ML500 exhaust upgrade?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 14
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From: Milton, GA
2006 ML500 w/ AMG body package
ML500 exhaust upgrade?
Anybody done an exhaust upgrade or no somebody that has?
I was at my local shop and we are looking at doingsomething (back part only) to make it look like the ML63 and sound better but, I'm looking for ideas etc...
I was at my local shop and we are looking at doingsomething (back part only) to make it look like the ML63 and sound better but, I'm looking for ideas etc...
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 9
Likes: 3
2006 Mercedes ML500
Hey I just did mine Saturday myself all custom I've been searching and studying which exhaust I can go with I can upload images and a video for you if you still interested ?
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 38
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From: Olympia, WA
ML 350
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
2009 ML 550
I have been looking at options since we got the truck and I think before I jump the gun and do a full exhaust upgrade im going to do a resonator delete. But when I do an exhaust upgrade im planning on going with borla or magnaflow.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 9
Likes: 3
2006 Mercedes ML500
made it to be direct fit so i can take it off if i want too go back to stock i will be making them on order to people who are interested with all the right bends.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Olympia, WA
ML 350
Right on, thanks for posting. Your changes seemed to have done the trick. Much more throaty now and i think that is what you were after.
I dont know much about exhaust but is it pissible to just remove resonators only and get a nice sound?
I dont know much about exhaust but is it pissible to just remove resonators only and get a nice sound?
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2006 Mercedes ML500
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Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 108
Likes: 10
From: Switzerland
2019 S560 Maybach
I redid the exhaust on my ML500 too. My buddy is a mechanic and installed some Flowmasters (not sure what series) right behind the cats and did his best to straight pipe the rest, no more resonators either. If you know someone who does great custom work, go custom. The ready made fitted systems are all way too expensive for what they are.
It is now louder than a ML63. Love the looks I get when I drive past an AMG and rev. Like the one in the video, mine has a sleeper look too.
Just remember that there will be more cabin noise, so be careful not to go too loud. The way mine sits you are still able to whisper to each other while cruising, but will hear nothing but V8 roaring when flooring it.
*Sidenote* Because the mufflers are behind the cats and the pipes are pretty much straight, the system hangs about 1" lower than stock on the pipes, but is normal on the tips.
*Pricing* My set up cost me $550, that was for parts, materials, and labor. Might be higher or lower at other shops, but my buddy installed only high quality metals, which raised the price a little (but I still got the friend and family discount). In my opinion it's totally worth that price compared to other options.
It is now louder than a ML63. Love the looks I get when I drive past an AMG and rev. Like the one in the video, mine has a sleeper look too.
Just remember that there will be more cabin noise, so be careful not to go too loud. The way mine sits you are still able to whisper to each other while cruising, but will hear nothing but V8 roaring when flooring it.
*Sidenote* Because the mufflers are behind the cats and the pipes are pretty much straight, the system hangs about 1" lower than stock on the pipes, but is normal on the tips.
*Pricing* My set up cost me $550, that was for parts, materials, and labor. Might be higher or lower at other shops, but my buddy installed only high quality metals, which raised the price a little (but I still got the friend and family discount). In my opinion it's totally worth that price compared to other options.
Last edited by SunnyT; Feb 20, 2014 at 11:38 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 9
Likes: 3
2006 Mercedes ML500
Yeah I'm selling my correct fit for about $500.00 either people buy it online or they come by my shop and get it installed I've done 2 so far and they both love it and next week i have a Ml63 to do and also have a x5 I'm custom making to direct fit as well
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 51
Likes: 3
From: California
W164, W163, W220, W211
I posted in another thread also but here it is.
Hi, I also did the an exhaust change to my ML500 and it sounds much aggressive and very nice on the roads.
here is a video
I asked the shop about magna flow, but he recommended just go straight-pipe
Hi, I also did the an exhaust change to my ML500 and it sounds much aggressive and very nice on the roads.
here is a video
I asked the shop about magna flow, but he recommended just go straight-pipe
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Olympia, WA
ML 350
Thanks NSS. That definitely sounds good. It looks like the project can be done quickly and inexpensively.
How does it sound just driving down the road without "getting on it." Is it quiet? Also, i have a 350 so i'm down 2 cylinders from yours.
