MB will NOT replace the trap oxidizer unless it is plugged. If it isn't, leave it strickly alone. DO NOT remove it yourself, as doing so voids the warrenty on your turbo, and it pobably has damage from the trap. MB WILL NOT honor the replacement warrenty if ANYONE besides a dealer replaced the trap oxidizer. They have been know to run for 150000 miles or more with no trouble at all, so it isn't an absolute necessity anyway.

If you drive it, the trap will eventually fail, and then you will get the catalyst and a NEW TURBO (since the trap falls apart and eats the turbo). The total cost of doing this yourself is around $2500, surely a better deal than a few more horsepower.

Try another dealer, too -- they can be reluctant to replace it since they don't get much money for the work.

And check to make sure it is actually there - it is a large ovoid think a little larger than a football on the passenger side of the engine. If there is only a rectangular pipe a couple inches square covered in reflective insulation, you already have the catalyst in there and the issue is moot. There aren't very many trap oxidizers still installed.

Please note that the "recall" is NOT to replace the trap oxidizer reguardless of condition, it is a program to replace the trap when it fails, only.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!