REMOVED RESONATOR - WOW!!!!
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 54
Likes: 20
From: Michigan
2012 CLS
Thanks for taking the time to do the detailed video!! You have more than the resonator done on your exhaust though. That's why I was clarifying with people the only took off the true resonator, not the primary or secondary cats, or mufflers, but just the big box in the Center.
I did the downpipes about 6 months ago (catless) and the sound was better, but not great.
It wasn't until I had the resonator removed that I noticed a substantial increase in sound...which is what everyone else has experienced as well....including the OP.
Just my experience and $0.02....if it's been helpful, great...if not, I hope someone else can help!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,745
Likes: 2
From: NJ
w208
True, but I stated that up front. But to be clear, the resonator or the removal of it, is the primary cause of drone....not the cats. Secondly, the greatest volume of sound came after I removed the resonator.
I did the downpipes about 6 months ago (catless) and the sound was better, but not great.
It wasn't until I had the resonator removed that I noticed a substantial increase in sound...which is what everyone else has experienced as well....including the OP.
Just my experience and $0.02....if it's been helpful, great...if not, I hope someone else can help!
I did the downpipes about 6 months ago (catless) and the sound was better, but not great.
It wasn't until I had the resonator removed that I noticed a substantial increase in sound...which is what everyone else has experienced as well....including the OP.
Just my experience and $0.02....if it's been helpful, great...if not, I hope someone else can help!
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 54
Likes: 20
From: Michigan
2012 CLS
It should....the resonator is there to smooth out the exhaust sound, lower the volume, etc. The cats are responsible for the emissions.
Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 154
Likes: 11
From: St Louis
Merc CLS550
Makes sense it wouldn't have an effect--but I have done things that made sense on the front end--only to have regrets later
thanks!
Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 154
Likes: 11
From: St Louis
Merc CLS550
Intend to do this in a month (once my warranty runs out) and hoping someone can post who has removed the resonators AND passed their State's emissions test (preferably MO's)
Makes sense it wouldn't have an effect--but I have done things that made sense on the front end--only to have regrets later
thanks!
Makes sense it wouldn't have an effect--but I have done things that made sense on the front end--only to have regrets later
thanks!
I have to get them--where?
thanks
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 94
Likes: 26
From: Houston, TX
2018 Lexus LC500, 2020 GLE350 4Matic, 2005 Jeep Wrangler
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 94
Likes: 26
From: Houston, TX
2018 Lexus LC500, 2020 GLE350 4Matic, 2005 Jeep Wrangler
It cost me less than $150 to do it and a qualified muffler shop will have the necessary pipes to weld into place after they cut out the resonator.It was super quick and easy and I the car was finished in less than hour.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 94
Likes: 26
From: Houston, TX
2018 Lexus LC500, 2020 GLE350 4Matic, 2005 Jeep Wrangler
Exactly, no emission problems, thus no check engine lights. It's a very solid and cheap mod with AWESOME results. It also saves a ton of money versus actual exhaust replacement.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 94
Likes: 26
From: Houston, TX
2018 Lexus LC500, 2020 GLE350 4Matic, 2005 Jeep Wrangler
Correct, it shouldn't cost anymore than $200. My resonator was removed and pipes welded in it's place for under $150. Cats and mufflers were not touched.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 94
Likes: 26
From: Houston, TX
2018 Lexus LC500, 2020 GLE350 4Matic, 2005 Jeep Wrangler
Happy to hear of your results! This is one thing I still just can't pull the trigger on because a lot of people are intertwining terminologies.
You removed the resonator? The big box in the center of the car ONLY? Not the two secondary CATS that are a bubble shape? Also, left the mufflers towards the back correct?
appreciate your clarification! Let us hear that sound clip too!
You removed the resonator? The big box in the center of the car ONLY? Not the two secondary CATS that are a bubble shape? Also, left the mufflers towards the back correct?
appreciate your clarification! Let us hear that sound clip too!
I can't imagine spending $2000-$4000 for upgraded exhaust just for sound when this mod is such a better alternative.
If you want to spend a bunch of money on an exhaust for a horsepower gain, that's a different story. To each his own.....
Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 154
Likes: 11
From: St Louis
Merc CLS550
Correct, the resonator is the large box. It is simply cut out and two pipes are welded in it's place. The cats and mufflers are not touched. The sound is amazing and it's dirt cheap (and quick) to complete.
I can't imagine spending $2000-$4000 for upgraded exhaust just for sound when this mod is such a better alternative.
If you want to spend a bunch of money on an exhaust for a horsepower gain, that's a different story. To each his own.....
