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Garage => Mechanicals => Topic started by: KS280S on 01 October 2018, 09:57 PM

Title: PARTS FOR THE EXHAUST
Post by: KS280S on 01 October 2018, 09:57 PM
Hi everyone!!!Just joined the forum and already need help.  :(  My 1976 W116 280S had its exhaust system rust away...Need to replace all three components: Front pipe, center muffler, rear muffler. Spent 3 weeks on the web looking, but so far nothing. Any good websites anyone can recommend? All help will be appreciated. Thank You
Title: Re: PARTS FOR THE EXHAUST
Post by: daantjie on 01 October 2018, 10:15 PM
Timevalve are the go to guys.
Title: Re: PARTS FOR THE EXHAUST
Post by: KS280S on 02 October 2018, 09:31 AM
Is it a company with parts?
Title: Re: PARTS FOR THE EXHAUST
Post by: KS280S on 02 October 2018, 10:58 AM
Contacted them, they don't carry these parts anymore  >:( :(
Title: Re: PARTS FOR THE EXHAUST
Post by: marku on 02 October 2018, 01:30 PM
German ebay there are lots as they have plenty of 280s and very cheap. Tried once to get them to do the 450 but not enough demand apparently.

https://www.ebay.de/itm/IMASAF-Auspuff-Mitteltopf-Mercedes-S-Klasse-W116-280-S-SE-SEL-1972-1978/401357882710?fits=Type%3A280+S%7CPlatform%3AW116%7CMake%3AMercedes-Benz&hash=item5d72cb4556:g:vW4AAOSwKRdamYv9
Title: Re: PARTS FOR THE EXHAUST
Post by: UTn_boy on 21 November 2018, 04:37 AM
Mark, the U.S. version 280S, only offered in 1975 and 1976 in the U.S., did not have dual pipes for the exhaust.  It was a single pipe from the catalytic converter all the way back to the tail pipe. 

KS, for your exhaust, here are the part number that should help you in your search. 

The front header pipe is 116-490-84-19.  It is no longer available from Mercedes, but can be easily reproduced at any quality exhaust shop.  The last retail price was $84. 

The center muffler.....there were two versions, a weld on version and a clamp on version.  The clamp on version replaced the weld on version.  It's part number is
116-490-03-15.  Sadly, It, too, is no longer available from Mercedes.

The rear muffler.....the same as the center in that there was a weld on version and a clamp on version.  Part number 116-490-04-15, and, of course, no longer available.  :/ 

Like you, I can't find any pieces anywhere.  I spent an hour searching and came up with noting.  I've an interest in your thread because I, too, have a 1976 280s.  It doesn't need any exhaust, but it one day will! 

Believe it or not, I see only two options.  Option 1 is to have an exhaust shop custom make an exhaust system for it.  Option 2 is to convert it to a Euro exhaust.  Option 2 will also require procuring a set of Euro exhaust manifolds, too, but the thing is you can still buy Euro exhaust parts, as Mark so kindly pointed out.  Given that I'm big on originality, I personally would convert to Euro exhaust.  The engine will probably run and breath a lot better, too.  Both options are not going to be inexpensive, either. :/  Do keep us in the loop about your findings or with what you decide to do.  I'll be interested in keeping up with your adventure !
Title: Re: PARTS FOR THE EXHAUST
Post by: marku on 21 November 2018, 12:33 PM
Confusing the difference between the US and Euro models. Was it just the emission controls? But why did that need different wiring? Ordered a centre section for my 450 from Mercedes two years ago and was told it was on six weeks backorder. Still not turned up but then I haven't asked either.
Title: Re: PARTS FOR THE EXHAUST
Post by: UTn_boy on 21 November 2018, 07:25 PM
Mark, I think so.  If the U.S. hadn't required Mercedes to meet their stringent emissions standards we, too, would have had the more desirable duel exhaust.  The U.S. cars had different wiring because we also had RPM switches that would cut fuel completely off during deceleration, and we also had a metric ton load of vacuum switch over valves controlling secondary air injection, Purge/regeneration valve, EGR, Float chamber vent valve, Choke pull off, and another to change ignition timing when the 212 switch or the 56 degree C A/C dryer switch closed.......causing the RPM's to go up just a tad to avoid too low of an RPM....though, many countries had that feature.  While any W116 is a spectacular car, the U.S. version 280S was an absolute dog.  Rated at only 120 HP, it also got 12-14 miles to the gallon.  Are you hot? Ah, turn the A/C on.....wait...no, that was a bad idea.  The car is even more of a slug now. haha The York compressor robbed 7-13 horsepower from an already anemic engine.  Just think....a little over 100 HP pushing a heavy W116.  Considering the poor fuel mileage a U.S. 280s gave, you could buy a V-8 and get the same or better fuel mileage.  They didn't sell well here, and that's probably why they were only offered for 2 years. haha
Title: Re: PARTS FOR THE EXHAUST
Post by: marku on 22 November 2018, 02:17 PM
Seems like the US deliberately wanted to kill it off.
Title: Re: PARTS FOR THE EXHAUST
Post by: UTn_boy on 23 November 2018, 04:11 AM
I've always been under the impression that the U.S. exerted very high standards for emissions requirements to tease overseas car manufacturers.  Basically, they were saying "look how far we've come.  If you can catch up with us, then you can sell your cars over here".  So yeah, there was likely a deliberate attempt in trying to kill overseas sales from time to time, and it looks like the picked on the cars that they knew would be the hardest to tame for emissions.  :/ 
Title: Re: PARTS FOR THE EXHAUST
Post by: s class on 23 November 2018, 06:48 AM
Its a shame you guys missed out on the full potential of the M110.  Here in SOuth Africa, we got full euro spec.  I have a 1980 280SE that I used as a daily for 400 000km, and its a really nice car.  185hp, which is not exceptional by todays standards, but it revs very willingly, and will cruise all day at 4500rpm.  The lighter front end weight than the v8 models means nice crisp handling. 
Title: Re: PARTS FOR THE EXHAUST
Post by: UTn_boy on 23 November 2018, 11:57 PM
Given the chance and given that I find a proper Euro exhaust for my 280S I'll gladly convert my M-110 to Euro spec.  Granted, this means I'll also have to find a set of Euro pistons and a Solex 4a1 built for a Euro engine.  Apparently they're jetted differently. 

