Time for a new Cat
 

After 22 years, the original catalytic converter finally developed a hole. Some of the threads here suggested that the dealer parts may be reasonable. So I called and they gave me a price of $3770. :eek: I suppose I will have to go after-market. Is DEC a good mid-quality replacement?

I just replaced the cats on my 00' E320 and can tell you there is a difference in quality from aftermarket suppliers. The right side I purchased is DEC brand. It does the job but really wasn't the quality I was hoping for. The left side I bought is a CAT brand and the quality of that thing is EXCELLENT. All stainless and looks to be of high quality. Oh and the best part is it was a little cheaper then the DEC brand that I had bought. I bought it from Import Catalytic Converter Warehouse.

One of the members at BW purchased Magnaflow cats, they had to be welded in but cost under $300 including installation. Here's a link to the thread, which has pictures. http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210-e-class/1300647-alternative-cats-photos.html

Magnaflow has a great reputation, when I have to face this I think they'll get my business. Better them than the stealership. ;)

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg

Good info - thank you.

The prices of these parts seem to be all over the place. It's my understanding that platinum is used in catalytic converters. Do you know if this is true? Ones I have priced certainly seemed to be made out of something very precious!

Thanks for the information and the link.

Anyone have experience with the Quali-Cat catalytic converters from catalyticconverterwarehouse? It appears DEC is a little cheap according to the above post.