Exhaust system
My 2008 G320CDI has done 50,000 miles and the exhaust system is that supplied when new
I had a look under the vehicle today with a torch, ahead of the MOT shortly
The system is still basically secure although a clamp or two are broken. The back box is pretty rusty and appears to be slightly leaking, ie if you move the car from cold you can see moisture at either end of that box on the outside of the box
Last year was an MOT advisory
I'm wondering what to do. I'd imagine MB would offer to supply and fit an entire new system rather than repair a section or two, obviously the whole system includes the CAT, DPF so pretty expensive to renew.
I do have a good mechanic who works on the farm and can do welding etc but I'm wondering what the right way to go is. Should I even get a stainless system put on - who does that sort of thing on G wagons?
I'm happy to keep the vehicle forever, I'd be grateful for any comments from those who are more technically minded than me
Mike
Hi Mike,
Pretty sure these guys are still doing good work: http://www.stainless-exhaust.com/about-us/
If you send them measurements and a diagram of that box. It should be an easy fit. I don't suppose there is any issue connecting stainless to original.
Or checkout the MB price for the OEM replacement... might not be that different and then you know it will go straight on.
Personally, I wouldn't bother with welding an old box unless it is to put a patch on a clear hole in it.
It sounds like it might pass again with advisory, but good to know you have to replace at some time.
Another one near Heathrow, with good reviews: https://www.profusioncustoms.com/
But you are in Suffolk. Google 'stainless exhaust suffolk' and you will get a map with several. Look for one with good reviews and more than 20.
Comments here from someone who has no mechanical/technical knowledge - but they may help focus your mind.
So you're going to keep the car "forever" then stainless steel does seem to make sense.
You could look into getting everything after the CAT replaced with stainless steel (the CAT's the really expensive part so why replace if it has many years of life left in it?
Or you could just replace the leaking/rusty box if the pipes to either end are OK. You can get that from your MB dealer and have your farm mechanic fit it. The one you have is 13 years and 50,000 miles old - the replacement should give you plenty of thinking time.
More knowledgeable people than me will be along shortly with better ideas.
edit: - Oh, I see one such person beat me to it.
edit: - Oh, I see one such person beat me to it.
We roll at a steady pace here on the web GWOA. A bit less frenetic than keeping track of facebook posts :)
Your decision will be dictated by the condition of the expensive parts up front
Rear Box and Tail Pipe although not cheap not horrendous
In front of that....well..... !!!
I would need a ViN to confirm exact prices but all plus vat and ex stock Germany
Pre Cat £745
Cat £1579
DPF £1499
Rear Box £390
Tail Pipe £180
Personally I'd be sticking with genuine parts and going rear box and tail pipe if needed
They will last another 10/12 years and then the Cats and DPF will probably need looking at then.....
But hard to say without knowing condition
The low mileage is killing it.... presuming that it did the bulk of its 50k early in its life?
The low mileage is killing it.... presuming that it did the bulk of its 50k early in its life?
Yes, I assume short trips mean things never heat up and moisture and condensation just rots through exhaust components.
I once bought middle and rear box from MB USA, who had them shipped to Dallas from Germany and then I picked them up there and hand carried back to the UK. Half the price but a lot of hassle. Paid some duty too.
Try autodoc ?
Had a mount drop an original silencer, local exhaust place made it even worse by trying to weld it took it to a proper exhaust specialist who make 1 offs in SS, did a mint job welded really neatly lasted for ages , think Tig welded
Get a stainless system made up for the car, I've had several made up for G-wagens, petrol and deisel and for a w124, all worked well the one on my ge300 has been on for 15 years, still perfect, nuch cheaper than one from a Merc dealer too