R129 new catalysts - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jjrodger · #1 03-08-2006, 04:45 AM

The dealer has diagnosed the irritating rattle in my drive train as coming from the catalytic converters; apparently the monolith has begun to collapse. He has strongly advised that I fit new ones, they have some experience of bits of the monolith being drawn back up the exhaust and ingested by the engine with catastrophic failure results. The cost is GBP512.53 + tax (17.5% here in the UK) for each of the two cats plus one hour labour. He's giving me 10% on the parts and 20% on the labour. Total bill should be about GBP1,100 + tax, equivalent of US$1,800 at the moment. The work is scheduled for Tuesday next, along with new rear discs and pads (a further GBP200). I have no idea how I am going to pay for all of this...

Mileage is 106k.

callen · #2 03-08-2006, 10:04 AM

Have you considered sourcing aftermarket. I've purchased aftermarket for two of my BMW's and they were direct swap with OEM. I installed myself with minimal effort...crawled under my SL this weekend and they look easy to access as well. They've lasted and passed our vehicle emmission inspections. Purchased mine from BMA Autoparts out of California..they will ship internationally. Think you'll also save on 17% Tax...wow that's high. 8% in Texas but not if I mail order from out of state.

Good luck.

Callen

GermanStar · #3 03-08-2006, 10:49 AM

Yup -- aftermarket cats will save you a veritable windfall of cash. Of course, you'll probably have to have an indy or a muffler shop do the install (more savings!).

iwrock · #4 03-08-2006, 12:00 PM

On our side of the pond, there are many places that have aftermarket cats for our cars. I don't know 100 percent, but do you have emissions testing???

I wouldn't buy the new cats, and run a straight pipe, as my friend works at a smog shop, and we just stick another car up there when I have to smog the bohemoth. A good muffler shop could possibly source a new set of aftermarket cats for your car. I would call around and see if any of them could help you out.

dkveuro · #5 03-08-2006, 12:11 PM

Having been out of the UK for 20 years now...I am not conversent with the current MOT test criteria....but this I do know...if there is a need for the CEL light to not be on during testing, then the dealer cat' is the only choise.

Reason for this is, the post cat' O2 sensor reporting.
High percentage of test failures are due to poor performance of aftermarket cat's.
These cat's do not operate as efficiently as the ECU programming requires and so the CEL lights up.

If this is not a concern, aftermarket cat's work fine and are much cheaper.

.

TheV12pwr · #6 03-08-2006, 11:26 PM

Look at this site...it might help
http://www.catalyticonverters.com/mercedes_benz_600sl_catalytic_converter.html

Roncallo · #7 03-13-2006, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by callen

Have you considered sourcing aftermarket. I've purchased aftermarket for two of my BMW's and they were direct swap with OEM. I installed myself with minimal effort...crawled under my SL this weekend and they look easy to access as well. They've lasted and passed our vehicle emmission inspections. Purchased mine from BMA Autoparts out of California..they will ship internationally. Think you'll also save on 17% Tax...wow that's high. 8% in Texas but not if I mail order from out of state.

Good luck.

Callen

For my 560SL. I found there was a night and day difference between the original MB $4000.00 US and an aftermarket DEC $439.00 US. See my post under Tech Help. I am so disappointed with the aftermarket that I am going to weld, re-heatshaild etc the old one and hopefully get back some MB quality. The original cost alot more but there is a very noticable difference.

John Roncallo

jjrodger · #8 03-14-2006, 05:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roncallo

For my 560SL. I found there was a night and day difference between the original MB $4000.00 US and an aftermarket DEC $439.00 US. See my post under Tech Help. I am so disappointed with the aftermarket that I am going to weld, re-heatshaild etc the old one and hopefully get back some MB quality. The original cost alot more but there is a very noticable difference.

John Roncallo

I read that post some time ago and had it in mind when I bought from the dealer. Given (1) the relatively small difference in cost (max $300) and (2) my car is and always has been stock and MB-maintained, I decided to go with factory parts. No regrets.