I want to share some info that I learned a few months ago regarding the trap replacement.

When I bought my '85 300CD I noticed that the carpets were looking a bit sooty, not dirty, but like soot from exhaust. Also, when I removed the underdash panels there was soot behind them.

My CD had 6x9 speakers mounted between the first aid kit and the passenger side speaker. Not great separation but sound none the less. The perforated holes in the hat shelf panel to let the sound come out were black with soot. I changes the carpet on the hat shelf and within a few months, I noticed that the soot was returning.

At that point I realized that I must have an exhaust leak. I looked and saw nothing. While at my independent mechanic I asked them to check....they saw nothing.

A few months later I had the car at the mechanic to fix an oil leak and replace the intake manifold gasket (another story). The ox catalyst needed to be removed. When it was off, the mechanic showed me that the neck of the catalyst was broken allowing exhaust to escape into the engine compartment and into the car.

MB wanted $700 for a new ox catalyst so I opted for the $50 weld job. My mechanic said he thinks that about 50% have broken necks.

Has anyone bypassed the ox catalyst? The reason I mention this is because I'm buying another '85 CD to replace my old one. It is silver with black interior, so I'll never see the soot on the carpet.

Just passing on some info.

Have a good day,

Craig

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1994 E420, Pearl Black/Black. 2.82 rear diff., AMG front spoiler, painted lower half. SOLD

1972 & 1974 BMW 2002tii's.