SL/R230: Louder?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 43
Likes: 8
From: Texas
2015 SL400
Louder?
I've had my 2011 SL550 for 3 months now and I LOVE this car. I traded my 2012 Mustang Boss 302 for this car and have zero regrets. However, I do sometimes miss the roar of V8 at full song. I understand the SL is more refined and certainly a different class of car, one that I really enjoy. But, sometimes, when I get on it, powering out of a corner accelerating spiritedly I want to HEAR it! Not overly loud at all, maybe twice as loud as it gets now, something deep and growling. Anyone have experience doing this to these cars? Suggestions? Does Magnaflow make mufflers for these cars?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,442
Likes: 260
From: Netherlands
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
CAUTION - OPINION FOLLOWS
Better still, get used to driving in style. For most folks around you your blaring noise is just a nuisance.
-okay that was it
Better still, get used to driving in style. For most folks around you your blaring noise is just a nuisance.
-okay that was it
Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 99
Likes: 17
From: Cayman Islands
SL65, Raptor SVT, Mustang Cobra SVT, Datsun 510, Mustang Mach-E GTPE, HD-Fat Boy, Triumph Rocket 3
Ditto what BlownV8 said. Makes a world of difference to increase sound on a turbo car as the turbos seem to do to good of a job to help quiet the exhaust.
Hope you have similar results with your SL550 which I think is super charged. Good luck and let us know when you get it where you like it.
Hope you have similar results with your SL550 which I think is super charged. Good luck and let us know when you get it where you like it.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 43
Likes: 8
From: Texas
2015 SL400
Ditto what BlownV8 said. Makes a world of difference to increase sound on a turbo car as the turbos seem to do to good of a job to help quiet the exhaust.
Hope you have similar results with your SL550 which I think is super charged. Good luck and let us know when you get it where you like it.
Hope you have similar results with your SL550 which I think is super charged. Good luck and let us know when you get it where you like it.
Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 129
Likes: 10
2011 Mauritius Blue SL550
I did the resonator delete this past fall, and I am not satisfied. It is a little bit louder, but it is not enough for me. I am going to try to also remove the rear mufflers, at least so I'll know what that sounds like as well. Worst case scenario I'll have to weld them back in again.
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Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 448
Likes: 4
From: San Antonio, TX
'11 SL550 - '08 ML350
The resonator delete is subtle. You won't notice it under normal driving conditions. That works for me. I do like having a better flowing exhaust. Reminds me of the Remus I put on my son's C240. Couldn't hear a lot but the revs came up a lot faster and higher (it is a manual trans).
Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 129
Likes: 10
2011 Mauritius Blue SL550
The local shop in Sweden charged me about $200 for the resonator delete this past fall. I know it's a lot, but I can't weld stainless steel myself, and the shops around my area are limited.
This morning I inquired about also chopping off the rear mufflers. There's a part of me that just makes me have to try it. I've read both great and slightly-not-as-great reviews, so I want to experience it myself. Worst case scenario it'll cost me another couple of hundred bucks to weld them back if I'm not satisfied.
I took some unprofessional video of my SL550 exhaust sound before the resonator delete, and I will try to make a comparison of all three once I'm done.
This morning I inquired about also chopping off the rear mufflers. There's a part of me that just makes me have to try it. I've read both great and slightly-not-as-great reviews, so I want to experience it myself. Worst case scenario it'll cost me another couple of hundred bucks to weld them back if I'm not satisfied.
I took some unprofessional video of my SL550 exhaust sound before the resonator delete, and I will try to make a comparison of all three once I'm done.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 43
Likes: 8
From: Texas
2015 SL400
The local shop in Sweden charged me about $200 for the resonator delete this past fall. I know it's a lot, but I can't weld stainless steel myself, and the shops around my area are limited.
This morning I inquired about also chopping off the rear mufflers. There's a part of me that just makes me have to try it. I've read both great and slightly-not-as-great reviews, so I want to experience it myself. Worst case scenario it'll cost me another couple of hundred bucks to weld them back if I'm not satisfied.
I took some unprofessional video of my SL550 exhaust sound before the resonator delete, and I will try to make a comparison of all three once I'm done.
This morning I inquired about also chopping off the rear mufflers. There's a part of me that just makes me have to try it. I've read both great and slightly-not-as-great reviews, so I want to experience it myself. Worst case scenario it'll cost me another couple of hundred bucks to weld them back if I'm not satisfied.