Anyhow, thanks for posting.
Bryce
How does it sound just driving down the road without "getting on it." Is it quiet? Also, i have a 350 so i'm down 2 cylinders from yours.
Anyhow, thanks for posting.
Bryce
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 51
Likes: 3
From: California
W164, W163, W220, W211
Thanks NSS. That definitely sounds good. It looks like the project can be done quickly and inexpensively.
How does it sound just driving down the road without "getting on it." Is it quiet? Also, i have a 350 so i'm down 2 cylinders from yours.
Anyhow, thanks for posting.
Bryce
How does it sound just driving down the road without "getting on it." Is it quiet? Also, i have a 350 so i'm down 2 cylinders from yours.
Anyhow, thanks for posting.
Bryce
Yes it does sound very nice and loud, and matter a fact when I take off from home to the light, my dad can hear it very loud.
Yes the sound is there between 1500-2200 RPM from 15MPH-60MPH, and yes it is inexpensive upgrade and is worth it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,894
Likes: 8
From: Connecticut
2003 CLK55
I posted in another thread also but here it is.
Hi, I also did the an exhaust change to my ML500 and it sounds much aggressive and very nice on the roads.
here is a video
http://youtu.be/aNCJ9YN-4Z0
I asked the shop about magna flow, but he recommended just go straight-pipe
Hi, I also did the an exhaust change to my ML500 and it sounds much aggressive and very nice on the roads.
here is a video
http://youtu.be/aNCJ9YN-4Z0
I asked the shop about magna flow, but he recommended just go straight-pipe
I'm thinking about going this route of just cutting off the mufflers and going straight pipe, but leaving on the resonators in the middle of the truck.
My goal is to have a nice sound but avoid the droning sound that can be heard inside the truck at highway speeds.
Can anyone tell me how bad the drone inside the cabin would be without the mufflers?
Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 108
Likes: 10
From: Switzerland
2019 S560 Maybach
I didn't like it. At all. It got really annoying.
I ended up going with 2 magna flow universal fit tube mufflers mounted in the middle with the resonator delete. Universal magna flows are your best bet if you like their sound. Totally nailed the AMG sound. Even has a gurgle when the revs come down after a down shift.
With this set up:
Saved ~45lbs vs factory system
Didn't compromise back pressure
Noticeably increased exhaust flow
Increased MGP ~1.0-1.5
Horsepower and torque increase
AMG sound replicated
My set up
Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 108
Likes: 10
From: Switzerland
2019 S560 Maybach
You can try the same mods I guess... But V6s sound a lot different to V8s. Google some people who have 350 V6 engines on youtube to get an idea what it will sound like and see if that is something you want for your ML.
Sorry, but that's as far as my knowledge goes on the V6 mods. A resonator delete worked well for my sister's SLK350 (about 20% sound gain).
Hope it helps you out.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,894
Likes: 8
From: Connecticut
2003 CLK55
There will be drone. Most noticeable when applying 40-50% gas pedal power in the 1800-2500 rpm range. So slightly going uphill will always cause a drone. I tested the no muffler way for a couple days to see the difference.Only time there was no drone was on flat ground with minimal throttle input.
I didn't like it. At all. It got really annoying.
I ended up going with 2 magna flow universal fit tube mufflers mounted in the middle with the resonator delete. Universal magna flows are your best bet if you like their sound. Totally nailed the AMG sound. Even has a gurgle when the revs come down after a down shift.
With this set up:
Saved ~45lbs vs factory system
Didn't compromise back pressure
Noticeably increased exhaust flow
Increased MGP ~1.0-1.5
Horsepower and torque increase
AMG sound replicated
My set up
I didn't like it. At all. It got really annoying.
I ended up going with 2 magna flow universal fit tube mufflers mounted in the middle with the resonator delete. Universal magna flows are your best bet if you like their sound. Totally nailed the AMG sound. Even has a gurgle when the revs come down after a down shift.
With this set up:
Saved ~45lbs vs factory system
Didn't compromise back pressure
Noticeably increased exhaust flow
Increased MGP ~1.0-1.5
Horsepower and torque increase
AMG sound replicated
My set up
Any sound clips?
