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2005 c240 4-Matic Clogged catalytic. Can anybody give me any tips and tricks on replacing the cats on this vehicle. The driver side is fully clogged causing engine misfire is on all three cylinders. I had a previous post about this but I figured I’d start a new one. My plan is to take care of one side now and do the other side when it becomes warmer out. If anyone can give me any special clothes hands or guidance I would be very very grateful I need to get this fixed within the next week or two in my driveway
Clogged catalytic. Can anybody give me any tips and tricks on replacing the cats on this vehicle. The driver side is fully clogged causing engine misfire is on all three cylinders. I had a previous post about this but I figured I’d start a new one. My plan is to take care of one side now and do the other side when it becomes warmer out. If anyone can give me any special clothes hands or guidance I would be very very grateful I need to get this fixed within the next week or two in my driveway
I never had blocked cats but I did have a rattling in the rear secondary cat where the material inside had come loose and was rattling when you would accelerate. A year later the other side started to rattle and need to be replaced.
I ordered the part(s) online from RM Euro. They list genuine Mercedes catalytic converters (rebuilt). The flanges, exhaust tubing & shape of the cats were exactly the same as what was originally on the car.
I replaced it myself and found the job pretty straight forward without any problems. It may take a bit of time loosening the exhaust system to remove the old cat and pipe. One side is slightly easier than the other (forgot which side). You may want to get new nuts and bolts for the job along with exhaust seal ring. Good luck.
Thanks for the tips all. My plan is to make a cut 12 inches after the cat , remove then inspect. I will try to clean and remove blockage, get a coupling reattach and test.
I did some more looking . It looks like there was allot of MICKEY Mouse patching on the exhaust.
The drives side rear CAT shows welding the Passenger side rear into the rear V I call it where the left and right join and welding ,
The rear 3 bolt bracket seem terrible ( aka don't touch it ) bracket for the rear where the V pipes join the muffler.
So I guess my plan is to buy the driver side pipe that comes with the V I call it , then cut the V off and custom weld or coupling. .
You can purchase a factory refurbished original catalytic converter from on-line MB dealer for $275.00 with you old converter as a core. With out the core add $200.00
I would take it out send to a on-line dealer, get a factory refurbished catalytic converter unit for $275.00
Not that expensive for factory refurbished catalytic converter, considering the old one has a $200.00 value from a dealer no less.
My first problem with this is it sounds too good to be true. Number one in order to take the exhaust down I’d have to cut a custom weld job hat happened years ago for the passenger side. Now even if I did do that are you telling me that the Mercedes dealership would cut the old one off and weld a new one on for $200
I did notice for 375 I can get an entire one piece from rock auto parts. And as far as the custom welding on the passenger side I guess the guy that installs it could temporarily cut that off install my new piece re-weld that back on and hopefully just charge me $50 and saw for about 425 I’m done I will make some phone calls to see how this deal works because I could cut the piece off bring it to them have them change it for 200 put it back on using a coupling or a welding job and be done thank you for the heads up
If you "gut the primary cat", then the Service Engine light will come on.
After 2005, US cars require OBD-II checking. The requires that the efficiency/operation of the cats be monitored through the use of an oxygen sensor after the cats.
Some vehicles have cats after the primary cat and the "2nd O2 sensor". The gutting of those cats violates Federal law.
However, since the cats after the 2nd O2 sensor, a Service Engine light will not come on.
Note: If during a smog check, the technician determines that any cat after the "2nd O2 sensor" is gutted, then the vehicle will not pass smog.
Also, depending on a number of things, a fine and/or a criminal crime report can happen.
As for the cats:
I don't see the cat listed as referbs on the MB websites. However, the prices seems very cheap for some reason???
For reference, a MB refurbished cat and the very short pipes for an 4-cyl M271 (2005 C230) engine is ~$1,000!
A few things:
In Mass, if the cat is ever inspected, then you need to have a Calf/CARB approved cat.
For smog inspection, Mass does an OBD-II scan. As long as the scan is good, and the underside exhaust looks like stock, then it's very unlikely that a close visual inspection will be done.
If you have some mickey mouse hacks on the exhaust, then the technician is suppose to better verify that exhaust meets code (CARB-approved).
Mass inspections are done at shops. Mass RMV does have/require multiple cameras to record the vehicle inspection.
Still, iirc, it's still up to the individual tech to decide if "something doesn't look stock/correct, and needs closer inspection".
