bensitto

Just converted my S550 to S65!
OEM bodykit, OEM S65 exhaust. Wheels are next...

Has anyone with a 550 put the S65 exhaust on? I did the entire exhaust which removed the S550 resonator but it's really really loud! It sounds like a 65! I might have the resonator added back on, louder than I expected.

I'll post youtube clips before I change it back.

CL55_Serge

Great! Let's see some more pictures of the car! Did you go with Mercedes parts or aftermarket?

How much was the exhaust? Looks really good.

xxGenericSNxx

Wow that looks really cool. If you don't mind me asking, how much were the 65 tips/ did you get those from the dealer?

Just curious, why didn't you get the 2010 65 bumper(s)?

PlatinumEdition

he got the full exhaust system not just the tips...

xxGenericSNxx

Edit: How much did the whole exhaust cost/ did you get a quote for just the tips/muffler?

CL55_Serge

One option here is to do what I did - fill in the body line in the old bumpers with a resin flexible compound and repaint. Looks very similar to the new bumper. See the picture attached.

Does anyone know if the 2010 lower valance would work with the older bumper?

MichaelB.

Alright Serge... That is too damn cool. Now tell me what wheels those are?

CL55_Serge

Those are some cheap Gianelle Tropez 22" single piece cast wheels. Gianelle, Giovanna and GfG wheels are made by WTW Corp - the Gianelle line is their low end line, I think the front wheels were something like $375 a piece :-)

http://modifidea.files.wordpress.com...ez-chrome1.jpg

Had the chrome stripped off, welded the Gianelle logo to remove it, then a diamond cut pattern on the faces of the wheels and then powder coated the rest of the wheel to match the car.

Rear is 22 x 11 wide, front is 22 by 9.

Probably the cheapest wheels I ever owned, but looks nice.

MichaelB.

Man, I am getting a little weirded-out on how similar two S-Class owners can be. I find it hard to believe that we both weld up stuff, and ride bikes, drive s-classes and tune on our cars with superchargers (extreme stuff) & the like.

Sorta rare on an S-Class board. Damn cool though.

The wheels look great. I am undecided on what I am going to do - but will have something lined up like yours come spring.

bensitto

Bought the full exhaust new from the dealer, retail is about 1500 per side. I paid a little less with a wholesale account. All parts are OEM, bought the bumpers off ebay for a really good price, that's why I did the 07-09 S65 look. Side skirts from a Lorinser tuner shop that had AMG parts sitting around, they gave me a good deal, got the OEM fog lights from them too.

The 2010 look has got to be very expensive and I'm not a fan of the LED's although they might grow on me in the future. And I know SAM reprogramming is needed.

Added back in the stock resonator this afternoon. Sounds way better now. Still very unique deep sound.

Here's more pix...
wheels and lowering will come next. Gotta de-badge it next too.

QuadBenz

Very nice car.

Any idea for rims?

bensitto

Thanks QuadBenz!

If i can get a set of CL65/S65 20" split spoke staggard OEM set I might go for that... Otherwise going for forged Modular Society wheels or something else. Still looking for something that will fit my style. 20's with a nice drop should be very nice.

CL55_Serge

Bensitto - the front end looks awesome!!! You did a great job on a full conversion. When the front end went on, was there a lot of other parts needed other than the S65 bumper cover, fogs and grills? Any structural stuff like brackets?



MikeB: Few shots of my bike for you from the American Cycle Mag this September:

xxGenericSNxx

Thank you for NOT putting an AMG badge on the back! But I would leave it badged as is, IMHO. I just don't like it when people debadge their cars (especially when they're the "entry" level model, even though an S550 is far from entry)
Sounds like a good deal though, since you got the parts wholesale/ from shops that don't want them.

Why didn't you get rid of the US spec side marker on the front bumper since I assume the bumper was painted in your special Designo color?

bensitto

Only side markers, side marker bracket, side vents, fog light mesh, center mesh, special torx screws, and the fog lights. The oem foam impact support was universal. Nothing else needed. Grills get quite expensive.

Definitely not rebadging the car as a 65, but going to leave it debadged.

I didn't even think about getting the markers patched up like euro model. Stil looks good w the clear markers.

Ahmedito

So, How much was the total?

MichaelB.

Great looking car. Super looking bike Serge.

bensitto

total was close to 5k with paint and install.
Hoping to make a little back with the stock parts which are in Excellent condition.

sakodik

Nicely done!

vintagefefe

Nice. Welcome to the club.

Ahmedito

5K is very good I think. Can you shoot a video for the sound of exhaust?

bensitto

I have lots of exhaust clips before resonator delete and after. It's seriously like a v12 monster without the resonator! I'll try posting them soon.

With the resonator is sounds smoother, less raspy but still low deep tone. I love it with the resonator.

Glad to be part of the "club"

Anyone selling a stock set of S65/ CL65 wheels? split spoke OEM...

dlb000

The exhaust looks nice. When are you adding the extra 4 cylinders and the bi-turbo to make it a S65?

bensitto

lol... i wish. I'd be spending $120 per week on fuel! but it would be a ride well worth it.

dlb000

I don't blame you. I wouldn't want to spend that much on gas a week. BTW, I am temporary living in Vienna, VA. Do you have a recommendation for a paint/body shop in the area.