E-Class (W210) 1995-2002: E 200, E 220D, E 240, E 290TD, E 300TD, E 200, E 240, E 280, E 320, E 420, E 430 (Wagon, Touring, 4Matic)

catalytic converter question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Oct 1, 2005 | 05:47 PM
  #1  
wickeddragon's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
catalytic converter question

i took my 2000 e320 in for its service b & was told there may be a catalytic converter issue that needs replacement of it or it will eventually ruin the engine as a whole................is this true? I always thought the catalytic converter's job was only to clean the air coming from my engine, is this guy b.s.'in me? if not i gotta shell out $1500 for the left side alone....damn

thanks for the adive

--newbie
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2005 | 05:50 PM
  #2  
E55AMG99's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,445
Likes: 3
From: WOT somewhere in the Bay Area
1951 Caterpiller D6
Past your 7 year 70,000 or 8 year 80,000 emissions warranty? A cat can get plugged and it is not good for engine performance. Never heard of it causing damage maybe because people can't take the loss of power and getit fixed.

BTW, a known issue on MB.
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2005 | 05:58 PM
  #3  
wickeddragon's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
they said they would see if my car was under the 70K or the 80K warranty, my car is sitting at 71K right now, i am hoping they will take care of it since its a pretty known issue for mbz, but i was told it was more common in thier m-series
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2005 | 07:10 PM
  #4  
E55AMG99's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,445
Likes: 3
From: WOT somewhere in the Bay Area
1951 Caterpiller D6
Originally Posted by wickeddragon
they said they would see if my car was under the 70K or the 80K warranty, my car is sitting at 71K right now, i am hoping they will take care of it since its a pretty known issue for mbz, but i was told it was more common in thier m-series
If they refuse becasue you are1K over, take your car and all your business elsewhere.
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2005 | 01:08 AM
  #5  
BlownV8's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,215
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
they said they would see if my car was under the 70K or the 80K warranty, my car is sitting at 71K right now, i am hoping they will take care of it since its a pretty known issue for mbz, but i was told it was more common in thier m-series
USEPA is 80,000 miles. Federal law supercedes state law if they bring-up the BS 70,000 mile CA limit. You should not have a problem.
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2005 | 04:45 PM
  #6  
wickeddragon's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
that is some good news indeed, now i can invest in some nicer tires
Reply
Old Oct 15, 2005 | 05:24 AM
  #7  
mazeta's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Hollywood, CA
2000 E320
Originally Posted by BlownV8
USEPA is 80,000 miles. Federal law supercedes state law if they bring-up the BS 70,000 mile CA limit. You should not have a problem.
Stupid question, but does this USEPA stipulation apply to cars that are out of warranty? One of my converters gave out @ ~76K miles (I'm in California).
Reply
Old Oct 15, 2005 | 01:44 PM
  #8  
BlownV8's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,215
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
USEPA law is 80,000 miles and 8 years on catalytic converters. The manufacturer must meet those guidelines regardless of the states laws. Federal law supercedes state law.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

New Mercedes-AMG SUVs Arrive With NEW V8 Engine: 12 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish

 
story-4

7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Oct 15, 2005 | 02:39 PM
  #9  
sosh's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Cats are a consumable item. They do not last forever. Believe the emmissions warranty is 80000 miles. Cats are no more of a problem with MB's as they are with other makes. And, yes, a clogged cat can cause engine damage and can cause a fire as they get really hot.Premature cat failure can be caused by running bad fuel or even leaded fuel if you can still find it. Also running rich can cause failure.
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2005 | 12:45 PM
  #10  
mazeta's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Hollywood, CA
2000 E320
Believe it!