I took some unprofessional video of my SL550 exhaust sound before the resonator delete, and I will try to make a comparison of all three once I'm done.
Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 129
Likes: 10
2011 Mauritius Blue SL550
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
SL55AMG
My 2004 SL55 has the resonator delete - honestly I think it is too loud. It is a nice rumble when you cruise but when you hit the gas it sounds like an old Harley Davidson and people look at you. If that's your thing then go for it!
Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 129
Likes: 10
2011 Mauritius Blue SL550
I have now done the secondary muffler delete as well, and I've driven the car for about a month.
I am quite pleased with the sound during regular stoplight-to-stoplight city driving. It sounds GREAT slightly pushing the gas pedal after a red light, or accelerating after a round-a-bout, or so. It also sounds great driving 70ish mph (120 km/h) on the highway and slightly accelerating to pass a vehicle.
However... It is waaaaay too loud (in my opinion, that is) when I press the gas pedal slightly more than regular. Then the sound just takes over completely. Forget flooring it, then I actually get embarrassed. It seems to be a higher and more hollow sound than what a 'normal' sports car would sound like, so to me it sounds more like the kids with their rice rockets. I'm sure it's not that bad, but I probably had way higher expectations. And the sound from a cold start? That is just obnoxious. A warm start sounds great though.
I will (as promised) post some video of this before I do anything else. I'd just like to know, does anyone know what I can do next? I love the sound when I'm just regularly driving, but it is too loud when I floor it. I suppose some sort of sports exhaust is the way to go? Does anyone know a reputable seller in Europe for such a setup? I can get it installed locally..
I am quite pleased with the sound during regular stoplight-to-stoplight city driving. It sounds GREAT slightly pushing the gas pedal after a red light, or accelerating after a round-a-bout, or so. It also sounds great driving 70ish mph (120 km/h) on the highway and slightly accelerating to pass a vehicle.
However... It is waaaaay too loud (in my opinion, that is) when I press the gas pedal slightly more than regular. Then the sound just takes over completely. Forget flooring it, then I actually get embarrassed. It seems to be a higher and more hollow sound than what a 'normal' sports car would sound like, so to me it sounds more like the kids with their rice rockets. I'm sure it's not that bad, but I probably had way higher expectations. And the sound from a cold start? That is just obnoxious. A warm start sounds great though.
I will (as promised) post some video of this before I do anything else. I'd just like to know, does anyone know what I can do next? I love the sound when I'm just regularly driving, but it is too loud when I floor it. I suppose some sort of sports exhaust is the way to go? Does anyone know a reputable seller in Europe for such a setup? I can get it installed locally..
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,085
Likes: 59
From: Los Angeles
2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
I have now done the secondary muffler delete as well, and I've driven the car for about a month.
I am quite pleased with the sound during regular stoplight-to-stoplight city driving. It sounds GREAT slightly pushing the gas pedal after a red light, or accelerating after a round-a-bout, or so. It also sounds great driving 70ish mph (120 km/h) on the highway and slightly accelerating to pass a vehicle.
However... It is waaaaay too loud (in my opinion, that is) when I press the gas pedal slightly more than regular. Then the sound just takes over completely. Forget flooring it, then I actually get embarrassed. It seems to be a higher and more hollow sound than what a 'normal' sports car would sound like, so to me it sounds more like the kids with their rice rockets. I'm sure it's not that bad, but I probably had way higher expectations. And the sound from a cold start? That is just obnoxious. A warm start sounds great though.
I will (as promised) post some video of this before I do anything else. I'd just like to know, does anyone know what I can do next? I love the sound when I'm just regularly driving, but it is too loud when I floor it. I suppose some sort of sports exhaust is the way to go? Does anyone know a reputable seller in Europe for such a setup? I can get it installed locally..
I am quite pleased with the sound during regular stoplight-to-stoplight city driving. It sounds GREAT slightly pushing the gas pedal after a red light, or accelerating after a round-a-bout, or so. It also sounds great driving 70ish mph (120 km/h) on the highway and slightly accelerating to pass a vehicle.
However... It is waaaaay too loud (in my opinion, that is) when I press the gas pedal slightly more than regular. Then the sound just takes over completely. Forget flooring it, then I actually get embarrassed. It seems to be a higher and more hollow sound than what a 'normal' sports car would sound like, so to me it sounds more like the kids with their rice rockets. I'm sure it's not that bad, but I probably had way higher expectations. And the sound from a cold start? That is just obnoxious. A warm start sounds great though.