I can't imagine spending $2000-$4000 for upgraded exhaust just for sound when this mod is such a better alternative.
If you want to spend a bunch of money on an exhaust for a horsepower gain, that's a different story. To each his own.....
Can't wait to jump on it this week
Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 154
Likes: 11
From: St Louis
Merc CLS550
Just got this done--at a local Midas shop for $150. Took 2.5 hours or so.
I have read comments like "no big deal"--"minimal change" etc etc
I will tell you that this is a significant exhaust sound change. It is VERY noticeable--and I am having a tad bit of buyer's remorse--but believe that's because I'm used to the quieter sounds with the resonator on.
I came out of a 2012 Audi S5 with a naturally aspirated V8--and had been missing the throaty exhaust sound that car put out. I can tell you that this resonator delete mod has put my CLS in that same class and perhaps even more. It is as aggressive as I would ever want in any car. When you jump on it from a low speed--you HEAR it--windows up or down.
Thought I'd report in on my experience.
Again--this owner can't imagine paying a bunch of money for an even louder exhaust sound (which I would not want anyway)
I have read comments like "no big deal"--"minimal change" etc etc
I will tell you that this is a significant exhaust sound change. It is VERY noticeable--and I am having a tad bit of buyer's remorse--but believe that's because I'm used to the quieter sounds with the resonator on.
I came out of a 2012 Audi S5 with a naturally aspirated V8--and had been missing the throaty exhaust sound that car put out. I can tell you that this resonator delete mod has put my CLS in that same class and perhaps even more. It is as aggressive as I would ever want in any car. When you jump on it from a low speed--you HEAR it--windows up or down.
Thought I'd report in on my experience.
Again--this owner can't imagine paying a bunch of money for an even louder exhaust sound (which I would not want anyway)
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 38
Likes: 8
From: Scottsdale, Arizona
2014 CLS550 4MATIC
Just got this done--at a local Midas shop for $150. Took 2.5 hours or so.
I have read comments like "no big deal"--"minimal change" etc etc
I will tell you that this is a significant exhaust sound change. It is VERY noticeable--and I am having a tad bit of buyer's remorse--but believe that's because I'm used to the quieter sounds with the resonator on.
I came out of a 2012 Audi S5 with a naturally aspirated V8--and had been missing the throaty exhaust sound that car put out. I can tell you that this resonator delete mod has put my CLS in that same class and perhaps even more. It is as aggressive as I would ever want in any car. When you jump on it from a low speed--you HEAR it--windows up or down.
Thought I'd report in on my experience.
Again--this owner can't imagine paying a bunch of money for an even louder exhaust sound (which I would not want anyway)
I have read comments like "no big deal"--"minimal change" etc etc
I will tell you that this is a significant exhaust sound change. It is VERY noticeable--and I am having a tad bit of buyer's remorse--but believe that's because I'm used to the quieter sounds with the resonator on.
I came out of a 2012 Audi S5 with a naturally aspirated V8--and had been missing the throaty exhaust sound that car put out. I can tell you that this resonator delete mod has put my CLS in that same class and perhaps even more. It is as aggressive as I would ever want in any car. When you jump on it from a low speed--you HEAR it--windows up or down.
Thought I'd report in on my experience.
Again--this owner can't imagine paying a bunch of money for an even louder exhaust sound (which I would not want anyway)
Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 154
Likes: 11
From: St Louis
Merc CLS550
getting used to it--but it is borderline obnoxious (at certain times)
"X-pipe" Is this something I"d have to buy and supply to the shop?
and how much do you think it would quiet it down.
I'd have to guess that if I could end up 1/2 way between the OEM and this straight pipe set up--that could be ideal (in my world)
Thanks !
"X-pipe" Is this something I"d have to buy and supply to the shop?
and how much do you think it would quiet it down.
I'd have to guess that if I could end up 1/2 way between the OEM and this straight pipe set up--that could be ideal (in my world)
Thanks !
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 38
Likes: 8
From: Scottsdale, Arizona
2014 CLS550 4MATIC
getting used to it--but it is borderline obnoxious (at certain times)
"X-pipe" Is this something I"d have to buy and supply to the shop?
and how much do you think it would quiet it down.
I'd have to guess that if I could end up 1/2 way between the OEM and this straight pipe set up--that could be ideal (in my world)
Thanks !
"X-pipe" Is this something I"d have to buy and supply to the shop?
and how much do you think it would quiet it down.
I'd have to guess that if I could end up 1/2 way between the OEM and this straight pipe set up--that could be ideal (in my world)
Thanks !