Title: Re: PARTS FOR THE EXHAUST
Post by: Squiggle Dog on 24 November 2018, 12:50 AM
I guess timing is everything. I just sold a 280SE engine for cheap. It was a factory replacement block with no serial number, and Euro pistons. The cylinder walls had almost no wear on them. And then just tonight I sold the exhaust manifolds that don't have EGR valves.
Title: Re: PARTS FOR THE EXHAUST
Post by: UTn_boy on 24 November 2018, 02:15 AM
Well, were the exhaust manifolds the same for the 280s and 280se?  Even so, the block and its internals would have definitely been useful.  I'm not too worried.  NOS pistons and manifolds come up on various "for sale" sites often.  My 280s has only 65,000 miles on it, so it shouldn't be worn.....but we never know until we get into it.

And I'm glad you said that about the engine number.  I've seen, bought, and installed a number of factory rebuilt engines that had no engine number or tag on them.  Recently, someone said that ALL rebuilt engines had some number or tag on them....and I just can't believe that.  So after you saying what you said about this particular engine I now know I'm not crazy. 
Title: Re: PARTS FOR THE EXHAUST
Post by: marku on 25 November 2018, 11:45 AM
Quote from: UTn_boy on 23 November 2018, 04:11 AM
I've always been under the impression that the U.S. exerted very high standards for emissions requirements to tease overseas car manufacturers.  Basically, they were saying "look how far we've come.  If you can catch up with us, then you can sell your cars over here".  So yeah, there was likely a deliberate attempt in trying to kill overseas sales from time to time, and it looks like the picked on the cars that they knew would be the hardest to tame for emissions.  :/

But all US cars didn't have those emission controls at the time did they?
Title: Re: PARTS FOR THE EXHAUST
Post by: UTn_boy on 25 November 2018, 02:52 PM
Oh they sure did.  They all had secondary air pumps, lower compression engines, and de-tuned carburetors.  The 1970's were very anemic for cars in the U.S.
Title: Re: PARTS FOR THE EXHAUST
Post by: floyd111 on 25 November 2018, 06:07 PM
Quote from: UTn_boy on 23 November 2018, 04:11 AM
I've always been under the impression that the U.S. exerted very high standards for emissions requirements to tease overseas car manufacturers.  Basically, they were saying "look how far we've come.  If you can catch up with us, then you can sell your cars over here".  So yeah, there was likely a deliberate attempt in trying to kill overseas sales from time to time, and it looks like the picked on the cars that they knew would be the hardest to tame for emissions.  :/

I am sure that emissions-rules were used/are used as a weapon, but not because of emissions, just because it was a weapon. like the stance that the Citroen's suspension was too dangerous for US roads, just like MB and Volvo head lights, Euro bumpers and what not, ensuring not only that the French's beyond excellent carpet ride was made illegal, after which they ensured to also ruin the looks of successfully designed imported cars, while decimating their superior engine's HP/CC. At the same time, no such rules were applied in Europe for US cars, even though they were deemed poorly designed, overly heavy, pedestrian-and driver-killing, gas-guzzling monstrosities. Guess they trusted the general population to be intelligent enough not to order one, even though cheap. And it has alsways worked. You can't give away an American non-classic US car in Europe. It is nearly unthinkable to have to explain such a purchase to your VW-driving neighbor.
Title: Re: PARTS FOR THE EXHAUST
Post by: Squiggle Dog on 25 November 2018, 08:05 PM
Oh, don't forget the fact that the USA-spec cars didn't come with trunk-mounted reflective triangles because they weren't up to DOT specifications. Somehow they figured having none at all was safer than one not up to spec.