Fitting own exhaust

[SilverSaloon]

hi

the saloon diesel 124 requires a new exhaust - just the centre bit as the rear is newish aready.

has anyone fitted an exhaust on a W124 (or similar) themselves before with basic ramps? Apparently its pretty easy to do once you've got the old rusted one off but i am worried about access being limited...

trying to keep cost of replacement down by avoiding Kwikfit etc

cheers

derek

 

[BlackC55]

Generally a genuine exhaust will fit better and last longer.

 

[Dieselman]

I'm happy with the Bosal stuff though. If anything it lasts better than the original.

 

[SilverSaloon]

would fitting one to a 124 be DIY possible?

 

[BlackC55]

I'm happy with the Bosal stuff though. If anything it lasts better than the original.

REALLY!

I have fitted the Bosal stuff before and not found it that good.

I think we have discussed this before DM?

 

[BlackC55]

would fitting one to a 124 be DIY possible?

Yes.

Just be careful of the dripping oil fron the oil burner out front

Make sure you get new clamps/bolts. It will make life easier.

 

[Dieselman]

Yes, fitting it will be fairly easy although uncomfortable.

I can only speak from experience of Bosal, but I've never know a bad one, but would probably chose Walker as a top line aftermarket.

For some reason the OEM ones don't last too well on the diesels they all go leading into the back box.

 

[BTB 500]

has anyone fitted an exhaust on a W124 (or similar) themselves before with basic ramps?

In the past, yes (not M-B though). A lot of fiddling, swearing, skinned knuckles, dirt, rust, etc.

 

[Frank O' Phile]

would fitting one to a 124 be DIY possible?

I did the front pipe on my 124 which I reckon to be the most difficult. I used a pattern part from GSF and took a bit of aligning for the two headers.

Liberally spray all nuts and bolts with WD (other products are available) and leave to stand.

Get a fitting kit as well, it has all fittings front to back and costs <£10.

This may sound stupid but are you sure it is definately the middle section you need? I only ask this because the front pipe goes a long way back.

 

[SilverSaloon]

In the past, yes (not M-B though). A lot of fiddling, swearing, skinned knuckles, dirt, rust, etc.

i need to get it on the ramps and get under it to see if i feel i am confident so i'll do that.... also need to access where the problem is. the exhaust is really noisey.... all i know is the centre bit is really rusty and the rear looks almost new, and the seller of the car said he replaced it recently.

cheers. i was hoping to go for a cheaper part from GSP or Eurocarparts.

a bit cheeky, but may go to kwikfit to get them to look at it and provide a quote so i know exactly whats wrong and what needs replacing.

 

[Dieselman]

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GM=717.433&CT=F&cat=44R&SID=49&SGR=285&SGN=02

That should be a diagram of your exhaust. part no 23 is for the atmo engine you have.
You need to see where it's blowing from before buying. That shouldn't be hard to see, just lie down next to the car and listen and feel.

 

[SilverSaloon]

good (well maybe) news - wife has taken the car to Kwik-Fit and they said the exhaust was fine - they put the noise of it down to the centre part being a very cheap non-genuine part..... they said it wasnt blowing.

might take it somewhere else for a 2nd opinion though, but looks like i've got out of a job

cheers for everyones help - i will definatly be looking into doing the work myself, if indeed it needs to be done.

 

[Inkyskin]

Just a note, if you do it yourself in the future, get a pair of goggles. Rust in the eyes is not fun!

 

[vijilants]

I wouldn't even attempt to do an exhaust without a set of ramps / lifts. More agro than what its worth.

 

[kth286]

Yes replaced the centre and the rear on 320 coupe a couple of years ago.

Used Merc originals, so should be OK for another 140,000 miles and 12 years ish.

Car on ramps.

Original cat still on car. 164,000 miles now.

 

[grober]

What I 've done in the past is get the exhaust parts+fitting kit(very important this) from ECP and then taken the car to my local tyre specialist who has some decent fitters and they fitted it all for £30+vat. Where problems can arise is getting the old exhaust off without damaging the existing downpipes/catalytic converter you intend to keep, which can be a bit "fragile" by this time. Like Desilva I wouldn't attempt this except on a proper lift--- its a 100 times easier.

 

[TonyVianoAmbiente]

the saloon diesel 124 requires a new exhaust - just the centre bit as the rear is newish aready.

has anyone fitted an exhaust on a W124 (or similar) themselves before with basic ramps? Apparently its pretty easy to do once you've got the old rusted one off but i am worried about access being limited...

trying to keep cost of replacement down by avoiding Kwikfit etc

In the past (non-Merc) I bought the exhaust myself then paid an exhaust specialist to fit it for me. The most I have ever paid for fitting is £40.

I think £40 is cheap compared with faffing about with ramps. But then I am not an avid DIYer.


EDIT: I see Grober is of like mind!