in the CLE 63, make that sound better? I don't know.
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Old Jan 25, 2025 | 02:08 PM
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Since they were fined that much, so there is chance they put a muffler in a muffler then put an OPF. etc.
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Old Jan 25, 2025 | 10:57 PM
  #55  
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Originally Posted by Driver2
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.
When you gonna get this done? Please share some videos after you've done it!
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Old Jan 26, 2025 | 02:39 PM
  #56  
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Originally Posted by W205C43PFL
Since they were fined that much, so there is chance they put a muffler in a muffler then put an OPF. etc.
I surfed the web and came up with 2 emissions issues for MB in the past dew years, NOx and CO2.
1. https://www.forbes.com/sites/caileyg...iling-charges/
2. https://www.forbes.com/sites/neilwin...mission-rules/

It doesn't look like either one affects mufflers, OPF or exhaust sound levels. I don't think that my car has OPF, which is a Particulate filter.

I don't know why AMG/MB changed the exhaust system to reduce sound output. They may be trying to get ahead of regulations in Europe. In NY, USA, the exhaust sound level can be as high as 83db using A-weighting measurement. A-weighting is intended to focus on sound levels most "annoying" to the human ear. 83db is pretty loud. According to the chart, 80db is equivocal to someone shouting .



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Old Jan 26, 2025 | 02:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Driver2
I surfed the web and came up with 2 emissions issues for MB in the past dew years, NOx and CO2.
1. https://www.forbes.com/sites/caileyg...iling-charges/
2. https://www.forbes.com/sites/neilwin...mission-rules/

It doesn't look like either one affects mufflers, OPF or exhaust sound levels. I don't think that my car has OPF, which is a Particulate filter.

I don't know why AMG/MB changed the exhaust system to reduce sound output. They may be trying to get ahead of regulations in Europe. In NY, USA, the exhaust sound level can be as high as 83db using A-weighting measurement. A-weighting is intended to focus on sound levels most "annoying" to the human ear. 83db is pretty loud. According to the chart, 80db is equivocal to someone shouting .

There are sound regulations in Europe: https://www.era-comm.eu/Air%20qualit...d_traffic.html
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Old Jan 26, 2025 | 03:10 PM
  #58  
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82dbA for new passenger vehicle up to 2026 just below NYS. I don't have a db meter but I'll bet my CLE53 exhaust is much quieter. The engine itself at WOT is LOUDER!
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Old Jan 26, 2025 | 07:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Driver2
82dbA for new passenger vehicle up to 2026 just below NYS. I don't have a db meter but I'll bet my CLE53 exhaust is much quieter. The engine itself at WOT is LOUDER!
Perhaps.
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Old May 18, 2025 | 07:10 PM
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Well, I finally did it; after a lot of web research and Youtube I decided to Cut off the mufflers and replace them with straight SS pipes. $480 at a local exhaust shop.
I'll put together a description and some sound clips in a few days if anyone is interested.

But in summary:
1) The exhaust is louder especially at idle. Start-up is like "Emotion Start" - no valves.
2) There is a resonance at 1900-2200rpm but not bad. This seems to be a property of all ICE's.
3) It's not as loud overall as I expected and the the exhaust seems quieter as rpm increases. I think that this is a function of the straight 6 smoothness.
4) But the cracks and burbles are louder, success!, a better sounding AMG.

Also, I emailed 2 companies (BurgerTuning & MRT Performance) that make exhaust valve motor simulators. They both said that the 2023 versions do not prevent CEL's for 2024 and up MB's. So, I had the whole valve/motor case cut off from the mufflers and tacked to the new pipe. Everything is intact and "functions". I did get a CEL right away and I'm not sure what caused it but I suspect that the one of the valves got stuck due to its location. My very understanding dealer cleared the code. It did reoccur but, it seems that the valve got unstuck and the code cleared itself. So far so good...
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Old May 18, 2025 | 07:42 PM
  #61  
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Originally Posted by Driver2
Well, I finally did it; after a lot of web research and Youtube I decided to Cut off the mufflers and replace them with straight SS pipes. $480 at a local exhaust shop.
I'll put together a description and some sound clips in a few days if anyone is interested.

