PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

lrg · #9 11-12-2002, 02:44 AM

You need to take it to another dealer and complain to MBNA about the first one you went to. Any good dealer will show you the warranty history on the car if you can prove you own it. They have a national computer database that keeps records and any dealer can access it. I have twice gone to the local dealer with my registration and they have cheerfully looked up the data on my trap(s). Considering the low mileage I'd guess the trap was replaced with a new trap at 60,000 miles (or maybe not) but it was before MBZ started to do the retrofit with the updated catalyst that never needs replacing. You may have one of the last cars out there with the old trap oxidizer. The old oxidizers would easily clog if you used fuel additives. There were one or two additives that were OK for traps (and in my experience hard to find) but most were not. There was a lot of confusion about additives because only the '85 California 123s had an issue with this. In fact, when I bought my used '85 from a dealer in L.A. ten years ago the salesman told me to always use an additive. I later read the manual and it said to NEVER use an additive on cars with a trap. Cars with the newer catalyst don't seem to have a problem with additives but the trap oxidizers definitely did. You can not tell the difference between the catalyst and the oxidizer visually, or at least I can't, on the '85s they look the same. Get this fixed soon because the back pressure from a clogged oxidizer may ruin more than your turbo. MBZ will replace it for free. If the dealer suggests otherwise make a BIG stink. They will do it. Once you get a catalyst you should never have to replace it and it should never be a problem. Mine was replaced about 8 years ago and I've had zero problems since. If it were me I'd be careful removing it because if you have a problem later from the clogged oxidizer you'll undoubtably have voided your warranty. By the way, it sounds like you found a great car. Congratulations.