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/j...iABEgIGg_D_BwE
Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 154
Likes: 11
From: St Louis
Merc CLS550
Some shops carry them. They are pretty cheap, you can find them from some popular racing stores, like Jegs or Summit Racing.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/j...iABEgIGg_D_BwE
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/j...iABEgIGg_D_BwE
Can you guesstimate what the resonating effect of the X pipe would be vs the straights? In other words--do you think it's half way between with resonator and straight pipes?
Subjective I know--
thanks
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 66
Likes: 7
From: Memphis
2013 CLS550
Ok so this may be a dumb question from someone new to all this, but here goes..... I am planning on perhaps a CPU upgrade and aftermarket exhaust in a couple months. Goals are to keep things fairly simple and get some more horsepower out of this engine as well as improve the exhaust tone/sound/volume. So does removing the resonator improve flow and give any additional power or is it just for sound? Also, do you guys recommend doing aftermarket muffler as well?? or is this all that is needed?
Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 154
Likes: 11
From: St Louis
Merc CLS550
Ok so this may be a dumb question from someone new to all this, but here goes..... I am planning on perhaps a CPU upgrade and aftermarket exhaust in a couple months. Goals are to keep things fairly simple and get some more horsepower out of this engine as well as improve the exhaust tone/sound/volume. So does removing the resonator improve flow and give any additional power or is it just for sound? Also, do you guys recommend doing aftermarket muffler as well?? or is this all that is needed?
Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 151
Likes: 1
From: Fairfax, VA
2019 CLS450 4matic, 2013 CLS550 4matic (totaled), 2005 C55 (traded), & a Ford F150
Anyone else worried about the new welds rusting and then contaminating the rest of the exhaust pipes? I've never had a problem with factory welds but for some reason every time I've had a custom exhaust, no matter which shop I took it too, a couple of years later the welds and surrounding pipes would be rusted through. Maybe it's been the redneck shops I have used who didn't use the right type of weld or didn't "treat" the welds after making them, I don't know. Hopefully someone with a better understanding of metallurgy and welding can chime in.
Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 146
Likes: 6
From: Georgia
2010 S550 + 2014 CLS63 + 1993 300zx TT + 2014 Pathfinder + 2013 Hyundai Sanata
Did you lower your car? If so which tuner did you get the hardware from? How many inches did it drop and how much cash? Also, what did the shop charge to put the catless downpipes on?
Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 146
Likes: 6
From: Georgia
2010 S550 + 2014 CLS63 + 1993 300zx TT + 2014 Pathfinder + 2013 Hyundai Sanata
Well, I read numerous threads and watched a number of videos on YouTube about removing the resonator on the CLS550 so I decided to give it a shot.
WHAT A DIFFERENCE!! Nice burble at idle and during acceleration, but quiet while at a constant cruising speed. The difference is absolutely incredible without spending the big bucks on a all new exhaust system. A reputable muffler shop removed the resonator and welded in straight pipes in less than an hour for $140.
Well worth it.
WHAT A DIFFERENCE!! Nice burble at idle and during acceleration, but quiet while at a constant cruising speed. The difference is absolutely incredible without spending the big bucks on a all new exhaust system. A reputable muffler shop removed the resonator and welded in straight pipes in less than an hour for $140.
Well worth it.
Hey Pgolfco,
Did you get any drone in the cabin or was the noise feedback relatively the same? Also did you get any error codes to pop up on the dash? I'm thinking about doing this when I get home in a few days.
Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 154
Likes: 11
From: St Louis
Merc CLS550
I haven't heard any "drone". It really growls at low RPM under heavy throttle--borderline obnoxious. Think some of it is lack of insulation between the trunk and cabin (back seats are not sound proof enough)
Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 146
Likes: 6
From: Georgia
2010 S550 + 2014 CLS63 + 1993 300zx TT + 2014 Pathfinder + 2013 Hyundai Sanata
That's F'in awesome.... I'm getting it done ASAP and posting a video and pic.
Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 146
Likes: 6
From: Georgia
2010 S550 + 2014 CLS63 + 1993 300zx TT + 2014 Pathfinder + 2013 Hyundai Sanata
I know what your saying bro but that's what I'm looking for. I have a S class for the quiet day at the park or Sunday drives. But I bought the CLS63 to do one thing and one thing only and that's destroy every and anything in it's pathway including people's eardrums. If the drone inside the cabin is horrid then I'll just reinstall the resonator. But the way I see it is if my buddy cut the resenator off of his Dodge Hell Cat and has little to no drone the Mercedes should easily have twice the insulation and sound proofing prohibiting extreme outside noises. But one thing is for sure.... we will see how it goes in a few hours LOL!