But in summary:
1) The exhaust is louder especially at idle. Start-up is like "Emotion Start" - no valves.
2) There is a resonance at 1900-2200rpm but not bad. This seems to be a property of all ICE's.
3) It's not as loud overall as I expected and the the exhaust seems quieter as rpm increases. I think that this is a function of the straight 6 smoothness.
4) But the cracks and burbles are louder, success!, a better sounding AMG.

Also, I emailed 2 companies (BurgerTuning & MRT Performance) that make exhaust valve motor simulators. They both said that the 2023 versions do not prevent CEL's for 2024 and up MB's. So, I had the whole valve/motor case cut off from the mufflers and tacked to the new pipe. Everything is intact and "functions". I did get a CEL right away and I'm not sure what caused it but I suspect that the one of the valves got stuck due to its location. My very understanding dealer cleared the code. It did reoccur but, it seems that the valve got unstuck and the code cleared itself. So far so good...
Can't wait to see the videos man!! I think i'm close to buying that RES exhaust. You heard of it? Does yours sound anything close to this? This way keeps the valve control:
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Old May 18, 2025 | 07:45 PM
  #62  
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Originally Posted by Driver2
Well, I finally did it; after a lot of web research and Youtube I decided to Cut off the mufflers and replace them with straight SS pipes. $480 at a local exhaust shop.
I'll put together a description and some sound clips in a few days if anyone is interested.

But in summary:
1) The exhaust is louder especially at idle. Start-up is like "Emotion Start" - no valves.
2) There is a resonance at 1900-2200rpm but not bad. This seems to be a property of all ICE's.
3) It's not as loud overall as I expected and the the exhaust seems quieter as rpm increases. I think that this is a function of the straight 6 smoothness.
4) But the cracks and burbles are louder, success!, a better sounding AMG.

Also, I emailed 2 companies (BurgerTuning & MRT Performance) that make exhaust valve motor simulators. They both said that the 2023 versions do not prevent CEL's for 2024 and up MB's. So, I had the whole valve/motor case cut off from the mufflers and tacked to the new pipe. Everything is intact and "functions". I did get a CEL right away and I'm not sure what caused it but I suspect that the one of the valves got stuck due to its location. My very understanding dealer cleared the code. It did reoccur but, it seems that the valve got unstuck and the code cleared itself. So far so good...
Woah nice I can't wait for an exhaust clip!
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Old May 18, 2025 | 07:46 PM
  #63  
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Originally Posted by ryzi
Can't wait to see the videos man!! I think i'm close to buying that RES exhaust. You heard of it? Does yours sound anything close to this? This way keeps the valve control:
https://www.tiktok.com/@res_exhaust_...94314199076142
Sounds pretty good but still eager to hear OP's
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Old May 18, 2025 | 09:19 PM
  #64  
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Originally Posted by ryzi
Can't wait to see the videos man!! I think i'm close to buying that RES exhaust. You heard of it? Does yours sound anything close to this? This way keeps the valve control:
https://www.tiktok.com/@res_exhaust_...94314199076142
I did look at the RES system. I thought that is was a very nice but also very pricey. It's an entire exhaust from cat back. I would have asked if they sold the mufflers separately but decided to go straight pipe instead. Plus, the stock exhaust is really a nice piece of work with a big, and hard to replace, oval pipe. The RES system eliminates the mid resonator and has mufflers with valves to bypass them and provide a straight piped exhaust.

The issue I had was that I believe that they use the stock computer controlled valve motors. From what I've heard, the valves start at 1/2 open and don't open fully until you rev over 4000rpm in S+ and go back to 1/2 open below that which I think kind of defeats the max exhaust sound potential.

