Imported 230TE and Colorado Emissions

[Mxke30]

Hi all, just came into ownership of a 1986 230TE. Previous owner lived in a non-emissions county in Colorado and ended up straight piping the car. Haven't taken it to Emissions yet but odds are I don't think i'll end up passing. What are the options to get a Catalytic converter onto this car to get it to pass? Everything I find online seems like i'll need to ship something over from Europe.

[Duke2.6]

Check local muffler shops to see if they can install a generic three-way catalytic converter.

I'm not sure if your '86 M102 is set up like my '88 M103, so I need the following.

1. A legible photo of the emission control label located on the top radiator support.

2. A photo of the distributor. I need to know if it is at the front end of the camshaft or not.

3. A photo of the left hand inner fender apron. I'm looking for something called the EZL module.

4. A photo of the exhaust manifold outlet. I need to know if it has a "pup" cat (small cylindrical device) attached directly to the exhaust manifold.

What kind of emission test do you have to have? IM240? ASM? Two-speed no load?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but a 230TE would be a W124 chassis with a stationwagon body and a M102 four-cylinder engine. I'm not aware that MB ever officially imported W124 models with a four-cylinder engines . Is this a "gray market" car?

Duke

[sandova]

For older cars like yours, you might be able to use a universal-fit catalytic converter. You’d likely need some custom exhaust work to install it, but many shops can handle this. Be sure to check local regulations, as some states require converters that meet specific CARB or EPA standards, even on older vehicles.