2019 Flieben /Leistung Autohaus 500e/e500 exhaust kit group buy

[gsxr]

FWIW this will be the last production run of the 500E exhaust kits

 

[sheward]

I would like to purchase one remaining cat back kit with OEM style turndown tips please. Thank you for making these available. PM sent.

drew

 

[5thscaleracer]

Well another customer backed out...

I’m simply amazed... a deposit was made to reserve their spot, not a word until the exhaust is finished and available.

Then a flood of questions come in all pointing to a refund.

guys... ask all the questions first before you commit to something.

it’s a waste of time and money for both parties

Sorry for the rant but some people need to grow out of the tire kicking phase.

If in doubt DON’T BUY!

that being said...

Manifold back kit is available without catalytic converters. I will split the kit up if you don’t need the full system.
Cat back section has OE turndown tips

 

[5thscaleracer]

Catalytic Converter is sold...

Inventory update 10-14-19
2 Brabus Cat Back sections
1 OE Style Cat back section
1 Front section with Test pipe

 

[5thscaleracer]

Quick Sound clip from Matt @ Leistung Autohaus

Freshly installed
Full exhaust with Catalytic converter and Brabus style tip

View attachment IMG_7289.mp4

 

[5thscaleracer]

Current inventory
One turn down
One brabus
One front section with out catalytic converters.

 

[DerFuror]

One man's loss is another man's gain.
I'd like to thank whoever stiffed 5SR, thereby providing me with the opportunity to acquire the very last Factory OE style Tip Cat Back section of the very last run. A very nice bit of engineering/manufacturing, indeed.

5SR, it was a pleasure doing business with you. My best wishes on your future endeavors!

 

[sheward]

I'll add that I received a rear section, same as yours from a non follow through and am thrilled with the product. Looking forward to installing it but also enjoying just looking at it.

drew

 

[5thscaleracer]

Thank you Sheward & DerFuror for your support...

It turns out i had to refund a deposit over the long weekend...

So the following is available
1 Front Section
2 Brabus Tip style cat back
1 OE turn down cat back

There are no more pending with deposits, these are open to anyone that is interested in a kit.

Thank you all again for your support.

 

[DerFuror]

... If funds allowed, I'd hoard a complete 5SR system (or two).

Here's your best opportunity. To Hell with Constraints!
Go for it!

 

[5thscaleracer]

Here's your best opportunity. To Hell with Constraints!
Go for it!

you guys are funny

 

[kwontumspeed]

I'm interested but would like to see more pics, either if you have them or assist from users who have purchased and installed.
I'd like to see a head on shot from the rear at car level, not too low, and not up high looking down - for both the OE turndowns and Brabus.

Also, I'm wondering if you can make a cat delete pipe as I don't need them anymore on my 036 - or will that disturb the flow on the catback system you have designed?

Edit: And if you can't make it, what would you suggest that look like (tube diameter, etc.) if I was to have someone locally make it? Yes, I understand that's in the area of IP but I'm willing to talk...

 

[captruff]

I'm interested but would like to see more pics, either if you have them or assist from users who have purchased and installed.
I'd like to see a head on shot from the rear at car level, not too low, and not up high looking down - for both the OE turndowns and Brabus.

Also, I'm wondering if you can make a cat delete pipe as I don't need them anymore on my 036 - or will that disturb the flow on the catback system you have designed?

Edit: And if you can't make it, what would you suggest that look like (tube diameter, etc.) if I was to have someone locally make it? Yes, I understand that's in the area of IP but I'm willing to talk...

Robert:

JC still might have his exhaust for the wagon as well. I run his complete dp back exhaust on my wagon. If you want pictures of this set up I can post for you.
Jeff

 

[kwontumspeed]

JC still might have his exhaust for the wagon as well

Thanks but I'm OK on the wagon. She's too much of a work horse to tweak for performance. I have my eye on a couple of W211 AMGs Estates I rather focus on to purchase that will be the track killers in my quiver.

 

[Jlaa]

Curious - what does part throttle acceleration sound like for the cat back exhaust? Is part-throttle louder than OE, or similarly quiet?

 

[sheward]

The weight of the catback system from Leistung is right around 31lbs. The stock items weigh about 50lbs. (thanks Dave). Note that by losing the resonator we lose approx. 20lbs. A while back the cost of just the resonator was over $600. In my case, the resonator was rusting significantly.

drew

 

[5thscaleracer]

Curious - what does part throttle acceleration sound like for the cat back exhaust? Is part-throttle louder than OE, or similarly quiet?

Any time during acceleration you will hear the rumble and roar of the engine, it's not loud and it's designed to minimize drone in the cabin at any steady speed. Especially if your running the factory catalytic converters.

With the windows up you will notice a rumble but you have to listen for it, with the windows down you will hear the exhaust note but it all happens behind the car.

The turndown exhaust is slightly louder by 2-3 db only because the round is bouncing off the ground back up.
The brabus shoots all the sound towards the back of the car so at speed the sound is behind you.

So far i have had 1 person say the brabus tip was too loud, and 2 people say the turn down was too quiet. These were all Cat Back configuration setups.

There has been a total of 50 kits made, 47 in circulation, 33 owners shared feedback on sound. So sound is very subjective...

For me the best way to describe the cat back is that all the sound is outside you won't hear much on the inside. It is louder than stock inside and the more you smash the go pedal there will be more sound compared to stock.

I'm interested but would like to see more pics, either if you have them or assist from users who have purchased and installed.
I'd like to see a head on shot from the rear at car level, not too low, and not up high looking down - for both the OE turndowns and Brabus.

Also, I'm wondering if you can make a cat delete pipe as I don't need them anymore on my 036 - or will that disturb the flow on the catback system you have designed?

Edit: And if you can't make it, what would you suggest that look like (tube diameter, etc.) if I was to have someone locally make it? Yes, I understand that's in the area of IP but I'm willing to talk...

The Cat back section comes with a resonator delete, the front section comes with a Cat Bypass (test pipe).

The factory Front section is one solid part there are no flanges that split the cat at the front Y pipe. So there is no way to simply buy a cat-back and cat delete from me thinking you can recycle the front Y pipe. For this you would need to visit your local Muffler shop so he can hack something together for you.

I can supply you with a Cat Delete pipe but it uses a proprietary flange design which spaces out the 2 pipes at the front leading to the factory style resonator hook up for the cat back section. the local muffler guy will not have access to this style flange and even if i supply the matching flange there is no way to stretch/extend the front Y section to make the new flange work properly with the old OE front Y section.

If you were to use your local muffler shop to make a cat bypass he is limited by the front section which is 68mm pipe (working off memory not 100% sure on exact size) before it splits into 2 where the 02 sensor sits and heads into the factory catalytic converters which are twin 54mm pipes. This is a german car so all the pipes are in metric and the local muffler shop will need to step down to the closes pipe size 2.0" and 2.75"(not a common pipe size in the USA) or he would need to swedge it to the next step up which would not make any sense because the factory pipes will crack due to age and type of SS used at the time.

The only logical thing to do is have a muffler shop remove the factory cats by cutting and welding new pipes and retain the factory style connection where the resonator meets the front section. Do not modify the flange/slip fit connection in the middle you have to retain that. It's designed for thermal expansion by MB.

The muffler shop will need to recycle the old flange on the drivers side right after the catalytic converter, and create a slip fit pipe (passenger side) that will slide in to the factory muffler or my cat back kit.

Flow disruption will be minimal just minimize the amount of welds and internally make sure the welds are flat and smooth (no speed bumps). Pipe size should be close in sizing any time you shrink a pipe you create a bottle neck and unwanted heat entering a smaller pipe cross section. This usually causes a buzzing noise during acceleration because its going from a big pipe down to a small pipe. The velocity will increased as it exists the small cross section and eventually slow down and stall cuasing a deep lumpy sound. Depending on speed this sudden slow down can cause drone during steady cruse speeds. Try to match OE metric pipe size as close as you can with the SAE US standard sizes.

Sound tuning is a nightmare this is where Yamaha excels and they do a lot of the exotic car exhaust/engine tweaking for car manufactures today.

 

[5thscaleracer]

another shot of the turn down tip

 

[kwontumspeed]

The only logical thing to do is have a muffler shop remove the factory cats by cutting and welding new pipes and retain the factory style connection where the resonator meets the front section. Do not modify the flange/slip fit connection in the middle you have to retain that. It's designed for thermal expansion by MB.

This would have to be my option. My cats are burnt. I could entertain leaving them on there but for the sake of future blockage/corrosion and weight saving I rather cut them out using the existing connection to the cat back system. Thanks for the pics.

 

[5thscaleracer]

@kwontumspeed Here are better pictures of the front section where the new catalytic converter sits. See how wide those pipes are spaced as it leads to the flange. The factory front section does not spread this wide and that front flange does not exist, we added the front flange so the catalytic converter can become a breakaway part so a test pipe can easily be swapped in if desired.

The second picture shows you the flange and slip fit connection this is the original design that MB developed. If you get a muffler shop to hack something to remove the cats i suggest replicating this connection point to keep things simple.

 

[gerryvz]

I know you said you are producing no additional 500E/E500 exhaust sets in the future. Does that decision still stand? I know from other parts offered for sale that there will be some demand generated in the future for more. Would you ever consider producing more sets down the road? Are you producing any "on demand" for Leistung to have in their shop to sell, or to stock in their inventory?

 

[5thscaleracer]

I know you said you are producing no additional 500E/E500 exhaust sets in the future. Does that decision still stand? I know from other parts offered for sale that there will be some demand generated in the future for more. Would you ever consider producing more sets down the road? Are you producing any "on demand" for Leistung to have in their shop to sell, or to stock in their inventory?

So the only way i would produce another batch run is if they are all pre-sold. Keeping inventory on hand and having Cash sit on the shelf is my main concern.

As long as the jigs exist i will have the ability to reproduce these in 3 to 5 years down the line.
But moving forward I will be firm on the Minimum order of 10 units, 50% non refundable deposits to secure the run.

 

[sheward]

BTW... the front crossover pipe (left side) is NLA I'm sorry to report. I bought the last one a few weeks ago. If anyone has damage to this pipe now is the time to address it. The E420 and 400E share the same part.

drew

 

[gsxr]

BTW... the front crossover pipe (left side) is NLA I'm sorry to report. I bought the last one a few weeks ago. If anyone has damage to this pipe now is the time to address it. The E420 and 400E share the same part.

ANOTHER item NLA? Guess it's time to start raiding these crossover pipes from junkyards... but it's a lot of work, laying on your back in the dirt. Wonder what people would be willing to pay for 'em. IIRC it was near $400 list price new.

 

[sheward]

I've been thinking of lying under a car next week. What are the flange to manifold bolts typically like? Are they known to snap off as one would expect. I'll be able to lubricate at home but that will not be possible on a donor car.
I payed around $235 for the pipe from MB of Gainsville. I believe list price was indeed around $400.

drew

 

[gsxr]

The bolts at the manifold USUALLY come out without a fuss, if you have good extensions & drivers. The two M8 bolts at the lower flange are often rusted or rounded, so bring a hacksaw or nut splitter just in case.

 

[northNH]

I believe the left front pipe has shown NLA for at least 6 months.

I have one spare very nice pipe (1244906520) from a ‘92 400;
If someone wants to PM me with what it’s worth to them I can send picts and we can figure out the shipping.

 

[Jlaa]

BTW... the front crossover pipe (left side) is NLA I'm sorry to report. I bought the last one a few weeks ago. If anyone has damage to this pipe now is the time to address it. The E420 and 400E share the same part.

drew

What is the front xover pipe may I ask? Is it the pipe circled in red in JC’s front-section-exhaust-system?

 

[5thscaleracer]

What is the front xover pipe may I ask? Is it the pipe circled in red in JC’s front-section-exhaust-system?

Yes it is

 

[5thscaleracer]

for what it's worth guys...if you need just the cross over pipe my version of it will bolt up to the factory pipe. We kept the breakaway point the same as OE because there was no room to relocate the flange. The only difference is the pipes we use are slightly larger than stock with more clearance to the trans oil pan.

If you guys need this part i can do a production run, the cost would be around the $400.00 mark shipped in the USA.

So don't stress i got you guys covered....

Attached is a picture of the factory cross pipe bolted to my version of the front pipe section giving you an idea that the two parts are interchangeable.

 

[gsxr]

Close-up photos of the factory crossover attached. It's a weird setup with a crimped pipe (for clearance) and a heat shield.

 

[sheward]

And here is a picture of the pipe as new.

drew

 

[gsxr]

And here is a picture of the pipe as new.

That's too pretty to install on a car, Drew! Should be mounted on a plaque above your desk with the name plate "Last One On Earth"...

 

[5thscaleracer]

And here is a picture of the pipe as new.

drew

You should ceramic coat that to preserve it from rust and corrosion.

 

[kwontumspeed]

You should ceramic coat that to preserve it from rust and corrosion.

And take the pleasure away from Drew to marvel over such a rare specimen never seen by so many mere mortals in its original condition? I say leave it and polish it monthly over a cup of gluhwein and lebkuchen...

 

[atg]

Does this bolt up to an e420? Thanks.

 

[5thscaleracer]

Does this bolt up to an e420? Thanks.

it does bolt up to the 500e if you get the full manifold back kit.
The only issue is the tip location the e420 and 500e rear lower valence is different. This was specifically designed for the 500e body style so modifications will need to be made to my exhaust kit.

I will not be able to do the modifications for you

 

[atg]

OK I will have a look at it. How far does it have to move?

 

[gsxr]

Found these photos from almost a decade ago, on this cool old site "W124performance"... looks like a couple inches should do it.

 

[gerryvz]

That site that was designed in the Windows 95 era?!?

 

[gsxr]

That site that was designed in the Windows 95 era?!?

I think it was back on Windows 3.11?

 

[atg]

Found these photos from almost a decade ago, on this cool old site "W124performance"... looks like a couple inches should do it.



View attachment 95727 View attachment 95724 View attachment 95725 View attachment 95726

Thanks that is helpful. It would be a quick fix with a radial arm saw/TIG. Is the new muffler etc stainless or mild steel?

 

[sheward]

Muffler and tips are stainless. You may be able to cut the tips at the weld and rotate them up.

drew

 

[kwontumspeed]

Muffler and tips are stainless. You may be able to cut the tips at the weld and rotate them up.

Drew you got those things on where I can hear the tone in person? Guessing you got the cat back?

 

[sheward]

Yes. I did get the catback. I'll make it a point to come by when things settle down and return your wheel carrier bushing tool. I'll bring the car so you can hear it. I really like the quiet sound of the stock system. This was the only logical choice to replace the garbage that was under the green car and i am very happy with it overall. The workmanship and fit is great. The sound, without the resonator is nice. If it were about 15% quieter i would be even happier. however it is not obtrusive. I need to put some more miles on it at speed to make a final judgement.

drew

 

[sheward]

Here are some pictures. The long bolts in the crossover connection were just temporary and have been replaced with shorter ones.

 

[gsxr]

Showin' off that shiny, brand-new, last-one-worldwide crossover pipe I see!

 

[sheward]

Yea you know i had to.

drew

 

[5thscaleracer]

Hope everyone is safe and staying safe...

Inventory update
2 Brabus style
1 Front section

 

[TimL]

Hope everyone is safe and staying safe...

Inventory update
2 Brabus style
1 Front section

Hi,

Is this the catted front section?