ToddSetaghian

I have a 2003 E320 and the more I drive my car the more I want to fix it up. I love everything about the car, however I would like to know if there is anything i can do to mak it just a little better. My parents have an 2006 M45 Infiniti and it sound awsome. Any suggestions on how to improve the exhaust sound or engine performance ?

vraa

Get an exhaust. You might gain a few hp (doubt it) but it'll sound a lot better.

You can get an Eisenmann exhaust from EuroteckMotorsports.
neal@euroteckmotorsports.com

DWP

I have to wonder why M-B didn't put a little effort into improving the idling engine sound of the E500. It's supposed to be a high-performance sports sedan, after all, but it sounds like a Buick. The M45 doesn't do much for me overall - it sure is a tall car, and the dash is very ... strange - but it does indeed have a mean, rumbly exhaust note. The Japanese know the importance of selling the sizzle as well as the steak.

vraa

E55 is supposed to be the high performance sedan. Otherwise all the rest of the Mercedes' are supposed to be as quiet as possible (with the exception of the C's that are distinctly called sport sedans).

The M45 has a different audience and it also evokes a different feeling. When i see a white E500 I see class, luxury, respect -- stuff like that.
When I see a M45 I see raw power, Japanese muscle car, advanced technology.
Just different perceptions because of previous advertising and experience embedded into my mind. No where do I see the E500 as a hot rod of any sense (partly because the E55 exists as well).

DWP

Good points, but I wonder if M-B's sound engineering of the W211 will change with the '07 models. M-B is doing a C-Class number with the E-Class, splitting the range into distinct "Sport" and "Luxury" models. The differences between the models, like the current "Sport" package, will be almost entirely cosmetic, so I wouldn't be surprised if M-B gave the "Sport" model a "sporty" exhaust note to go with the go-fast visuals.

vraa

Ah, I didn't even think of options / packages.
That would be an interesting and obvious route to take. Why not actually have the sport package do something sporty

edspider

I do hope MB sticks with the concept of quiet and luxury for the non-AMG and non-Sport models. I had that Infiniti M and after 6 months could not stand the "sport tuned exhaust". To me it was just loud engine noise. I also didn't like the firm ride. I switched to the 06 E350 and absolutely love the car. The ride and quiet is excellent.