I've gone and done it.

[dan1502]

I thought I ought to continue the spotted on ebay R129 thread here.

So I've gone and done it after much humming and haring. I've ordered an Eisenmann Sport twin 90x70 oval back box for my SL60 AMG.

As far as I can tell the mid and rear section of the standard exhaust are all one piece with a flange at the front end so if I get the whole thing removed, a Y-piece made up with a flange at one end, it will be fully reversible. So long as I can figure out a way of collecting the standard exhaust I can then keep it in case I sell the car in future and the buyer would prefer it to be standard.

I'm thinking of using Longlife exhausts for the stainless Y-piece but am open to suggestions in the South Manchester area. The priority is a top quality job.

I've thought about (fairly subtly) upgrading the exhaust on the last few cars I have had but never done it due to not being able to justify the expense but thought sod it in the end. I've never owned a V8 before so it would be a shame to miss out on the opportunity to enjoy the sound of one.

It won't be delivered for a few weeks yet but when it is I'll post some pics.

 

[Willsco]

I'd be interested in hearing (excuse the pun!) how you get on
I have had my R129 500 for 4 months now and am loving it
But, previously, I had Porche 928's - and I do miss the sound that the last one made
I have a exhaust upgrade on my to-do list - but like you found it difficult to justify
I wouldn't want to go as far as my last 928 (it used to set car alarms off if I drove it up the high street) - but I would like something that showed off the fantastic V8 in the Merc a bit more.
Please keep us posted
Cheers
Mike W

 

[BTB 500]

M-B changed the R129 rear exhaust from being in 2 parts (with a joint between mid and back boxes) to being a single section like yours and mine. The AMG box had a flange on it - if you had the later single-piece exhaust the rear box was supposed to be cut off and an adapter (which hasn't been available for years) welded on for the new back box to be bolted to.

I think as your rear box is an 'aftermarket' (albeit good quality) one the plan of keeping the whole standard section from the secondary cats back is sound ... although you should be aware that this will be pretty bulky (and heavy) to store/move!

Longlife are looked down on by a few, but my two experiences with them were absolutely fine and I'd certainly use them again. For standard pipework fabrication (which is all you need) I can't think of any reason not to go there. The Y pipe they did for my R129 is coming up for 7 years old now.

 

[dan1502]

Collection and storage of the standard exhaust might be an issue but one I will try my best to resolve, at least until I know I'm happy with the replacement. I'm not sure how fussy a future purchaser might be about an exhaust change. If it was me buying, it might concern me but not if the replacement was of Eisenmann quality. I guess it's like when I see adverts for Italian exotica with Tubi exhausts I consider it a good thing, not that I'm ever buying.

Regarding Longlife, I could either use the local branch in Stockport or go to Chester where Biturbo had his done as I know he is happy with his and they've done the same job before. My biggest concern is that the exhaust cut out of the AMG kit is likely to need to be enlargged a tiny bit though with the tips I've ordered being oval and therefore not as tall as the round ones I am hoping this really will be minimal. It's not so much the small amount being taken off that worries me but that it is done very carefully and neatly. This is where I worry about getting the right person to do it.

 

[dan1502]

The morning after I ordered the Eisenmann a mint AMG exhaust came up on Ebay.de - sod's law! I was a bit gutted. However it's just sold for £933!

 

[jaymanek]

Excellent but we need pics! Mne had the flange so it took me about 10 mins to fit!

 

[dan1502]

I've not got it yet. It takes about 3 weeks. I wouldn't mind meeting up at some point and am prepared to travel for good work in terms of fabricating the y pipe, fitting and trimming the skirt.

 

[biturbo]

i should have my car back some point next week. I can show the job on mine then.
Or i can photo what you want to see, as im going to be taking some photos of the sl.

 

[dan1502]

If yours has been done well it would probably make sense for me to use the same firm albeit that they are a little further away. Is it done while you wait or do you have to leave it with them?

 

[dan1502]

It's arrived

 

[dan1502]

 

[Sp!ke]

Is this the road or 'sport' version.

I'm interested to hear how this sounds, especially since BTB500's secondary CAT removal seems to suggest that much is being surpressed by the CATs rather than the rear silencer.

 

[dan1502]

It's the sport version. You can also get a race version which is the louder of the two. I will be getting a y pipe fitted which will result in the centre muffler being deleted but not the cats.

 

[wasted]

Interested to see the results. Have you booked it in yet ?

 

[dan1502]

Not yet. They want me to call in with it first so they can check exactly what's involved then book it in from there. I'm hoping I'll manage to get over there this week.

 

[swithin]

My 99 sl500 is getting a new Longlife SS tomorrow from primary cats back for £600. Really looking forward to this one and especially like the lifetime guarantee with these things (never selling mine).

BTW roof module still working perfectly and being able to put it up while moving has gotten me out of embarrasing situations again. Being able to raise or lower by the remote never gets dull.

Br

Gary

 

[dan1502]

Mine's being fitted on Thursday.

 

[swithin]

Just dropped the car off and they even have me a lift to the station, nice service. Gona be a long day waiting to pick it up.

 

[swithin]

New ss exhaust is awesome. Nice throaty rumble so the sl500 finally sounds like a v8. Problem now is mpg as an even better throaty rumble appears with a heavy right foot ;0. Got a single oval pipe out the back which looks similar to the standard one, as I mentioned to the garage, please remember I'm 45 not 25!!.

 

[dan1502]

Just a quick update to say I've had it fitted a week or two ago but have been/am that busy that I've not had a chance to write a review and add pictures. I will do though.