[shannonmichelle]

Hi, everyone.

I have a 2011 smart fortwo passion and my muffler is starting to fail. I called the dealership to find out how much it would cost to get a new muffler and I was quoted $550. That seems high to me. I've never replaced the muffler before so would appreciate hearing from anyone who has experience with this. I know I might be able to save some money by ordering parts online myself and having them installed by a local mechanic but I'm concerned about quality (of the parts as well as the labor). In short, I am wondering if $550 is reasonable for quality parts installed by a qualified technician or if I would be wise to go elsewhere.

Many thanks for any insight you can provide!

 

[Shoehorn]

Their labor rate is reasonable. There aren't any aftermarket options that aren't louder. If you want to go aftermarket, the Solo Performance side exit resonator is reasonably quiet compared to others. You can find that muffler on amazon, or directly from Solo.

 

[Shoehorn]

It's not very hard to change out the muffler yourself. It's easier if you intake baffle has already been removed, But it's possible to do it all from underneath. Just harder to understand where the bolts are. Thre are only 2, and they are e-torx, but you can take them out with standard sockets. Removing the lowest pannel on the back of the car makes it pretty easy.

 

[Jo e Lefors]

It's not very hard to change out the muffler yourself. It's easier if you intake baffle has already been removed, But it's possible to do it all from underneath. Just harder to understand where the bolts are. Thre are only 2, and they are e-torx, but you can take them out with standard sockets. Removing the lowest pannel on the back of the car makes it pretty easy.

Everything "Shoehorn" said. The only thing I would add is spray the bolts liberally with penetrating oil a few days before removal. Makes the job easier.
Good luck.

 

[twcom]

What is starting to fail on your muffler? Mine Just came lose from the bottom of the flex Pipe. Lots of temp options for that including do nothing like I have for 3 weeks lol.

 

[1stiski]

We went the Solo side exit when our 2009 flex pipe rotted out on the bottom . It is a bit more aggressive in the sound dept than a quiet stock system . My understanding is you can get a good exhaust shop to cut off the old flex pipe and weld in an new replacement . I’m not sure on the price point of that option though . $550 for a stock replacement and labor sounds about right .

 

[jwight]

Online source for muffler if that helps, but of course you'll have to add the shipping costs: https://www.mbonlineparts.com/auto-p...omponents-scat

 

[Miss Mercedes]

The factory mufflers are pretty robust......excluding the flex pipe. The most common point of breakage is where the flex pipe joins the muffler pipe. Many muffler shops can fix this for well under $100. Or if you need an emergency fix, a metal chain/hose clamp (to keep the muffler from digging a hole in your bumper) and some Flex Tape works long enough.

Assuming your flex pipe is the thing that's broken (usually accompanied by making your smart much louder), I'd say go to a local muffler shop and have them weld in a new flex pipe. I've seen this as cheap as $50.

$550 is - sadly - on the cheap side for muffler replacements at the dealership. Some dealers like charging as much as $1,000!

 

[bobarb]

Here's some info that may help.


https://www.smartcarofamerica.com/forums/f4/451-muffler-replacement-repair-151582/