Want to upgrade exhaust system on 03 CLK 500, need advice
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
clk500
Want to upgrade exhaust system on 03 CLK 500, need advice
Basically my catalytic converter is going and I thought it'd be a good time to deal with the exhaust system since I have to get it worked on now. Can someone point me in the right direction as to what type of parts and brands I should be looking at and where to bring it?
Thanks
Thanks
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 784
Likes: 29
From: NYC
2004 CLK 500
I got custom one done for much cheaper and much better than buying a ready made kit. Just go online and hear different universal exhaust and see which one you like. if you want muffler or no muffler . if you choose no muffler you will get drone . especially if you remove the middle resonator . plus custom allows you to do dual exhaust which look much better .
Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 217
Likes: 19
From: Chicago, IL
2003 CLK500, 2003 CLK55, 2008 CLK550
Exactly what kb24 said.
One of my secondary cats detached and was spinning in the housing. I just had a shop cut it out and weld in a test pipe. It was <$100 and gave it a bit more grunt. No considerable power increase tho.
If its a primary cat, thats a little different. Do you have to do emission testing?
The secondary cats are after the emissions O2 sensors, so the secondaries can be cut out without any emissions issues or CEL.
One of my secondary cats detached and was spinning in the housing. I just had a shop cut it out and weld in a test pipe. It was <$100 and gave it a bit more grunt. No considerable power increase tho.
If its a primary cat, thats a little different. Do you have to do emission testing?
The secondary cats are after the emissions O2 sensors, so the secondaries can be cut out without any emissions issues or CEL.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
2007 clk350 w209
Why would you wantg to do that? save your money for when the cmashaft\crankshoft position gets out of timing, or when the balance shaft fails, or when the transmission control plate needs to be replaced.
I am trying to be honest, I like these cars a lot, but save up a good amount for repairs because they will be needed. Drive it stock and try to keep up for as long as possible is my advice.
Not worth shelling cash on custom pipes now, then realize in a few months that your car is in limp home mode and needs a new transmission.
I am trying to be honest, I like these cars a lot, but save up a good amount for repairs because they will be needed. Drive it stock and try to keep up for as long as possible is my advice.
Not worth shelling cash on custom pipes now, then realize in a few months that your car is in limp home mode and needs a new transmission.
Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 217
Likes: 19
From: Chicago, IL
2003 CLK500, 2003 CLK55, 2008 CLK550
Wow, who pissed in your cheerios clk350? Lol.
1. The crankshaft position sensor is $50-100 at Napa, and although its not the easiest job ive ever done, its hardly anything you would need a mechanic for. One electrical connection, one screw, and a little bit of blind working.
2. There is no issue with balance shafts for the CLK500 which has the M113, its a mostly bulletproof motor. Thats the v6 and the newer v8 that have that issues.
3. The transmission control plate does sometimes need to be replaced. Yeah, it sucks. But you can go on ebay and get kits for $75-200 for the plate and gaskets.
The 03 clk was pretty stout overall. It does have some issues, but if you are a DIYer, these are not all that expensive of a car to work on.
Get the test pipes welded in, you will not regret it!
1. The crankshaft position sensor is $50-100 at Napa, and although its not the easiest job ive ever done, its hardly anything you would need a mechanic for. One electrical connection, one screw, and a little bit of blind working.
2. There is no issue with balance shafts for the CLK500 which has the M113, its a mostly bulletproof motor. Thats the v6 and the newer v8 that have that issues.
3. The transmission control plate does sometimes need to be replaced. Yeah, it sucks. But you can go on ebay and get kits for $75-200 for the plate and gaskets.
The 03 clk was pretty stout overall. It does have some issues, but if you are a DIYer, these are not all that expensive of a car to work on.
Get the test pipes welded in, you will not regret it!
