Help Please - Rattly Cat 202 C200 Komp Estate

[SeaGS]

Hi,

Yet again I turn you all for advice - where would I be without this forum - poorer without a doubt!

I have one of the last 202 Estates built with the 203 200 Komp engine. C200 Komp Sport Tip. X plate, great condition, 49k on the clock. I have been told that the cat needs replacing because it has developed a rattle when cold although this rattle goes when the cat is warm. However, no emission warning light, yet.

I know there has been debate over this in the past but I would appreciate advice on the way forward. Mercedes Guildford are quoting £802 for the cat. A pattern from Catman is £250 for a ceramic (merc genuine is ceramic) or £375 for the more sturdy metal innards!

Whats the concensus, will I regret buying the cheaper cat as I plan to keep the car? Is there a cheaper way of getting a genuine merc cat?

Any advice appreciated, many thanks.

Nick

 

[anyweb]

cheapest way to get the cheaper genuine merc cat would be to go down to your local breakers and hope they have a 202 that was involved in a crash with it's cat intact,

i'd start looking there first, but be wary of patern parts, i've read posts here from others who tried them (patern cats) only for them to fail shortly after and have to pay out for another cat (inevitably a merc part)

cheers
anyweb