Catylytic Converter Replace
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
2003 c230 kompressor, 1997 jaguar xk8
Catylytic Converter Replace
So im getting the P0420 code and i have a new downstream o2 sensor installed so from what i can gather i need a new cat. From what i have read the aftermarket magnaflow universals are no good and only last about 30k, when I look at the mbparts website they show and exact fit Benchmark cat (2 different part #s for the same car) has anyone tried this brand? it seems to be the only oe replacement cat other than the $1400 one from mb..
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
2003 c230 kompressor, 1997 jaguar xk8
so u are saying i should get the magnaflow? it is only $50 where the Benchmark is closer to the $1400 mercedes wants at $500. not saying i would rather pay more but in my experience you get what you pay for and I have found german cars to be finnicky when fitted with "universal" parts. seems there must be a reason the other one is ten times the price and mb is 25x
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
I'm saying do your research, compare the differences, and pick the one you think is best for the $$.
The Magnaflow I used, and what is recommended by Magnaflow, is #46646, which is $209 at Summit, where I got it. I'm not sure which Magnaflow cat you're looking at for $50, but odds are it's not a good fit and not designed to fit our cars. Though it would help, obviously, if we knew what car you have.
I've never heard of Benchmark cats, so I can't offer any advise. My new Magnaflow has been on my car a couple of months; my prior one was on for about 4 years (about 60k).
contact makes a very good point; before going aftermarket, I would do as he/she says, and see if there's a valid warranty on your OEM one; free is a much better deal.
The Magnaflow I used, and what is recommended by Magnaflow, is #46646, which is $209 at Summit, where I got it. I'm not sure which Magnaflow cat you're looking at for $50, but odds are it's not a good fit and not designed to fit our cars. Though it would help, obviously, if we knew what car you have.
I've never heard of Benchmark cats, so I can't offer any advise. My new Magnaflow has been on my car a couple of months; my prior one was on for about 4 years (about 60k).
contact makes a very good point; before going aftermarket, I would do as he/she says, and see if there's a valid warranty on your OEM one; free is a much better deal.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Same model # but better designed and put together.
Though I just checked, and they don't have an application that they recommend for your engine. So you may be SOL, unless you know that one of theirs will fit your car somehow.
Though I just checked, and they don't have an application that they recommend for your engine. So you may be SOL, unless you know that one of theirs will fit your car somehow.
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,258
Likes: 168
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Oooo thats the 49 state version, I have the Cali version and passed with flying colors.
1st one yeah, lasted 30K miles, then the gov made them redesign.
I'm on my 2nd Magnaflow ( I can buy several for the cost of one from MB)
Here in Cali they are supposed to see if it is the right Cat for your model car, but they
just look to see if it's there, as long as your numbers are good.
It's not the exact replacement for my car, but it's good enough for
an 8 cylinder V8 Escalade so go figure!
My numbers were lower and better than average according to the smog tech.
Funny since CARB wouldn't approve of my setup.
My cat cost around 220 and you can get it welded in for 50 bucks.
2003 has 2 cats. FYI.
1st one yeah, lasted 30K miles, then the gov made them redesign.
I'm on my 2nd Magnaflow ( I can buy several for the cost of one from MB)
Here in Cali they are supposed to see if it is the right Cat for your model car, but they
just look to see if it's there, as long as your numbers are good.
It's not the exact replacement for my car, but it's good enough for
an 8 cylinder V8 Escalade so go figure!
My numbers were lower and better than average according to the smog tech.
Funny since CARB wouldn't approve of my setup.
My cat cost around 220 and you can get it welded in for 50 bucks.
2003 has 2 cats. FYI.
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; Mar 8, 2011 at 04:07 PM.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke
Verdad Gallardo
8 Mercedes Models With Poor Reliability Records
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,258
Likes: 168
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
C240
you should pay the mechanic since you have to lift your car and its a pro job and i recommand you to buy the OEM convertor, its more expensive but much better quality and saves you from future headeches
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,258
Likes: 168
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Don't go to a mechanic, go
to a muffler shop OR sometimes the more generic mechanic shops are able to weld.
I got mine welded in for $50.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
2005 C230 6spd
You can try to bypass the O2. You can buy an o2 simulator for 60 bucks (search ebay) also check out 02simulator.com.
I do this on my cars with aftermarket headers... buy a set of spark plug non foulers for about 4 bucks at an auto parts store, drill out the end of one, put the o2 sensor in it, screw that one into a second non fouler, and screw the two together into the cat. So it goes o2 sensor, drilled out non fouler, regular non fouler, cat. Just pushes the o2 sensor further away from the exhaust flow so it thinks you still have a working cat. $4 fix that will work.
I do this on my cars with aftermarket headers... buy a set of spark plug non foulers for about 4 bucks at an auto parts store, drill out the end of one, put the o2 sensor in it, screw that one into a second non fouler, and screw the two together into the cat. So it goes o2 sensor, drilled out non fouler, regular non fouler, cat. Just pushes the o2 sensor further away from the exhaust flow so it thinks you still have a working cat. $4 fix that will work.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
2003 c230 kompressor, 1997 jaguar xk8
[QUOTE=HitUpOlas;4578661 buy a set of spark plug non foulers for about 4 bucks at an auto parts store, drill out the end of one, put the o2 sensor in it, screw that one into a second non fouler, and screw the two together into the cat. So it goes o2 sensor, drilled out non fouler, regular non fouler, cat. Just pushes the o2 sensor further away from the exhaust flow so it thinks you still have a working cat. $4 fix that will work.[/QUOTE] that sounds like it might work, so i should do that first before the o2 simulator eh?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,152
Likes: 60
From: NJ, NYC
Something Slow
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...-cats-c32.html
i got these yesterday didnt install them yet tho.
but i will get high Flow ones soon :-)
i got these yesterday didnt install them yet tho.
but i will get high Flow ones soon :-)
Last edited by WaveyKat; Mar 22, 2011 at 10:56 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
2005 C230 6spd
The spark plug non fouler has always worked for me. I have never purchased the O2 simulator but found it interesting when I was doing research back in the day. The spark plug non foulers go in the post cat 02 sensor only. The only difficult part is sizing up the foulers. I used a step drill bit, a dremmel would be time consuming but doable.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,258
Likes: 168
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Slips right over the ends of the existing pipe once the old one is cut out. Welded for $50. Round one might drag.
The smog guy said I was just about the lowest emissions he'd seen on a car like mine.
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; Jun 28, 2011 at 01:58 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
2003 C230 Sport Sedan
Smokphattys - So what did you end up doing? I'm in the same boat as you. I also have an '03 C230 in CA and looking for a solution. I like the suggestion to get the magnaflow 45005, but I am concerned that the '02 coupe might be different than the '03 sedan.
Super Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 573
Likes: 1
W203
The 02 M111 is different than the 03 M271. The only alternative I've seen for the M271 at a decent price was the Kleeman header when it was on sale.
