I've read that some of the later model W123's had trap oxidizers, but were these on California cars only?

__________________
Never be ashamed to ask for help.

1985 300D
1987 300SDL
1970 Jaguar E-Type OTS
2002 Dodge Intrepid (Traded In)
2011 Ford Crown Victoria

Yes

__________________
'85 300D Cal 280,000 miles
'14 GLK 350 60000 miles

Is it true that the dealer will remove/repair the trap oxidizer for free?

under a campaign, they will switch it out to a ox cat, assuming that the emissions system is still intact. They might require a missing EGR to be replaced, etc.

Many of these have already been switched out, but the dealer should be able to tell you based on the VIN.

__________________
1985 300D cali 190K

http://mercedes.thatchermathias.com/mw300d.jpg

I met a guy in town (Calif) who has an '85 300DTD (wagon - is that the designation) that still has a trap oxidizer and the original EGR.

What does he need to do? Just give the dealer a call?

yup

__________________
1985 300D cali 190K

http://mercedes.thatchermathias.com/mw300d.jpg

If the part# on the trap starts with a 126 then it has been recalled already. if it starts with a 123, it is still the original and still has a chance to be replaced. Some members have a hard time requesting the MB dealers for this service. Its been over ten years IIRC since they started the recall.

__________________
'85 300D Cal 280,000 miles
'14 GLK 350 60000 miles