ezazez77

Hello everyone,

I have recently got myself a MB S550 W221 (M273), 2009 model, and I was lucky to get one as clean as it was with low mileage. Overall happy with it, but I am not too keen about the exhaust noise ‘it does not make’.

Essentially what I wanted is to modify the exhaust system to make it sound more like an AMG exhaust or at least as close to the sound (more grunt but not too loud as well). I do realize that the sound on these models were meant to be sensible and quiet to the most part and I would have preferred to buy an AMG version were it not for the maintenance cost that potentially come with AMG series. So, I did some research and came up with a few options, namely deleting the secondary catalysts and replacing them with an X or H pipe, removing the resonator and even deleting the mufflers.

The thing is, I would like to modify the exhaust by giving it more the deep sound of the AMG but not making it too loud as this would obviously attract unnecessary attention from the local constabularies.

I went to one of the local exhaust shops and was told that modifying the exhaust would start from around $600 and that being only removing the secondary catalysts to replace with an H-pipe configuration. Everything else after that would cost an extra (at least) $150 per modification.

I do need some advice and would appreciate any help you guys can provide. I am considering the following options to get the level of deep grunt (burbling) noise without the high pitch sound out of the modification.

Please bear in mind that I do not want to delete the mufflers. Also, one of the reasons it is so expensive is that the pipes would be custom made to fit my car.

Option 1; Deleting the secondary catalyzers and replacing them with an H-pipe ONLY without deleting the resonator.

Option 2; Option 1 AND deleting the resonator and replacing that with a straight pipe (or maybe an H-pipe).

Option 3; Keep the secondary catalysts, delete the resonator and replace the resonator with a straight pipe or even an H-pipe.

I really appreciate your help and maybe explaining what each option may result in as a sound, and if you have any other suggestions (even maybe deleting the mufflers only and replacing them with straight or H-pipes) would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers and I wish you all a pleasant time

TripleDown

I have this motor in an SL(550) and I did the thing you don't want to do - just replacing the mufflers and leaving the rest stock. I LOVE the sound and would highly recommend you re-think your approach. There is no drone (factory resonator still in place) and until you get on the pedal, its pretty close to stock But when you get on it, you really hear the motor and wow, what a sound it makes once it gets into the higher ranges.

Top Speed ouf of Texas makes the mufflers I used. You want this:

https://topspeedauto.com/mercedes-be...haust-systems/

ezazez77

Hello
Thanks for the quick reply and the kind advice. I am pretty new at this and would like as much info as I can get to arm myself before going to the exhaust shop and making the modification. I really don't want to mess things up because it will become very expensive.
So my question to you is when you delete the mufflers what is recommended to be replaced by? Just straight pipes or another setup?

Cheers

doni01

iTrader: (1)

If you want AMG sound, you need amg mufflers. I have them on my 2013 S550 and they sound amazing. No other mods needed. Check this thread but pay attention to the last post.

https://mbworld.org/forums/s55-amg-s...aust-s600.html

TripleDown

I don't understand your question - can you please re-state it?

I just swapped the factory muffler and tail pipes with the Top Speed parts. The link I included is the same thing I did, only for a W221.

ezazez77

Hi again
I watched the video in the thread and that's exactly what I am looking for. So I will go for exchanging the stock mufflers for s55 or s63 if I can find a good pair. That should be sufficient. If I do want to go a bit further then I'll get the resonator deleted and replace that with an H-pipe I guess.
Thanks again for all your help.
Best wishes

cruiser02

I think you should do it in this order, if the sound is not enough at the current level:

1. Delete resonator and replace with straight pipe.
2. Delete secondary cats and replace with straight pipe.
3. Delete mufflers and replace with straight pipe. Then add an H-pipe where the resonator was.

Trust me, I have messed around with about 10 cars in this way and this is the best. Additionally, if you do decide on Option 3 (Muffler delete), check to make sure you do not have exhaust valves. Valves are operated by vacuum pressure and will need to be correctly plugged in order not to lose power.

cruiser02

As for price, they are trying to rob you because you drive a big body Benz. It should be about $150 per modification. If I go to my shop and tell them to take out the resonators, mufflers, and secondary cats at once, it won't be more than $300.

doni01

iTrader: (1)

Yes there is valves and I had mine plugged when I did the S63 mufflers. So you stand corrected 👍

Senecat

I'm going with catless downpipes and that's it. I have yet to see anyone do that. Curious to how it sounds.

Ultrakla$$ic

I can tell you how it's gonna SMELL.......... I used to take out my cats when I'd do longtube headers and the smell of gas was HORRENDOUS. I'm too old for that now

So in summary related to this thread, I need s63 mufflers with a resonator delete and I'm golden???

doni01

iTrader: (1)

I wouldn't even do the resonators to be honest. It sounds amazing with just the mufflers. Well at least mine does

Senecat

I love the smell of un-burnt fuel in the morning. It smells like.... Horsepower!

I considered S63 mufflers only, but then I discovered the RennTech HHT, Weistec filters and filter elevation mod, and Red Star downpipes and my goals suddenly shifted.

doni01

iTrader: (1)

It all depends on how crazy you willing to go and most importantly, on how much money you wanna spend.

WRC-LVR

/\ True..HP costs money how fast do you want to go? Also "sounds" cost money how loud do you want to be and are you willing to put up with obnoxious side effects like drone, severe rasp and in certain areas the ticket from the LEO's ? Also when you dont want it loud is your significant other gonna ***** about it meaning...couch time?

Same can be said for stereo systems...loud can be achieved but..are you willing to put up with annoying vibrations and being pulled over by the LEO's ?

All something to consider...of course if you arent really gonna use those mods, then why bother..??

My .02c...