It sounds like the mechanic that you took it to wanted to do both sides. That may be because of the hacked up exhaust. Or, it may be that the mechanic "felt/or observed" something that indicated that both sides should be replaced. Imho, if one cat is clogged on a V6/V8, it's the call of the mechanic if both sides should be replaced.
My guess is that 80% of the time, both sides will be replaced.
You should replace any studs, nuts, bolts, and gaskets.
When looking at prices, note that shipping can be very expensive (over $100 for some places for one side!).
The MB sites list two options for the cat and pipes.
I think that the more expensive option is the CA/CARB cat.
It's illegal for a mechanic to put a non CA/CARB cat on a car that requires a CA/CARB cat. They can loose their certificates, loose their ability to ever work again as a mechanic or in taht area(e.g. service advisor), and easily be charged with a crime.
It's illegal/improper for a DYI'er to do it.
But, unless the person is also a mechanic, is in the business, or does it on a vehicle other than a vehicle that they own, *I* am not aware of any person being charged with a crime.
Now even if I did do that are you telling me that the Mercedes dealership would cut the old one off and weld a new one on for $200
No.
Mechanics are allowed to only replace the cat assembly (as long as one can be purchased). In your case, that means the cats and the pipes.
This all relates to CARB. Mass has been a CARB State for many years.
Conn is a "mostly" CARB State. New cars have to meet CA/CARB requirements.
However, iirc, some CARB-approved modifications (like a CARB-approved intake/head) do not get a Conn State approval.
My first problem with this is it sounds too good to be true. Number one in order to take the exhaust down I’d have to cut a custom weld job hat happened years ago for the passenger side. Now even if I did do that are you telling me that the Mercedes dealership would cut the old one off and weld a new one on for $200
I did notice for 375 I can get an entire one piece from rock auto parts. And as far as the custom welding on the passenger side I guess the guy that installs it could temporarily cut that off install my new piece re-weld that back on and hopefully just charge me $50 and saw for about 425 I’m done I will make some phone calls to see how this deal works because I could cut the piece off bring it to them have them change it for 200 put it back on using a coupling or a welding job and be done thank you for the heads up
FWIW......
I posted the cost of parts, you have to supply the labor.
You purchase the part, cost is $275.00 plus shipping if you send the the old part{the core]
If you do not supply the core there is an additional $200.00. cost
Run your VIN on any on-line dealer site, get the correct part number for your vehicle, go shopping the correct part number.
I would also check if FCP euro could supply the part, as they will have Free shipping and a Lifetime Replacement Warranty if purchased from them. FCP sell original Mercedes parts just supply the part number.
Still have not stated how you know that the catalytic is clogged.
New update so I took a saws all to my exhaust I cut right in the middle of the vehicle I remove the section that goes from the engine pipe to the middle of the car remember there are two catalytic converter‘s. When I removed it out of the vehicle I blew into it and clearly I was not able to I ran hot water through it and now I can blow right through it. So basically my misfiring codes were because they were slightly clogged. I’m going to reinstall it now with a coupling adapter since I cut the pipe. What upsets me is why did my mechanic who is pretty reputable not do this or suggests he was ready to charge me $1700 when I actually all we have to do is cut the intermediate pipe in the middle soak it overnight reinstall weld and be done
OK new issue can someone tell me what the bolt size are for the flange to the exhaust manifolds are my best guess is about 3 inches long but I don’t know the threads the mechanic forgot to pre-install them for me or leave them with me. Well I’m going to AutoZone now to get a couple ink and allow the converter to soak overnight and soap and water even though it’s clear I just want to really make sure
Your mechanic was CORRECT - period, end of story.
Get over it already.
Fwiw, what you did is Illegal by Federal and State Law.
Again, as long as you own that vehicle, it's very unlikely that anyone will care at all.
You're complaining about mechanics doing what they are LEGALLY required to do.
Unless someone is familiar with the Federal, State, and locals laws, I suggest they stop *****ing about people CORRECTLY doing their job, and CORRECTLY following Federal, State, and locals laws.
Your mechanic was CORRECT - period, end of story.
Get over it already.
Fwiw, what you did is Illegal by Federal and State Law.
Again, as long as you own that vehicle, it's very unlikely that anyone will care at all.
You're complaining about mechanics doing what they are LEGALLY required to do.