My sound clips are taken from the drivers seat in my garage with the door closed but the sound difference wasn't very distinctive because the car won't rev above 4000rpm in Park. I'm sure it would be louder driving the car but I haven't done a drive-by with my car yet. Maybe I can work that out and have someone record it. TBD

I've seen/heard one video with the mid-resonator delete with 2 added resonators at the exits and, one with a muffler delete/straight pipe only. They sounded pretty much the same considering phone camera video sound isn't the best. IMO, any change would be an improvement.
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Old May 18, 2025 | 09:49 PM
  #65  
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Originally Posted by Driver2
I did look at the RES system. I thought that is was a very nice but also very pricey. It's an entire exhaust from cat back. I would have asked if they sold the mufflers separately but decided to go straight pipe instead. Plus, the stock exhaust is really a nice piece of work with a big, and hard to replace, oval pipe. The RES system eliminates the mid resonator and has mufflers with valves to bypass them and provide a straight piped exhaust.

The issue I had was that I believe that they use the stock computer controlled valve motors. From what I've heard, the valves start at 1/2 open and don't open fully until you rev over 4000rpm in S+ and go back to 1/2 open below that which I think kind of defeats the max exhaust sound potential.

My sound clips are taken from the drivers seat in my garage with the door closed but the sound difference wasn't very distinctive because the car won't rev above 4000rpm in Park. I'm sure it would be louder driving the car but I haven't done a drive-by with my car yet. Maybe I can work that out and have someone record it. TBD

I've seen/heard one video with the mid-resonator delete with 2 added resonators at the exits and, one with a muffler delete/straight pipe only. They sounded pretty much the same considering phone camera video sound isn't the best. IMO, any change would be an improvement.
That's good to know! I was actually talking to the RES guys earlier and he mentioned he could do the exhaust without the valve controller, and would charge 1K which is not too bad tbh! So excited to see your videos man.

Did you get any CELs upon removing the valve control, since there is sensors there? RES was unsure about it.

Last edited by ryzi; May 18, 2025 at 09:50 PM.
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Old May 18, 2025 | 10:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Driver2
I did look at the RES system. I thought that is was a very nice but also very pricey. It's an entire exhaust from cat back. I would have asked if they sold the mufflers separately but decided to go straight pipe instead. Plus, the stock exhaust is really a nice piece of work with a big, and hard to replace, oval pipe. The RES system eliminates the mid resonator and has mufflers with valves to bypass them and provide a straight piped exhaust.

The issue I had was that I believe that they use the stock computer controlled valve motors. From what I've heard, the valves start at 1/2 open and don't open fully until you rev over 4000rpm in S+ and go back to 1/2 open below that which I think kind of defeats the max exhaust sound potential.

My sound clips are taken from the drivers seat in my garage with the door closed but the sound difference wasn't very distinctive because the car won't rev above 4000rpm in Park. I'm sure it would be louder driving the car but I haven't done a drive-by with my car yet. Maybe I can work that out and have someone record it. TBD

I've seen/heard one video with the mid-resonator delete with 2 added resonators at the exits and, one with a muffler delete/straight pipe only. They sounded pretty much the same considering phone camera video sound isn't the best. IMO, any change would be an improvement.
Yup, hence why EVM makes a difference.
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Old May 18, 2025 | 10:20 PM
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Different car but same idea
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Old May 19, 2025 | 06:49 AM
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Originally Posted by W205C43PFL
I noticed that the valve is only half open.

Regarding the EVM, I was told by the service manager at the dealership that the computer in the 2024+ cars with Performance exhaust monitors the valves more than 2023 and prior cars. The feedback that I got from Burger and MRT was that the 2023 valve motor bypass plug was a motor "simulator". Now they need a motor "emulator". I'm guessing that 2023 and prior was more of a binary check, open/closed; 2024+ probably measures other specs like position and stall resistance. That'll require more complicated circuitry in a bypass plug and take time to develop, so that's why I decided to keep the whole valve/motor assy in tact.

The engineering and computer technology in this car is truly impressive but this level of monitoring for something as minor as an exhaust valve motor is a little overboard IMO. I had computer issues with the "Easy Entry" feature which bugged me Every day. That took 7 months to fix. But I touch the exhaust valve motor and the computer is all over that.
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Old May 19, 2025 | 07:20 AM
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Originally Posted by Driver2
I noticed that the valve is only half open.

