My rear muffler was too rusted to reinstall when I had my center bearing replaced by a shop. When I got it back it was too loud for my liking (the low RPM drone is what got to me) so I jerry-rigged two ~$20 thrush mufflers from Autozone using 2 flex-pipes to bridge the gap from the end of the straight pipe to where the old muffler was (that thing's long and a weird shape!). I was able to use the original exhaust hangers with a hook exhaust hanger thing (also from Autozone). No more drone but it definitely is louder than stock. The idle sounds throatier and it definitely has a deeper sound when you rev it up, but on the highway you can't really tell I did anything.
So I agree with PJs e32: short answer = no. Reinstall the gasket ring and just replace the muffler OR remove the center dampener and have a shop weld in straight pipes. OR I've also read that some people will hollow out their old catalytic converters on these cars (once they stop working of course........) and experience a much better exhaust sound. O2 sensor is before the cat, so no difference in how the car should run.
1983 4-spd Mercedes 240d w/403k - Sold!
11/87 E32 735iA w/45k - Daily Driver (finally!)
04/88 E32 735iL - Parts Car
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