I will (as promised) post some video of this before I do anything else. I'd just like to know, does anyone know what I can do next? I love the sound when I'm just regularly driving, but it is too loud when I floor it. I suppose some sort of sports exhaust is the way to go? Does anyone know a reputable seller in Europe for such a setup? I can get it installed locally..
Video would be greatly appreciated as I have been craving some more volume from my SL as well.
Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 97
Likes: 17
From: Gold Canyon, Az.
1988 560SL, 2017 SL 450, and a few Corvettes
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Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 31
Likes: 4
2003 MB SL500
I've entertained similar thoughts. But I'm unwilling to give up the refined engineering that went into this car. I'm considering an electric exhaust bypass valve that let's me have the best of both worlds. Something like this:
Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 129
Likes: 10
2011 Mauritius Blue SL550
I am quite tired of my extremely loud exhaust now, so I am thinking about booking a visit to have either my resonators, or my mufflers, or all four, welded back on.
Does anyone know of any 'sport mufflers' for the R230 that will be a better sound, compared to the original? Back in the 90s, when I lived in the US, people were always talking about Magnaflow exhausts. But I don't know if that's just a brand or what.
Does anyone know of any 'sport mufflers' for the R230 that will be a better sound, compared to the original? Back in the 90s, when I lived in the US, people were always talking about Magnaflow exhausts. But I don't know if that's just a brand or what.
Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 230
Likes: 87
From: Northwich
R230 350SL
Have you looked into electronic operated diverter valve so you can switch between normal exhaust to open pipes and back again whenever you wanted? User A1EK did this, search out his thread.
Edit, found the thread
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...ss-fitted.html
Edit, found the thread
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...ss-fitted.html
Last edited by matk; May 24, 2020 at 06:40 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,085
Likes: 59
From: Los Angeles
2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
I debated about doing a muffler delete as well, but from most of what I read online people just end up putting them back. I found this muffler system here in the states from a company out in Texas. Not sure if anyone has any experience with their products. Someone on the R230 AMG forum was selling a used one and posted a video clip, but obviously would not sound the same on a 500 or 550 car (And its a different exhaust part according to the web site). Also, based on the pictures, doesn't seem to require an cutting of the bumper holes, but definitely a tight fit (Can't tell too well based on the pictures on their web site):
https://topspeedauto.com/mercedes-be...ad-round-tips/
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...aust-clip.html
https://topspeedauto.com/mercedes-be...ad-round-tips/
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...aust-clip.html
Last edited by gaazmon; May 25, 2020 at 04:47 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 20
Likes: 4
From: Dallas, TX
2008 CL63 AMG
Hey there,
I had an 05' SL500 and currently have a 2009 SL550 Designo Edition with white interior, which both had the magnaflow mufflers. I had the exhaust upgraded to 2.5 from the Cats back and an X-pipe installed. It really has a nice deep rumble like you're looking for inside and out. Its unbelievable. The SL 550. as opposed to the SL500, however, has less room for mufflers, so you're limited in muffler brands and sizes. Magnaflow had nice options. Go with double chrome tips, staggered, also. you'll love the look. I have a friend in Dallas building my Rear diffuser with the F1 Style brake light, so I can't wait until its done this week and see how it looks against the new tips.
I had an 05' SL500 and currently have a 2009 SL550 Designo Edition with white interior, which both had the magnaflow mufflers. I had the exhaust upgraded to 2.5 from the Cats back and an X-pipe installed. It really has a nice deep rumble like you're looking for inside and out. Its unbelievable. The SL 550. as opposed to the SL500, however, has less room for mufflers, so you're limited in muffler brands and sizes. Magnaflow had nice options. Go with double chrome tips, staggered, also. you'll love the look. I have a friend in Dallas building my Rear diffuser with the F1 Style brake light, so I can't wait until its done this week and see how it looks against the new tips.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 20
Likes: 4
From: Dallas, TX
2008 CL63 AMG
So you don't have emissions in your state? Also, no check engine light without the 0-2 Sensors? I was thinking of deleting my Cats too. Resonator delete makes all the difference in the world. The sound of my 550 turns heads at lights like crazy. Its funny the expression people have when they hear it.
Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 129
Likes: 10
2011 Mauritius Blue SL550
So you don't have emissions in your state? Also, no check engine light without the 0-2 Sensors? I was thinking of deleting my Cats too. Resonator delete makes all the difference in the world. The sound of my 550 turns heads at lights like crazy. Its funny the expression people have when they hear it.
