jddumas

I know this topic has been discussed in the past but I opted to bring it up again in case there has been a change in some of your opinions or thoughts.
I'm wanting to upgrade my exhaust, cat back, to gain a deeper and slightly louder sound. I don't want it too loud, so that it no longer sounds stock, but maybe a little louder.
I know Eisenmann has three different sizes and levels but I'm not sure which would fill the bill. Also, I've noticed some folks go with the AMG exhaust. I'm open to suggestions on these and other systems and would appreciate your input. Also, if you could offer suggestions on where to get them new or used, and what I can expect to pay.
Thanks in advance!

clkal

go with the eisenmann race exhaust.

SoCalCLK

If you are on the conservative side, and want a non-offensive, but deep rumble exhaust note, you won't be disappointed by the AMG.

Plus the oval-ish stainless tips go really well with the rear bumper!

Chappy

Well, Joey....you've heard the AMG exhaust "up close" at full-tilt. What do you think?

trd277

The AMG is absolutely intoxicating...perfect blend of rumble when you get on it and passive when you cruise.

SoCalCLK

Well said! Perfect description.

jddumas

Where do I get the AMG exhaust w/o paying an arm and a leg at the dealer--as I expect I would?
I know from Chappy's dream machine it sounds awesome, but it's also a true AMG. Any experiences on the comparisons of that and a 430 with the AMG cat back exhaust.
I almost bought a 2001 CLK430 with an Eisenmann exhaust but I don't know if it was the sport, performance or race exhaust. It sounded awesome but not knowing which one it was, I'm afraid of getting the wrong one and it being too loud, or not loud enough.
Now the dilemma is even worse since hearing Chappy's CLK.
HELP!!!!!!!!!!

Chappy

Buy a CLK55.......problem solved

j/k

I'll shoot an e-mail to a guy I met last summer at a Florida GTG. He had a Eisenmann exhaust on his CLK430 cab. It was louder than my exhuast, but a little more 'racy'.

I'll try to find out if he had the race or one of the others.

jddumas

Hey Chappy, some of us learn as we go and later realize that we should have done some more research and moved up to the AMG to start with. LOL
You'll get a kick out of this!
To be honest with you, and as I have told you in the past, I have always been a huge BMW fan and really didn't know much about the CLK's. I just seen the car and liked the looks of it and had no idea what an AMG was since CLK's are pretty rare in my area. I just thought it was just an appearance package--boy was I wrong. In fact, I didn't know until I was in the middle of signing the paperwork to buy the car I fell in love with. Here is the short story.
I was test driving a new M-3 SMG for a couple of hours and was passing by the Mercedes dealer and seen two CLK's on the lot. I went back and looked at them, a 2001 and a 2002. The 2002, which I eventually bought, had an AMG badge on the trunk but I didn't even ask why the 2001 didn't. I just thought it was taken off for some reason. I was confused and thought it was just an appearance package since both looked the same, except for the AMG badge on the rear of mine, because the wheels had AMG on them as well--I thought both were AMG's. I drove them both and the power was realistically all I needed so I opted for the 2002 because it was cleaner, newer, lower mileage and it was previously owned by Matt Roberts--I'm a big 3 Doors Down Fan. Anyway, when I was signing the paperwork they made sure that I knew that the car wasn't a true AMG. That's when I discovered that there was more to an AMG than an appearance package.
If I had to do it over again, I probably would have hunted for a CLK55, but realistically what I have is all I need. There are some things it doesn't have that I wish it did, but other than that, I'm happy with what I have. It just needs a few mior mods to be complete.
Besides, I'm in Atlanta enough on business that I can always ride with you or one of the other guys, and not have to get the tickets. LOL

Mark D.

I have a Renntech exhaust, and I think it's the best one on the market.

It's a much name better brand (better tuning co.) than Eisemann and the tips are much bigger (stand out more) than the AMG.

It didn't make my car at all louder, only deeper.

The best part, it's under $900.

jddumas

Did the Renntech require any bumper trimming? That would be a big factor for me. Also, did you get the muffler or the whole system? I'm assuming the muffler is the whole section after the cat. conv.
I'd lke for it to be a little louder at start-up. You didn't have any change? What about when you get on it? Any power difference?
Sorry for all the questions...but thanks!

Mark D.

I only have the muffler. I don't think they make a full cat back system, I'm not sure though.

No bumper trimming at all. It fits perfectly.

I'm not sure if it's louder because I've had it for over a year now. I forget how the stock sound was. I just know it's not loud, but the sound it great.

I had my car next to a CLK55 at the dealer one day, and my tips make the AMG tips look tiny. I'll post new pics of my car this weekend, once I wash it.

CiLKY

If you want an Eisenmann High performance(middle) let me know cuz I'm sellin my car.

I've had both the race and the step down (high performance). The race was way to loud for a mercedes.......too much resonance but the high perf is perfect!

I'll also be selling my wooden door pulls and my C32 brakes.

I plan on pulling it all off this weekend.

Chappy

Sorry to lose another CLK owner.

What are you getting to replace it?

jddumas

Thanks Mark D. for the info. and I look forward to the pics.

CilKY, is yours the oval, 2X27 round, or 2X83 round?
How long have you had it? Is it on a CLK 430? Condition? Price? Pics?

Chappy

BTW, I have received a response from Jim C. and have directed him to this thread....

He has the race exhaust.

Benzoxtc

Anyone have any comments on the Kleeman exhaust?

CiLKY

Mine is the Twin 83mm Tips style.......looks great and fits the stock bumper like a glove. I've had it for about a year, it is in as new shape. I clean it everytime I clean my wheels. I'll get pics once I take it off. New this goes for $600 make me an offer......my email is m3jeremy@hotmail.com.


Chappy,
I just found out my car is going out of warranty so I want to get something newer with paid service.....my local BMW dealer has a 330i with the HP package with service and warranty till 08-2009 or 100,000 miles. Looking at that right now, but nothing serious just yet.

Chappy

If you end up getting the bimmer, you'll have to get a new hat, bittch! :p

j/k

We'll miss ya around here.

jddumas

He's not going to leave us. He'll find him a Starmarked Benz and get a 100k mi warranty like I did.
The 330 is a nice ride though.

Chappy

Yeah, but they don't have any celeb cars in NC, do they now?

jddumas

John Edwards may have a Benz to trade in. Or he might find one of Hootie's old cars in S. Carolina......Hmm. LOL

CiLKY

hahahaha you guys are crazy!!!

yeah I won't leave.....I'll still post and check things out from time to time. Also I'll still try to meet up with you guys if you have meets and so on.


The starmark isn't as good as you think though. It is only good for 12 months from the end of the original warranty or till the car reaches 100,000 miles....... which is why I'm selling mine cuz my starmark just ran out.

Plus I'd like to get something with a shifter....tired of the automatic.:p

jddumas

The search is over. Thanks to everyone for their advice and input. That's one of the things I like most about this forum--people are eager to take a minute to lend a hand.

CiLKY hooked me up with his Eisenmann twin 83mm high performance and even met me in Greenville, SC this evening for delivery. Thanks bro!

I still give a vote for him to get a newer CLK and buy the extra time on the Starmark. Besides you can still shift it, you just won't have to press a clutch pedal!!!!

Thanks again for all the help.

Chappy

Nice. Looking forward to hearing/seeing the mod