Exhaust Options for W211 E55
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Exhaust Options for W211 E55
I've been told by a mod mechanic I really trust that no one has come out with an aftermarket exhaust that provides measurable power gains for the E55. IN Fact, he said MOST systems will actually rob a couple HP & TQ from the factory setup.
He also suggested that if all I'm interested in is sound, I should remove the resonators, as that will accomplish the same thing a $3,000 system will.
Any thoughts?
He also suggested that if all I'm interested in is sound, I should remove the resonators, as that will accomplish the same thing a $3,000 system will.
Any thoughts?
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The factory AMG systems flow very well. There is little to no hp gain with an aftermarket on the car. In fact, this goes for almost any stock car. The value in an aftermarket muffler is sound and aesthetic (and sometimes weight). The hp gains are usually always negligible.
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All of the serious modders and tuners that I know who do MBZ's - and that is quite a few - do NOT do anything to the AMG exhaust system on an E55. There isn't any doubt as to why they don't, is there? 
If you are willing to trade performance for sound, that certainly is YOUR choice -- but I sure-as-heck wouldn't.
Let us know how it turned out if you end up doing anything.
If you are willing to trade performance for sound, that certainly is YOUR choice -- but I sure-as-heck wouldn't.
Let us know how it turned out if you end up doing anything.
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OK so along the same lines, this mechanic said if I remove the resonators I will increase sound, but I might lose a little power on the low end. Considering I don't street race my car or track it, I don't see any issues with this.
How about passing California emissions without resonators?
How about passing California emissions without resonators?
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I am curious about removing the resonators too. I think thats basically how the CLS55's exhaust setup is. I cant imagine losing low end by removing resonators, and it shouldnt cause any CA emissions problems either.
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The AMG setup is basically optimal for the F/I V8 55's but of course there are always people, like myself, who like to go overboard. 
I have the Eisenmann Race exhaust, with post cats and resonators removed. I have posted the videos in several threads on this site but will attach again so you can get an idea of the sound. I personally love it but do believe I have given up some power to have this sound. The exhaust is too free flowing and a loss of back pressure may cause some low end loss. To me the car is still stupid fast and Mr. Vanos can attest as he drove it yesterday with an E60 M5 owner. The M5 owner was shocked at the power.
Oh your mechanic saying removing the resonators will give you the same sound is way off. I did the resonators first and you can barely tell the difference and I am sure others will agree. Now if you take the post cats out and the resonators then you will get a very nice sound. I just wanted more. Oh no CEL either.
Link to Videos:
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...ight=eisenmann
I have the Eisenmann Race exhaust, with post cats and resonators removed. I have posted the videos in several threads on this site but will attach again so you can get an idea of the sound. I personally love it but do believe I have given up some power to have this sound. The exhaust is too free flowing and a loss of back pressure may cause some low end loss. To me the car is still stupid fast and Mr. Vanos can attest as he drove it yesterday with an E60 M5 owner. The M5 owner was shocked at the power.
Oh your mechanic saying removing the resonators will give you the same sound is way off. I did the resonators first and you can barely tell the difference and I am sure others will agree. Now if you take the post cats out and the resonators then you will get a very nice sound. I just wanted more. Oh no CEL either.
Link to Videos:
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...ight=eisenmann
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From: Ponte Vedra, FL
'10 E63 AMG
For sound only (I don't race so don't care about a couple hp and/or lb-ft loss), I took off my OEM mufflers and put Magnaflow straight-through mufflers on. Very loud, and gave me a headache after a few miles(especially at low RPM). I brought it back and added an additional muffler on each side (now I have two magnaflows on each side - the rear-most one is at an angle and is shiny chrome and can be seen from the rear if you lean down a little - looks very nice IMO - let me know if you want to see pics) - the sound, for my tastes, is now about perfect. Still loud enough to bother the wife a little though, so I know its just right!! Hah!
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From: Sin City
12' C63 P31, 06' Supercharged Range, 08' BMW 550i
Originally Posted by oblax4
For sound only (I don't race so don't care about a couple hp and/or lb-ft loss), I took off my OEM mufflers and put Magnaflow straight-through mufflers on. Very loud, and gave me a headache after a few miles(especially at low RPM). I brought it back and added an additional muffler on each side (now I have two magnaflows on each side - the rear-most one is at an angle and is shiny chrome and can be seen from the rear if you lean down a little - looks very nice IMO - let me know if you want to see pics) - the sound, for my tastes, is now about perfect. Still loud enough to bother the wife a little though, so I know its just right!! Hah!
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Originally Posted by Vic55
The AMG setup is basically optimal for the F/I V8 55's but of course there are always people, like myself, who like to go overboard.
