C Class Catalytic Convertor Replacement

[DITTRICH]

I own a C230K w202 registered 6/1999 with 39,000 miles on the clock.
It's in for an 'A' service at the Mb Dealership.
They say there is a noise coming from the catalytic convertor and that it needs replacing - £900 !
Naturally, I think I need to find out a little more - from them - and from other people who have suffered failed catalytic convertors.
It seems that 4 years is far too soon for rectifying a £900 problem.
Can anybody provide advice on what I should ask / demand / do ?
Regards
Les

 

[Koolvin]

yes common, even saw a 2000 SL500 with 20K on clock in for a new CAT.

 

[dieselman]

Unfortunately cats do break up and this can be disaterous for the engine. Sounds unbelievable, but due to the cat being located very near the manifold, the back pressure causes particles of cat material to spit back into the cylinders scoring the bores.

 

[pluggers]

Hi there Just browsing the forums and came across your plight,I too had this problem on my c-class in december last year and lost all power cus the cat blocked the exhaust completly 88000 miles tho'.The dealers were of no help at all £675+vat Plus fitting getting expensive.So i looked around for cheaper and got one for the small sum of £285 inc vat and delivery from a guy local to me but also found another one just slightly dearer at £290.With the money saved I bought a Remus Twin exit sports muffler and still had cash left from the would be dealer quote
http://www.catsandcarbs.co.uk
http://business.netcom.co.uk/eav/Default.html

 

[GrahamC230K]

I own a C230K w202 registered 6/1999 with 39,000 miles on the clock.
It's in for an 'A' service at the Mb Dealership.
They say there is a noise coming from the catalytic convertor and that it needs replacing - £900 !
Naturally, I think I need to find out a little more - from them - and from other people who have suffered failed catalytic convertors.
It seems that 4 years is far too soon for rectifying a £900 problem.
Can anybody provide advice on what I should ask / demand / do ?
Regards
Les

That is scarey (mine is 1999 too - 56K miles). I know Cats are a bit of an issue. I thought it was just the C180's and C200's that were prone, but that does not seem to tbe the case. I think sudden changes in temp (like driving through a flood) and other petty things can cause trouble.

Check it's not just the heat shield rattling (this can be welded up or removed).

Like to hear what you decide to do. I have to say for the chances of it going again, I hope you don't pay for an MB original. Buy a 3rd party CAT and have it fitted for MOT's sounds good

 

[Andy]

Hi

Its correct to say that cats can cause the vehicle to break down. Equally I have a number of customer with noisey catalysts which up to now have not caused a problem. The cat can be still working even though its rattling as last week a vehicle went through a mot. Because the emissions where ok. It was a report only.

Personaly I would see how it goes. The worse I have pesonally seen. Is the vehicle looses power when the catalyst becomes dislodged and blocks up the exhaust. But this seems only to happen on the early vehicles. Watch if you decide to go down the replacment road. A lot of them are noisey. Just poor or cheap workmanship. The only ones we will use outside of the MB ones are those made by "Ebberspacher" otherwise we will let the customer supply their own. Since it will only be a matter of time before it fails.


Regards

Andy @ www.mercedesservicing.com

 

[DITTRICH]

CAT still working...fingers crossed...

I know it's been some time since the post but ...
15,000 miles, 12 months, one service and one MOT later, the CAT is still perfectly okay - emissions tests passed just the same as last year. The engine appears to be okay too as there has been no deterioration in performance or fuel economy. So, whatever it is, it certainly isn't critical.
Regards
Les

 

[Arnie]

I think that MB were going through some batches of "bad" Cats around 2000 - 2001. Mine had a problem at 4,000 miles from new. Unfortunately, if you're out of warranty, you will need to argue hard and collect some evidence from postings on this site to support you. If you're very lucky and have a sympathetic dealer, MB may cover part of the replacement cost, but don't hold your breath....

 

[s1 mba]

know its a bit late cos this thread started long ago..but that the problrem con my c200 elegance
scrap yard say 200 for a replacement, so im happy..although it isnt new itll do