W211 E55 AMG Exhaust options

[jimmyca69]

Swore I wouldn't do this, but suppose, just suppose I wanted to look at bit of extra noise from the V8 - what exhaust options do I have?

I have gone into this blind and will search I promise but I'm not even sure no. of cats and the setup of the exhaust system on the W211 E55 AMG.

Are there options such as sports cats, removing cats (without affecting MOT) and also uprated centre pipes etc.? Are these custom jobs or can you buy these off the shelf?

Thanks for any advice

 

[marc.l]

Hi ,
Stock manifold is the most restrictive part followed by primary cats . For value Kleemann headers are best value and with removing the primary cats 30-40 hp is with in range . You would then keep your secondary cats and resonator and rear silencers .

You can leave primary cats in place , and remove the secondary cats and resonator and replace with a x pipe . You won't pick up any real extra power ( I may be wrong , 10 hp ? ) but will make more noise .

I'm more interested in making less noise , I would rather go fast and not be heard than sound like I'm doing 60 when I'm only doing 30

 

[SavMan]

I posted similar response in another thread


Here's my experience so far with an E55 exhaust system (including headers) and the steps I have taken

1. Sec decat delete with X-pipe, sound become deeper at 3k+ no difference at low rpm and still very quiet in comparison to a CLS/CL/SL 55K

2. SS "Shorty" Headers slightly increased noise at 2-3k with more burble again still very quiet compared to a CLS/CL/SL 55K

3. 3 inch exhaust with the above SS headers, no Pri or Sec cats X Pipe and standard rear boxes you can hear my car here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpP0Tb9lOiY still not as loud as most CLS/CL/SL 55K's typically hits 102db. I still hate the sound!

3. All above but replaced headers with Long Tube Headers more burble now hits 104db

4. As per 3 but with standard rear boxes removed and "freeflow straight though" boxes added. CRAP what a noise it made the workman opposite EMP jump out of his skin. Sound level 116db, it was to much took them off and standard boxes back on.

So if I was to do it all again on an E55

For performance only not worried about sound

Kleemann Headers, Primary decat, no center box (it had 0.3 bar of back pressure)

For sound only

Change the rear boxes with C63 boxes or open the standard ones and remove some of the wadding (not sure if that is an accurate description but you know what I mean)

For a mixture of both performance and sound that wont break the bank

Primary decat and change rear boxes!

 

[whitenemesis]

So the CLS55 is much louder than the E (both stock)?

 

[SavMan]

So the CLS55 is much louder than the E (both stock)?

Yes the E55 must be the quietest V8 ever made, OK probably overstating but the E55 is much quieter.

 

[Abdul]

Yes the E55 must be the quietest V8 ever made, OK probably overstating but the E55 is much quieter.

I didn't know that!

The older generation of 55's (non charger) are super quiet too.

I'm considering losing my back box all together but I think it may be a bit much....

 

[jimmyca69]

Thanks Savman - very useful

I just feel it could be a bit more of a vocal V8, performance is plenty - if I get more whilst increasing noise then so be it but literally liking idea of making the v8 heard more.

Sorry for the stupid question but do the kleemann headers replace the primary cats or would I simply replace the primary cats separately?

Also would I need to relocate any sensors or use software to avoid any engine lights etc if I removed primary cats?

Thanks again

 

[b1g1an]

I believe Sean removed the resonator but left all the cats on his CLS55 which others have said gave more 'character' but loads of others take the secondary cats off as well...any opinions on this approach?

 

[Abdul]

I've head an SL55K with the resonator removed but cats still in place.

Sounded meaty but not nearly as thunderous as a C63.

Hope that helps.

I think the biggest issue sound-wise is the backbox, they're absolutely massive!

 

[SavMan]

Thanks Savman - very useful

I just feel it could be a bit more of a vocal V8, performance is plenty - if I get more whilst increasing noise then so be it but literally liking idea of making the v8 heard more.

Sorry for the stupid question but do the kleemann headers replace the primary cats or would I simply replace the primary cats separately?

Also would I need to relocate any sensors or use software to avoid any engine lights etc if I removed primary cats?

Thanks again

Kleemann headers are mid size so yes the primary cats have to be removed and welded onto the existing pipework. They do need some modification to clear the steering rack so use someone that has done them before.
You will need to have the rear 02 sensors disabled either in STAR or with a tuner which is probably the better option. There are lots of options but I prefer Eurocharged.

 

[John]

Yes the E55 must be the quietest V8 ever made, OK probably overstating but the E55 is much quieter.

The BMW E39 5 series 540i and Alpina B10 V8 are both certainly higher up in that league!

 

[donshl]

I had the Kleeman headers installed and the primary cat delete on the CLS.

As far as sound goes, this is ideal as I certainly don't want to go any louder! I have noticed a slight increase in performance but awaiting a remap in July!

 

[John]

I had the Kleeman headers installed and the primary cat delete on the CLS.

As far as sound goes, this is ideal as I certainly don't want to go any louder! I have noticed a slight increase in performance but awaiting a remap in July!

Where did you get yours done and how much did it set you back?

 

[donshl]

Acid at MSL did the fitting (and a top job too)! I got these when Savman was selling them on someone's behalf so I got the headers and heat exchanger for a good price 1900 I think...

Acid is doing a great deal for the group remap with headers fitted iirc!

 

[marc.l]

Fitting headers is right awkward job !!! Took me 1.5 hours to remove the drivers side , 15 mins to put all the studs back in and half an hour to fit the new one . Going to do the passenger side one in the morning
So in all with removing the exhaust and refitting the lot around 6 hours., but would imagine next time would only take around 4-5 hours . Just awkward and fiddley to do .

 

[John]

Acid at MSL did the fitting (and a top job too)! I got these when Savman was selling them on someone's behalf so I got the headers and heat exchanger for a good price 1900 I think...

Acid is doing a great deal for the group remap with headers fitted iirc!

Is the heat exchanger related or is that for something else?

 

[donshl]

Is the heat exchanger related or is that for something else?

No the heat exchanger is not related to the exhaust. It was to replace the original one for better cooling.

I have to say that changing the headers has to be one of the best mods for the car. The *seems* to rev quicker and produces nice burble on the over run and sounds epic when you open up the throttle

 

[marc.l]

Some pics of a tubi manifold that bolts right in , no welding or cutting , O2 sensors remain .
I went with primary cat delete , all good fun
Marc

 

[John]

I am seriously tempted to do the headers as they give the perfect sound in my mind.

I don't want to deafen people in Asia - just have a meatier output.

I've PM'd a relevant authority to see what the real likely cost is although I asked about Kleemann. I wonder if Tubis would be easier / cheaper?

Also, when you say primary CATs marc.l, do you mean the larger or smaller?

I have the smaller CATs removed on mine, which I think they have been referred to as the secondary CATs, but it would seem more logical to call them the primaries as I thought they heated up the gases before they touched the secondaries (larger CATs) so make them more efficient...

 

[John]

This is the motivational clip for me:

[YOUTUBE]89AWnbB8_IU[/YOUTUBE]