On my last visit to the dealer for FSS servicing, the technician indicated that the right catalytic converter was starting to "rattle" and replaced the cat under warranty. Now my tailpipe rattles up against the rear stabilizer bar. I have contacted the dealer and the vehicle is going back to fix the tailpipe rattle.

Right now there is an appproximate 1/8 inch clearance between the tailpipe and the rear stabilizer bar. Since the tailpipe is hung by a rubber (nonmetallic) hanger it allows the pipe to bang up against the rear stabilizer bar. Before I get back to the dealer I was wondering if anyone knew the correct clearance between the tailpipe and the stabilizer bar. You can see it by looking in the wheel well behind the passenger side rear tire.

Thanks for any input!

Mine measured about 5/8 inch.

Thanks for the reply! Now I know why the tailpipe is rattling. 5/8 inch clearance will give enough room for normal movement of the tailpipe to prevent rattling. Now it's off to the dealer tomorrow to get the catalytic converter, exhaust and tailpipe installed correctly. By the way, the front part of the catalytic converter is almost up against the frame member in contrast to the left side converter that sits up farther from the frame member.

Sometimes you wonder about what kind of training a mechanic in a Mercedes dealership receives. It seems as though significant improvement is needed in this area.