I have the Eisenmann Race exhaust, with post cats and resonators removed. I have posted the videos in several threads on this site but will attach again so you can get an idea of the sound. I personally love it but do believe I have given up some power to have this sound. The exhaust is too free flowing and a loss of back pressure may cause some low end loss. To me the car is still stupid fast and Mr. Vanos can attest as he drove it yesterday with an E90 M5 owner. The M5 owner was shocked at the power.
Oh your mechanic saying removing the resonators will give you the same sound is way off. I did the resonators first and you can barely tell the difference and I am sure others will agree. Now if you take the post cats out and the resonators then you will get a very nice sound. I just wanted more. Oh no CEL either.
Link to Videos:
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...ight=eisenmann
I have the Eisenmann Race exhaust, with post cats and resonators removed. I have posted the videos in several threads on this site but will attach again so you can get an idea of the sound. I personally love it but do believe I have given up some power to have this sound. The exhaust is too free flowing and a loss of back pressure may cause some low end loss. To me the car is still stupid fast and Mr. Vanos can attest as he drove it yesterday with an E90 M5 owner. The M5 owner was shocked at the power.
Oh your mechanic saying removing the resonators will give you the same sound is way off. I did the resonators first and you can barely tell the difference and I am sure others will agree. Now if you take the post cats out and the resonators then you will get a very nice sound. I just wanted more. Oh no CEL either.
Link to Videos:
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...ight=eisenmann
Great write up! How much power do you think you gave up? Any idea?
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Originally Posted by BENZGal
Vic,
Great write up! How much power do you think you gave up? Any idea?
Great write up! How much power do you think you gave up? Any idea?
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Vic,
How much HP do you loose with the resonator and cats being removed? Any idea?
How much HP do you loose with the resonator and cats being removed? Any idea?
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Originally Posted by BENZGal
Vic,
How much HP do you loose with the resonator and cats being removed? Any idea?
How much HP do you loose with the resonator and cats being removed? Any idea?
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You really think you lost that much power? All the research I have done has pretty much lead me to believe that backpressure becomes a bad thing once you're past the headers. Obviuosly i'm no expert in exhaust design, but that just what I thought, especially on FI cars.
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From: Moscow, Russia
E55K
Originally Posted by Vic55
Probably nothing. The factory mufflers kept the back pressure up but the Eisenmann's are very free flowing.
Also E.Race exhaust have smaller diameter connecting pipe to keep the pressure in the exhauts...
I think after Primary CATS you system is too freeflowing NOW...+since its just straight threw to the mufflers...
You still didnt do that DYNO before and after...to compare results
Vadim has told when he was in Moscow that He was going to do some Powerchip re-programing due to some Power losses...
Last edited by E55 RUSS; Jun 22, 2006 at 08:30 AM.
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From: NNJ
2008 S63
Resonators & Exhaust mods...
Are the resonators removable? Or must you opt for Evosport's "resonator delete kit"? I've learned that the best way for optimal gains vis-a-vis $$ spent is to replace the headers. Mod'ing an exhaust only doesn't do anything significant -- all those aftermarket mfr claims are nothing but B.S. Plus, any "gain" you feel after swapping an exhaust is purely psychological.
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From: THE Orange County, California
2024 C8 Z06- 2025 BMW CS- 2022 Porsche 992 GTS
Originally Posted by leepy55
Are the resonators removable? Or must you opt for Evosport's "resonator delete kit"? I've learned that the best way for optimal gains vis-a-vis $$ spent is to replace the headers. Mod'ing an exhaust only doesn't do anything significant -- all those aftermarket mfr claims are nothing but B.S. Plus, any "gain" you feel after swapping an exhaust is purely psychological.
Now modding a 996tt's exhaust does have its benefits- I have one and have done the mod and the gains are true.
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From: SoCal
05 E55
Originally Posted by rotex
Eisenmann Sport exhaust is my choice. The sound is incredible. Think 60's muscle car. In terms of HP gains I definitely don't think it would be detrimental.
Loren
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From: Australia/Hong Kong
05 E55, R33 GTR, R33 GTS-t
Originally Posted by ClayJ
All of the serious modders and tuners that I know who do MBZ's - and that is quite a few - do NOT do anything to the AMG exhaust system on an E55. There isn't any doubt as to why they don't, is there?
So any good aftermarket headers (any of the big names) with the factory exhaust are going to yeild hp+tq gains yes? And you are saying leave the rest of it alone, but its ok to remove a pair of cats?
PS, what about the Klee full exhaust from headers to tail pipes?
cheers
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From: Moscow, Russia
E55K
Originally Posted by BenzoBoi
If someone is willing to help me post a vid I'll post my set up...I took out my resonators and but borla race mufflers...It doesn't sound too bad...
