3-bolt flange is consistent with pre-trap recall. The trap recall replaces the complete system with a 4-bolt flange midstream.

Looking closer, I see the ARV with a hose attached.

Sixto
83 300SD
98 E320 wagon

So you're saying this one likely did not go through the formal recall but was rather deleted more cowboy style?

__________________
1986 300SDL, 362K
1984 300D, 138K

There's a good question. Mine has the OEM style bypass manifold in place, but also has the original 3-bolt exhaust. Was the 4-bolt catalyst exhaust a California-only thing?

__________________
Current stable:
1995 E320 149K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 120K (SLoL)

Black Sheep:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

There's a lot of cobwebs in the way but I think the federal '86 SDL didn't have a trap so there'd be nothing to recall. I don't know why MB didn't use a 140 style exhaust manifold. Then again, they didn't use it in the trapless 126 350SD/L.

Sixto
83 300SD
98 E320 wagon

I can check under mine, but it is an '87 Federal sold new in Texas. Pretty sure has a three bolt catalyst.

__________________
I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

Hmm... maybe the 126 has a triangular flange -



300SDL flex section exhaust repair

I guess it's the 124 catalyst that has a square flange.

Sixto
83 300SD
98 E320 wagon

I went and checked, three bolt here. '87 Federal car. ARV turbocharger and all that jazz, Trap Ox removed under campaign.

__________________
I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

Good looking job. I've not done much welding with stainless steel, I gather it's doable - SS to mild steel joint that is - but I was happy enough to use the old 300SD portion on my repair, I was able to use their SS to mild steel welds and just do steel to steel on my end.

__________________
1986 300SDL, 362K
1984 300D, 138K

Did you ever get my pm? sent it a few weeks ago.