hkpooh

I had a BMW 540 before and one mod I did was removed the resonator and replaced it with a 3" mandrel bent pipe and the car sound totally different... is like unleashing the sound of a V8. Does CLK 500 have similar resonator and can it be replace like that? will that make the car more throaty?

MikeL

Chop the resonator and put on an exhaust. I suggest either Brabus or Eisenmann. My buddy striaght piped his C55 and it sounds like a beast.

vraa

Yeah but that costs cash.

Your CLK does have a resonator, do the same thing

Frisco

I've been meaning to make time to get over to my muffler guy and have him cut out the resonator but haven't done it yet - if I can get over there on Monday, I'll post a sound clip.

pisces777

I'm taking the resonator off this week. We shall see how it's going to sound. One concern though. I heard that you loose a bit of torque. Any thoughts anyone?

AznxKCBoy

i have actually talked to some people about removing resonators..they said you may not past smog..is that true?

mleskovar

Maybe, maybe not. If the exhaust system is visually inspected by someone who knows (or cares) about alterations/modifications they can be within the law to say it doesn't pass due to the changes....unless the changes are certified. Or they just measure the exhaust contents and do the OBDII hookup and you pass. Technically you cannot alter the exhaust system....is my understanding. But usually they don't care or know stock from altered on a Benz and you pass.

MikeL

No one cares about a removed resonator. I smogged my car fairly recently with resonator removed and with an aftermarket exhaust on. I passed with ease. Resonator has nothing to do with emmissions. It's just an intermediate muffler that helps quiet things down.

Ghostrider

I had mine removed last week, and paired it up with an Eisenmann race, sounds better than good. Did not lose any torque though, you should actually gain some, based on now unrestricted path of exit from the cats.

hkpooh

wooo tempting ^^, I might just go remove it then, not sure if I want to pair an exhaust though, I found hardly any performance shop around south cal have those instock and I hate waiting ><

pisces777

Sounds good. I have an Eisenmann race exhaust as well. Let's wait and see. Or let me rephrase, let's wait and LISTEN!!!

Ghostrider

With the bigger displacement on the W209's it will make you not even want to turn on the radio. Let me know how it works out.

Frisco

I wasn't able to make it into the shop last monday but am scheduled to get it done next monday. Anyone with the Eisenmann that does it before me or already has done it, please let me know how you like it or if there was any negative impact.

pisces777

The resonator is out! The sound is really good. It's at least 20% louder, which is what i always wanted. Sounds a bit like a Mustang Cobra. I dyno tested the car before and after it went under the knife and the numbers were consistent. No losses. No significant gains (+1bhp and +0.5 torque). Also, I met TMans yesterday in Calabasas. He filmed the car at multiple revs. Can't wait for the post. I hope it will sound as good on video.

Joe

Ghostrider

Way to go, now all you need to do is get a new muffler for a true catback system.

Congrats

pisces777

I wish i could take the cats out.

SoCalCLK

Correct. The exhaust system is usually inspected for the presence of a Catalytic convertor (or 2), but the Resonator's purpose is related to its name, that is to resonate the sound of the exhuast no an acceptable decible level.
Sometimes, the resonator slows down exhaust flow in order to do so, I would remove it and you should be happy with the improved exhaust note and a little better high-end performance.

hkpooh

woo congrats!
I live around Arcadia I used a place called super muffler I believe (on my 540). guess I will pay them a visit again ^^

onkelmarknr1

pfpfpfp thats the eisenmann:

http://www.eisenmann-technik.de/ausp...vs_rbrk_33.php

Ghostrider

P triple7, I would get a set of headers first. Then I would look into high flow cats, they are as close to no cats as the law will allow. They also provide pretty good flow, performance and sound.

He@t

Nice! waiting on the vid! U think u can take pics of after the surgery?

The resonator is the box before the exhaust tips correct?

pisces777

Alright, i finally got the videos. Tried posting them but got errors. If you'd like, PM me with your personal email address for a demo.

The box before the exhaust tips is your muffler. The resonator is between your cats and your muffler. It's a smaller box consisting of a sound-eliminating chamber.

He@t

I tryd but got this "pisces777 has exceeded their stored private messages quota and can not accept further messages until they clear some space."


Its h3at@aol.com

pisces777

Sorry, cleaned up my inbox. Emailed it to the above address.

He@t

Thnx alot bro! Great lookin car.

Why the hell did i see that clip now i have to take out my resonator!! It Sounds Like a beast!