'89 260e: Consensus on Catalytic Converters?
 

Looks like I finally have to replace my cat. Having browsed the archives I found numerous opinions and comments on Catalytic Converter brands and costs.

Is there a summary thread that I missed? If not, I'd appreciate the latest info from the group on the following:

1) OE or Aftermarket
2) Recommended brand
3) Expected cost of parts & labor

I'm planning to keep this car forever, so I'd prefer to spend a little more to ensure that I get a quiet trouble free cat.

Thanks in advance, everyone.

I just replaced mine on 87, 260E (>350K miles), and let me tell you, the car instantly transforms into a car that is close to being as good as it was when it was new.

I bought a Catco converter from one of the online vendors, for about $250, it does not have the pre-cats, i.e. those black bumps before the actual converter. I had it installed by Midas, and they charged me close to $250 for installation. However, it can be installed by smaller shops (Mayco etc) for less than $100. I also got my exhaust manifold seals replaced and that cost me $250 more, but again smaller shops would do that for less than $100 too.

I cant say how long it will last but it certainly wont last as long as the original MB ones. I think the performance and the life of the CATs are directly proportional to the cost one pays. But if I get 5 good years, I would be happy and next time I will not go to Midas.

If your CAT was clogged because of burning oil, get the valve stem seals replaced also, this can be done by some good mechanics without dismantling the engine.

Still haven’t passed the California tailpipe spectrometer inspection?! It’s not easy sometimes.

Go with the aftermarket suppliers/vendors, as replacing the catalytic converters with original equipment parts (no disrespect intended) will require an investment in excess of the car’s value. www.summitracing.com or www.jegs.com will provide suitable (EPA & CARB approved) replacements for a relative pittance. A competent independent exhaust technician can complete the exchange in less than an hour.

Well, only tried once so far. Then decided to give it a full inspection before going back for another test.

Everything checked out really well...cylinder pressure fine, plugs fine, all sensors fine, lambda fine, injectors fine, fuel pressure fine, a few vacuum hoses replaced, and no EGR valve to mess with. All in all, it's in really good mechanical shape. So yeah, the car is definitely worth more to keep then it is to sell.

Just looked at your aftermarket recommendations, I found two options:

Magnaflow 94007
$99.99
http://tinyurl.com/39lgqj

Catco CTO-9717
$277.69
http://tinyurl.com/2jrbfk

Big price difference. Any comments on quality/performance differences?


Saumil, I'm curious to know what the major differences were with the new cat. Not sure why a new cat would change the performance of the vehicle, unless the old one was clogged.

Did my stems about 5 years ago. Minimal oil burn now. But thanks for the suggestion.