Trap Oxidisers were the Diesel equivalent of a Catalytic Converter to help emmissions control. They were fitted to 1986 & 1987 603 series engines in the 300D & 300SDL models and maybe later years for the 300D. They were installed between the Exhaust manifold and the Turbo in the exhaust system and look like a big canister mounted horizontally.

Problem was that the material that was used inside the Trap Oxidiser was prone to breaking up over time and causing damage to the Turbochargers. There was a M-B Recall for all models fitted with these Trap Oxidisers where the T-O was removed and replaced with a straight pipe. In some cases if there was any evidence of Turbo damage the Turbo was also replaced.

There are a few cars out there still running around with the T-O installed and it is generally reckoned here that these are just problems waiting to happen.

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1991 M-B 560SEL Arctic White/Grey 99,000 Miles
1987 M-B 300SDL Ivory/Palomino 229,000 Miles (sold but never forgotten)
2006 Volvo XC70 Blue/Beige
1999 Porsche Boxster Arena Red/Savanna Beige
1986 Porsche 928S Goldweiss/Brown