Thought I would share some wisdom regarding 1985 300D Turbo factory equipped with a trap oxidizer. The trap oxidizer is located on the exhaust side of the turbo and is there to improve emissions. (I think). The problem is the material used in the Trap Oxidizer is similar to steel wool, and seems to breakdown and come apart 30-50K miles. The result is metal particles going through the turbo. Ouch!

This happened to me with a whistling sound, then a box of marbles sound, resulting in a big loss of power. I still got home.
My mechanic told me I needed a new turbo assembly at a cost of $4000.00. I was completely prepared to donate the car out of my life until he told me there was a possibility...............

As it turns out, Mercedes has a campain/recall of the trap oxidizer. This entitles the owner to have the oxidizer replaced two times during the life of the car regardless of ownership. I ended up getting a whole new turbo and a redesigned catalist type oxidizer.

For free. At 185,000 miles. Go figure!

None-the-less Mercedes Benz stands behind thier products and I am very happy. Thought I would share this with you.

Jim Stevens
1985 300DT 406,401 miles