Regarding the EVM, I was told by the service manager at the dealership that the computer in the 2024+ cars with Performance exhaust monitors the valves more than 2023 and prior cars. The feedback that I got from Burger and MRT was that the 2023 valve motor bypass plug was a motor "simulator". Now they need a motor "emulator". I'm guessing that 2023 and prior was more of a binary check, open/closed; 2024+ probably measures other specs like position and stall resistance. That'll require more complicated circuitry in a bypass plug and take time to develop, so that's why I decided to keep the whole valve/motor assy in tact.

The engineering and computer technology in this car is truly impressive but this level of monitoring for something as minor as an exhaust valve motor is a little overboard IMO. I had computer issues with the "Easy Entry" feature which bugged me Every day. That took 7 months to fix. But I touch the exhaust valve motor and the computer is all over that.
Maybe the more robust computer monitoring in the exhaust is from the EU's tighter noise (and exhaust, emissions, etc.). I don't know, just spitballing it. I do agree with your sentiment about what gets monitored versus what doesn't and which is more important to the driver/passenger/consumer than the political machine or some random rule out there somewhere.

Anyway, not my cup of tea anymore to straight pipe a vehicle, however I do applaud the road and effort you're going down. I am not up to snuff with the computer controlled vehicles of today and brave enough to start down that road. I can't wait to follow you and see (hear) you results. Carry on good sir!
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Old May 19, 2025 | 10:02 AM
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Originally Posted by Driver2
I noticed that the valve is only half open.

Regarding the EVM, I was told by the service manager at the dealership that the computer in the 2024+ cars with Performance exhaust monitors the valves more than 2023 and prior cars. The feedback that I got from Burger and MRT was that the 2023 valve motor bypass plug was a motor "simulator". Now they need a motor "emulator". I'm guessing that 2023 and prior was more of a binary check, open/closed; 2024+ probably measures other specs like position and stall resistance. That'll require more complicated circuitry in a bypass plug and take time to develop, so that's why I decided to keep the whole valve/motor assy in tact.

The engineering and computer technology in this car is truly impressive but this level of monitoring for something as minor as an exhaust valve motor is a little overboard IMO. I had computer issues with the "Easy Entry" feature which bugged me Every day. That took 7 months to fix. But I touch the exhaust valve motor and the computer is all over that.
Hmmm, sounds like much more steps involved to intercept the valves.
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Old May 19, 2025 | 10:03 AM
  #71  
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Originally Posted by PHXATC
Maybe the more robust computer monitoring in the exhaust is from the EU's tighter noise (and exhaust, emissions, etc.). I don't know, just spitballing it. I do agree with your sentiment about what gets monitored versus what doesn't and which is more important to the driver/passenger/consumer than the political machine or some random rule out there somewhere.

Anyway, not my cup of tea anymore to straight pipe a vehicle, however I do applaud the road and effort you're going down. I am not up to snuff with the computer controlled vehicles of today and brave enough to start down that road. I can't wait to follow you and see (hear) you results. Carry on good sir!
Hmmm, perhaps that is the case.
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Old Jul 4, 2025 | 08:39 PM
  #72  
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2024 CLE 53 AMG - Patagonia Red
Wanted to revive this as the exhaust is the biggest pain point of the car for me atm..

I’m close to pulling the trigger on the RES catback system. Is there anyone here who has experience with this system or has installed a different system that they’re happy with?

RES catback: https://www.res-exhaust.com/Mercedes...tem-PG10558639
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Old Jul 5, 2025 | 03:46 AM
  #73  
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Amg Cle 53
I actually am also interested in this system they also have the catted and catless downpipes with the catted option being 100/200/300 cell im actually not too sure what the differences are between the cell counts so im curious if anyones downpiped their car too! This car needs to be louder asap lol
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Old Jul 6, 2025 | 06:48 AM
  #74  
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Just pulled the trigger on the RES catback system. Production and delivery I’m told will take about 2 weeks. I’ll post back here with results following install
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Old Jul 25, 2025 | 03:27 AM
  #75  
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Originally Posted by W205C43PFL
Woah nice I can't wait for an exhaust clip!
Is there a video anywhere after mufflers delete ? Cant find it in the thread
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