solved...
The engine was fine, according to the Mercedes dealer it was the catalytic converters. They wanted $2,800 dollars to replace them ($1,200 x 2) + (400 labor). I walked away with a only a $45 inspection charge, a car wash, and my noisy E 420. They insisted that they were the only ones who supplied the cats.
I've checked several independent shops, they carry aftermarket cats for $350 dollars each, plus $100 dollars labor to cut and re-weld. I am all for retaining MB quality parts when I can afford them, but this time I am going for the less expensive cats from a well respected muffler shop. Yes, these catalytic converters are California state approved, and they have a 5 year warranty.
Lastly, I didn't qualify for the Benz catalytic converter warranty because my car is over 8 years old; otherwise it would have been free from the dealer---dammmm
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My cars
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1997 Mercedes-Benz E420
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1971 Jaguar Series-1 XJ6
1965 Karmann Ghia Coupe
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