Exhaust System for W126

[Guest schoong]

Hi - I'm new to this board. Hope it's the correct place to post this request.

My dad's 1989 W126 is currently in need of a replacement exhaust (the upper part that links to the manifold). I'm thinking of changing the entire exhaust system since it's 20 years old.

I believe my choices are - (1) go for a second hand exhaust - which can't be much less than 20 years old, (2) go for a new OEM, or (3) a W126 exhaust from a specialist exhaust manufacturer with newer technology?

Do you think such a thing as (3) exists?

I'm a bit unsure of getting a new system fabricated locally because the front part that links to the manifold/header only has less than 0.5 inch to spare on either side as it squeezes between the engine block and the steering box on its way down beneath the car. If the fabricator is less than accurate with the angles - the system could end up vibrating against one or the other.

Any advice as to who I can talk to or where I can source W126 exhaust systems would be much appreciated.

I'm hoping to maintain this car for another 20 years - and just see how far "old school" pre-Jurgen Schrempp Mercedes Benz engineering can go.

Thank you for reading all the way to the end of this request.

Sunny

[g8crasher]

Looks like you've assessed your options well Sunny!

If I were in your shoes, option 2 would be my best bet. You can try the Jeep Chee outlet (not the main one) at Blk 3014 Ubi Rd (1 I think). Look for Chin Han / Andy, the last time they sourced a brand new original W124 muffler for me within 30mins.

Otherwise, ring Gallop Autoparts 3 Pemimpin Drive #02-05, Lip Hing Industrial Building Singapore 576147

Tel : (65) 6258 7203

Fax : (65) 6258 7395

They have a good selection of parts for mid classics like the W126 and are pretty reasonable. Last I heard millionmilebenz grabbed a set of bilstein shocks for his W126 at $200 for 4 absorbers!

With regards to option 3, exhaust technology hasn't changed that much since in the last 20 years so going this route wouldn't be of any real world benefit.

You could get an exhaust fabricated at places like Man Exhaust in Sin Ming. He'd probably drop your existing pipe and make a direct copy of it so he can't possibly get the angle too far left or right. Best to pop by for a quote.

Happy hunting and hope you get it sorted out!

[Guest schoong]

thank's g8crasher ! That's very helpful.:becky:

I was hoping there would be new exhausts systems that are lighter and less prone to rust. But I do take your point that the benefits would be marginal.

Perhaps I should save the money for the day I can tack on an electric motor between the gearbox and the engine and cure the woeful old-school city fuel consumption.:Cry:

[g8crasher]

Are you a 90% city driver ? If so I sympathize with your wallet.

millionmilebenz, another W126 owner achieves approx 600kms on his tank with mixed city/hwy driving.

Hope to hear something positive about your exhaust replacement adventure soon!

[Guest schoong]

guess the broken exhaust doesn't help ! (with the fuel consumption)

after reading some scooby / evo enthusiast sites - it would appear they use fabricators regularly - so am thinking of checking out some fabricators - their workmanship and where they get their stainless steel from

not sure if I've the time to see this through - but will give this a bit more time

[Guest schoong]

Hi - just to finish the story.

Finally went with an OEM exhaust without the catalytic converter (I think). I didn't have time to go around the various fabrication shops.

The car was in the workshop for 5 weeks. One thing after the other - and ended up renewing the following - engine mounts, propeller shaft coupling front and rear, propeller shaft mounting, gearbox mount, rear axle mount.

The car doesn't rise and fall as much when changing from reverse or into reverse. The engine's also smoother. In general the car's quieter and smoother going up and down gears.

I suspect quite a few of the rubber based components has about a 20 year useful life. So am looking into renewing the suspension rubber mounts and also some of the engine vacuum hose (to fix some slight roughness in the engine).

I also read that perhaps the valve guides may be up for renewal.

I also feel that compared to the current model cars, the W126 seems to have a "crashy ride" going over painted yellow lines. Wonder if renewing the suspension mounts will cure that.

If anyone has any experience or thoughts, it'd be much appreciated.

I read about the vacuum hose on the various online Merc forums, but haven't tracked down a picture. So I've no idea what they are talking about.