advice please:

[DBH]

My catalytic converter has 'expired' at 36,000 miles. I bought car from new and have FSH with the dealership. HOwever now about 18mths out of warranty.Is this to be expected or have i just been unlucky? Cost for MB replacement is around £700. About £400 for alternative. Any advice welcome.

 

[Parrot of Doom]

Expired how, exactly?

 

[jberks]

It is unusual, just not as unusual as it should be.
Have you asked whether MB would be prepared to make a contribution? Given that you have FMBSH and are low mileage etc you may be in with a shout. Allegedly they have £300 per customer to spend at their discretion, though this may be for newer ones only.
Beware of after market cats, people (inc my dad) tend to complain that they are noisier than the originals.

 

[DBH]

catalytic converter problem

Expired how, exactly?

Many thanks- did not cross my mind to ask in any great depth.(woman drivers!). Their explanation is that they can go at any time as 'honeycomb' inside is quite fragile and can breakdown from just going over speed bumps or just around town driving etc. Not very reassuring when I am being asked to purchase new and do lot of just around town driving. How long will new one last? Is it worth buying MB part (as quality does not seem to be assured) and they offer only one year warranty.Or should I go with cheaper version with two year warranty? PS.MB have now said they will contribute around £200 but I am still pressing my cause before giving in completely.

 

[DBH]

catalytic converter problem.

It is unusual, just not as unusual as it should be.
Have you asked whether MB would be prepared to make a contribution? Given that you have FMBSH and are low mileage etc you may be in with a shout. Allegedly they have £300 per customer to spend at their discretion, though this may be for newer ones only.
Beware of after market cats, people (inc my dad) tend to complain that they are noisier than the originals.

As you can see from reply to parrot of doom i have had some success in persuading MB that it is perhaps a little (£200) unusual. I am still hopeful that i can persuade them for further contribution.
can you tell me what after market cats are please? MAny thanks again.

 

[Blobcat]

After market cats are non original replacements. Available as a cheaper option than genuine Mercedes Cats, however quality is variable and they do not always perform as well as the originals.

 

[jberks]

If it's £400 for an after market replacement (sounds about right) and with their contribution, £500 for an MB one, then for the £100 I'd go with the MB one. Admittedly, quality isn't assured, but it's more assured than an alternative unit and you won't be in the position that many find themselves in of regretting it when your car sounds more thoaty than it used to.
I would try to split the difference first though - How about a contribution of £250? I'm sure they're still not losing on the deal!

 

[DBH]

continuing cat saga

Have managed to negotiate MB replacement for £434 which from your replies would seem a good deal and perhaps the best option. Although consumer advice seem to feel i would have a claim as could be said to be unsatisfactory quality and not sufficiently durable so not fit for purpose but would have to go via small claims court if unable to persuade MB. Do you know of anyone who has had any success via this route and was it worth the hassle?

 

[jberks]

If you have the time, maybe worth a go, but if MB let it get to court, they will fight you every step and their costs could be painful. They could argue that they've paid 50% and expect you to pay for the 50% youve used. A court may agree. £434 for a proper MB unit is very good. I think I'd begrudgingly take it.

 

[television]

A common reason for the CAT to go is that it runs at very high tempertures.
If you drive over long grass with it hot, this can cool the outer casing before the ceramic CAT membrane, and crush it in the process.

How do I know that, quite simple, drive down a narrow lane, and when you meet a tractor or the like, just reverse into a gateway with long grass in the center. When driving away, you are rewarded with the tinkling sound. It happened to me, but mine were £1500.

It is also a known fact that low milage cars have more cat troubles than high milage. I replaced mine with CATs made of wire mesh.

Malcolm

 

[DBH]

Thanks JBerks (the voice of reason). I think i will take your advice and give in ungracefully as I don't really have the time or 'stickability' to pursue via court. And as you say they could appear to have been reasonable in offering to part fund.
Also thanks Television. Knowing the price of your replacement has made me think things could be worse! I will also endeavour to do more mileage in future before other parts 'drop off' through lack of use.