pgolfco

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.

Sohaib Iqbal

Post a video of the start-up and revs if you can. You're getting me excited too.

TTMBCLS

have a gopro and drive it around.

citizensane

Can this be easily/reasonably ($) reversed?

pgolfco

Yes. A qualified muffler shop can simply weld it right back in place if you so choose. I asked to keep the resonator (just in case) and the muffler shop put it in a box for me so I could take it home.

citizensane

Whats the approx install cost on this thing? It seems like it wouldn't be much

Also---how much lower does this get you vs the standard air suspension already on the car?

Newjd2

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!

citizensane

here's a you tube on the modificationhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_zKsUSbsSs

citizensane

I am reading that a resonator delete could create engine "drone". Not sure exactly what that would sound like. However, it is said to be annoying
Any thoughts/experience?

Acidic Reflux

Ive been quoted $600 plus the straight pipes for my resonater delete in CLS550. Noway in hell Im spending that much on getting this done. I'm contemplating between Meisterschaft or Renntech. They bith are like $400 apart. Just can't figure out which one. I think Meisterschaft will be a bit too loud and aggressive. From the videos Renntech sounds much subtle but I could be wrong.

citizensane

I'd shop around if I were you--I have read many posts that a muffler shop will charge no more than $200 (and in some cases--$100)
This looks like a very simple procedure that any welder could do in short order

sparacing

Acid, that's insane...I just got mine done at a local muffler shop (they also did my catless downpipes...MBH Motorsports, and exhaust tips)...cost me $127 out the door. The included materials and labor.

citizensane

One of the national chains?

Acidic Reflux

100-200$ sounds reasonable man, but these guys are ridiculous. Should I check out Midas? Never got anything done from them before but the youtube video guys looks satisfied. But their reviews are horrible.

sparacing

Nah, Muffler Man is a local shop.

sparacing

Clarification....the $127 was just for the resonator delete. The tips and downpipes were done previously.

National chains are hit and miss....the big thing I'd check for is to see if they do any custom work...and/or any customers you could talk to.

That's how I found my guy...he was here locally, but had a couple of people recommend him. Is the place that was asking ridiculous money a small local shop?

Before I had Muffler Man do the work, I had the place that does my servicing and tuning quote me...they were significantly higher as well.

Acidic Reflux

No, these guys are local but have few branches and are quite popular for tuning, service, exhaust upgrades.

Btw yesterday I was talking to the AMG Specialist at the dealership and he recommended to instead of resonator delete, which creates a drone at 60-70 mph), I should get a high flow resonator from Borla, Magnaflow or FLowmaster and replace it. That way it'll be the same effect but without the drone. Not sure how accurate that is. He also advised to not go for the renntech or meisterschaft mufflers as they are really not worth the amount they cost and the best bet is the high flow resonator.

I checked out Midas near me, first of all the guys were like don't do it to your car it sounds perfect but they did say they can easily do it for 95$/hr and might take like 2 hours max.

FYI - The AMG Specialist did tell me that in reality CLS550 have about 449 HP with with over 500 ft-lbs torque. Mercedes advertises it lower so that it does not contend with the S550.

0mercy

Bro the resonator is for sound which is tied into the exhaust similar to a Cadillac converter. The suspension has nothing to do with this MOD.

0mercy

I'm thinking about doing this MOD to my CLS63 however I'd like to know some more information. Did you notice any difference in HP, acceleration or anything seeing how you don't have as much back pressure any more? Do you have any pictures of the install or pictures prior to the install because I'm interested in seeing exactly where the resonator is located at? And lastly, do you know what Acid Reflux is talking about in reference to the "DRONE" because I'm lost in the sauce on that one. I can only guess that this is some type of sound that a resonator prevents which you can counter by purchasing a high flow resonator and still reap the rewards without gaining the drone deal. But again.... WTF is a drone.... I personally have a Mavic Pro LOL.

sparacing

Wow, good info! So I will say I haven't noticed a drone at 60ish but I'll take it out today and run it on I-75 to see if I notice it at higher speeds.

I agree with the no renntech/meisterschaft/FIE mufflers. Dont get me wrong, I love the exhaust note, but man they are just waaaaaaaaaay expensive. Even the MEC Designs mufflers are pricey. I really want the FIE mufflers, but just can't justify the price.

I'll do a couple of vids and post them on youtube so you can get an idea of what it sounds like.

Acidic Reflux

Bro 'drone' is basically a noise that fills the cabin at certain speeds which can be annoying on highway driving. Resonators are specifically built to keep noises like these from entering the cabin.
I'm not saying this happens with the CLS 218s as a lot of people are running without resonators for a long time without any issues.
High flow resonators (according to the AMG specialist) are straight through allowing air flow easy just like resonator delete, but have a layer of insulation around it to keep the drone out.
I could be wrong but I'm just explaining what the guy explained me.

Acidic Reflux

Some videos will be awesome man!

I got a quote from one of the Fi Exhaust dealers earlier and they were asking $4450 for valvetronic muffler, mid x pipe and silver quad tips! Insane! But I agree that if a exhaust sounds awesome its Fi.

Waiting for the vids and drone feedback.

sparacing

Ok so I did a video of primarily inside the cabin to give you an idea of the drone (or rather the lack of drone). I wanted to add some outside the car shots, but didnt get a chance to video it.

Hopefully it helps bro! I've noticed zero drone with the resonator removed.

*I had to video this using my cell phone, so forgive the quality.... *

Newjd2

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.

Acidic Reflux

Thanks for the awesome video! Your car sounds amazing.