Originally Posted by BlownV8
USEPA law is 80,000 miles and 8 years on catalytic converters. The manufacturer must meet those guidelines regardless of the states laws. Federal law supercedes state law.
Dropped off my 2000 E320 at the dealer this morning. One of the cats went bad and I invoked the 8 year/80K mile emissions performance warranty. Dealer will fix it for free. All dealers MUST honor it (it's even mentioned in the car's warranty booklet). A dealer who turns you away even after the car meets the warranty requirements is breaking the law.
The car has 76K miles on it...I hope the other cat goes out before it reaches 80K! :v
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2005 | 01:14 PM
  #11  
StapleGun's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,330
Likes: 0
1967 Morris Cooper "S", 1983 911SC, 1997 Toyota Tacoma, 1999 HD FXSTB, 1998 C43
Good thread

Valuable info, thanks for 411 once again!
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2005 | 05:16 PM
  #12  
Air Marshall Eldritch's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 9,815
Likes: 13
John Deere
Originally Posted by mazeta
I hope the other cat goes out before it reaches 80K! :v

I wonder if there is a way to "help" ensure that. maybe some delicate work with a screwdriver?
Reply
Old Oct 19, 2005 | 01:32 AM
  #13  
BlownV8's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,215
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
Glad I could help.
Reply
Old Oct 27, 2005 | 02:15 AM
  #14  
mazeta's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Hollywood, CA
2000 E320
You wouldn't believe me if I told you...

Originally Posted by RBrenton88
I wonder if there is a way to "help" ensure that. maybe some delicate work with a screwdriver?
I took my car in to the local dealer because of the one bad cat converter. After the car inspection, the dealer informed me that the second cat was about to go out as well...SO THEY REPLACED BOTH FREE OF CHARGE!
I saved at least a few grand.
My gratitude goes to this forum and the very knowledgeable folks who take the time to post. I was ready to bend over, grab my ankles, and pay a mechanic blindly to fix my car. I don't know what I'd do without this forum!
Thanks.
Reply
Old Jul 11, 2009 | 11:33 PM
  #15  
bertrocka's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
GL 450 -Mysterious fires

My brother's wife used to have an '07 GL 450. I say used to because last nig.ht, the car caught fire, apparently as a result of the catalytic converter.
There entire house burnt down to the ground and their dog of 7 years was killed in the fire. They have lost EVERYTHING they own. While their possesions can be replaced - Imagine if you're family member, albeit, a dog, was killed in the chaos. I am looking for anyone who has experienced a similar "mysterious" fire-catching incident of the GL450. The car had been shut off for at least 5 hours prior to it cathcing fire. My brother, his wife, and 2 children were lucky to get out of the fire alive, although their beloved dog, Caesar was not so lucky. Please contact me at robert@jtjindustries.com if you know of anyone or any incidents similar to this one. I would really appreciate it.
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2009 | 12:09 AM
  #16  
ohlord's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 6,171
Likes: 16
300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
Overheated cat

should have cooled down in 5 hours. Must have been some combustibles in the area around the car or an insurance investigator is going to be needed to place blame on a unit that cools down in minutes.Not hours.
I would be on the phone with the insurance investigator.Now!
Sorry about the dog,very glad they all got out.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:13 PM.

story-0
New Mercedes-AMG SUVs Arrive With NEW V8 Engine: 12 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's updated GLE 63 S and GLS 63 bring a new-generation V8, subtle design revisions, and familiar supercar-rivaling performance figures.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-17 12:52:51


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production

Slideshow: Mercedes has never been afraid to experiment, and some of its strangest ideas turned out to be surprisingly successful.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 17:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-2
Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look

Sideshow: A Middle Eastern tuner has transformed the Mercedes-AMG G 63 into an open-top special, replacing nearly every exterior panel in the process.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 15:29:50


VIEW MORE
story-3
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish

Slideshow: Six gift ideas your AMG loving dad or grad will cherish.

By | 2026-06-03 17:26:18


VIEW MORE
story-4
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built

Slideshow: Sometimes AMG builds fast sedans. Other times, it builds twin-turbo V12 land missiles and six-wheeled off-road monsters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 17:59:58


VIEW MORE
story-5
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-6
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-7
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE