Hey guys,
I have a stock '97 GLE 850 which my dad got new and gave to me. I spend a lot of time and money maintaining it but just ran into a problem.

The flex pipe on the exhaust manifold broke and it's super loud. I'm being quoted $900-$1500 (aftermarket) to replace because it is a part of the exhaust manifold, so it has to come off and then a new flex pipe welded in or the whole thing replaced (manifold to cat).

Anyone done anything different? Any ideas where I can find a manifold to cat in Toronto that won't cost me an arm and a leg?

I'm off because of an injury and a surgery and really dont' have that kind of money.

Any help is appreciated!

 

That price is ridiculous.

Couple options for you
1. A wrecker should have the flex pipe. It can be cut off and welded in place of the bad one.
2. Buy an aftermarket flex and have it swapped out.
3. Replace the OEM with aftermarket.

 

Is your car naturally aspirated or have the light pressure turbo? (not sure if you meant you have a GLT or not). If no turbo you should be able to replace the exhaust manifold or weld in a new flex pipe to replace the old.

Check out prices (in US$) and parts at eeuroparts.com or fcpeuro.com. Plenty of parts on ebay as well.

I did this on my S40 recently with a new downpipe/cat for that model since its a turbo - cost me $300 for the downpipe/cat and $100 labor. If you have a non-turbo, the flex pipe is on the header and should cost in the $150 range but I'd figure 3 -4 hours labor to deal with head bolts - so either way you should be in the $500 range.

 

Thanks!
Do you happen to know the size of the flexpipe? Having a hard time finding one- just need to know the size.

And- it's the naturally aspirated engine.

 

If you want to weld in a replacement, EEUROPARTS.Com sells a 3x6 flex pipe for the 850s for $43.

 

Awesome! Thanks!

 

Any exhaust shop worth its salt should be able to replace that flex joint for about $100 or so, parts and labor. Who gave you such a ridiculous rip-off estimate?

 

From Midas and another shop.
This has been a big help- looks like no matter I have to take the manifold off- but thanks for the options and helping me look into other things!!

 

Sometimes shops try to price you out because they dont want to do it. 'Custom' is not a word they are familiar with.