I have an exhaust problem that is driving me absolutely nuts. My 245 sounds worse than the Mercedes diesel next door. The noise sounds almost like something metal is rattling inside the pipes (not the case). The downpipe (Bosal), cat (Bosal), and cat-back (IPD sport system) are all new. As far as I can tell, the noise is coming from the area behind the downpipe split. If I hold onto the pipe (uhh, when it is cold), the noise lessens. Of course, the IPD exhaust makes more noise than stock, but this is completely different -- more metallic and higher pitched -- and farther upstream.

My car has no (and has had no, since I've had it) shielding or supports near that area, and I've seen others with both -- could this be the problem? Is it possible that even after replacing all of the parts (at diferent times) that something is not sealing? Or might something like manifold gaskets make it sound like this -- I've been reluctant to try to get the manifold off...

Thanks for any help!
-erik