Unless someone is familiar with the Federal, State, and locals laws, I suggest they stop *****ing about people CORRECTLY doing their job, and CORRECTLY following Federal, State, and locals laws.
So I can back home to do one more test cause I was not 100 % convinced it was the front CAT. After I cut the drives pipe in half and removed fron cat I put a air hose to make sure I had flow from the middle of the car where I cut the intermediate pipe back and guess what!. Debris was popping and there was not flow out the back muffler. This tell me it is the rear cat is the clog. I have attached a picture and it shows some one had bee here before..NOW WHAT
I understand the federal laws, RED Gray. I just mad my machinic charged me 240.00 to tell me I need 1700 in work. When really I just need a rear CAT welded in. that's all. REDGRAY thanks for you other post I appreciate the help.
WTF are you talking about?
Clearly, you're talking out of your rear-end.
I stated LAWS - do you have a clue what a LAW is????
Also, I stated WHY mechanics would not do many of the things.
Do you understand English??
There are REASONS for the LAWS - YES, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY!
The LAWS were not made up from a random sentence generator.
Modifying emissions controls is ****AGAINST FEDERAL LAW***!
Can you comprehend the above sentence?
There are MANY reasons for that LAW.
For example, cleaning the cat with "misc stuff" can cause TOXIC gases that CAN KILL PEOPLE!
If you look on the interweb, you see a ton of morons suggesting stupid things to do to clear cats.
Also, get a clue and look up what "catalytic" means. Maybe look up basic chemistry and physics also.
Even blowing "air" into a cat results in moisture/water, oil, and a bunch of other stuff.
Then again, if you knew even basic HS chemistry or physics, you'd realize that.
The cat likely clogged because one or more of your injectors is stuck open dumping raw fuel on to the cat. Get your injectors tested.
Seriously?
Yes. Not everyone know every single model/year that is a W203.
He listed a 2000. I see now that's not a W203.
Still, the OP should make it clear what car and engine they are talking about.
The OP's model car comes in sedan and wagon.
Different body style often require different exhausts (like the C230 2 and 4 door).
Yes. Not everyone know every single model/year that is a W203.
He listed a 2000. I see now that's not a W203.
Still, the OP should make it clear what car and engine they are talking about.
The OP's model car comes in sedan and wagon.
Different body style often require different exhausts (like the C230 2 and 4 door).
Hey dipshlt, read the first sentence in the first post in this thread.
WTF are you talking about?
Clearly, you're talking out of your rear-end.
I stated LAWS - do you have a clue what a LAW is????
Also, I stated WHY mechanics would not do many of the things.
Do you understand English??
There are REASONS for the LAWS - YES, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY!
The LAWS were not made up from a random sentence generator.
Modifying emissions controls is ****AGAINST FEDERAL LAW***!
Can you comprehend the above sentence?
There are MANY reasons for that LAW.
For example, cleaning the cat with "misc stuff" can cause TOXIC gases that CAN KILL PEOPLE!
If you look on the interweb, you see a ton of morons suggesting stupid things to do to clear cats.
Also, get a clue and look up what "catalytic" means. Maybe look up basic chemistry and physics also.
Even blowing "air" into a cat results in moisture/water, oil, and a bunch of other stuff.
Then again, if you knew even basic HS chemistry or physics, you'd realize that.
Have fun everyone, I have better things to do.
"CORRECT - period, end of story."
"Get over it already."
Any part you do not understand?
"People Who Say It Cannot Be Done Should Not Interrupt Those Who Are Doing It"
Do me a favor red gray I don’t know what your problem is and what your obsession about the laws is
I’m not doing anything illegal I am replacing the cat with another cat I don’t know what your damn problem is but stop giving me advice and stay off this forum and Move On you’re being a total *** You are a senior member have some patient and class,
It’s people like that other people do not to bother to come to forms because you get into these wild tangents.
.I am sick and tired of your condescending attitude I don’t know why you keep talking about the law when NO ONE plans on doing any illegal work on this exhaust !!Go bother someone else on another forum >>> **** off.
Do you know a red gray it’s jerks like you and I would love to use a different word that people don’t come to these forms because you come and start attacking people do you self a favor go get a girlfriend go get laid and get off these forms if you’re going to be a condescending jerk OK people come here as amateurs looking for advice they don’t come here to be belittled by people like you that I got nothing better than to troll forums and belittle people
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