Catalytic Converter Problem PLEASE HELP!!!!!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
2001 S500
Catalytic Converter Problem PLEASE HELP!!!!!
I have a problem with both Left and right side catalytic converters. I dont know if my emissions warranty for the car is up or not. It has about 78,000 and its a 1998 E320.. I am located in California so we have strict emission system here. I need to know where I can purchase the converters for cheaper then Retail $700 each. Do they make after market converters... Someone Please help me 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,891
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
2002 C230 : 2007 C230
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
2001 S500
I just got off the phone with MBUSA and they told me that it is 70K/7yrs for california becasue california has its own emissions code and that the Federal emissions warranty 8yr 80K mile warranty will not be valid because the california one will over ride it. Is this Bull$#&% or what... Can someone please tell me if this is true or not...
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,891
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
2002 C230 : 2007 C230
I guess it time to ask a lawyer, but as I understand it, the state can't reduce the warranty protection offered by the feds.
This is where you need to become one of those very loud customers. A loud, pissed off customer in the service drive is not what a dealer wants. If they still won't do it, tell them to get the zone rep on the phone. Don't give in easy.
This is where you need to become one of those very loud customers. A loud, pissed off customer in the service drive is not what a dealer wants. If they still won't do it, tell them to get the zone rep on the phone. Don't give in easy.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production
Verdad Gallardo
Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look
Verdad Gallardo
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
2001 S500
That sounds like a good plan... I dont know how a state can outlaw a federal backed warranty. This all seems a bit skeptic to me... I think i'll be a very loud customer and hey maybe even have to report this to my local news station if MB doesn't want to honor this...
Thanks for your help..
Thanks for your help..
Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: California
2000 E430 Desert Silver
Armanistyle112
I just checkek out the Service and Warranty Information (2000):
Emission Performance/Control (Federal): 8 years/80,000 miles
Emission Control (California, Massachusetts, Vermont): 7years/70,000 miles.
May be try another dealer, they might fix it free for you. Good luck.
I just checkek out the Service and Warranty Information (2000):
Emission Performance/Control (Federal): 8 years/80,000 miles
Emission Control (California, Massachusetts, Vermont): 7years/70,000 miles.
May be try another dealer, they might fix it free for you. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
2001 S500
In the California & Massachusetts Emission Control System Warranty section in my 1998 MB Warranty book, it states that " An emission related part is covered by the warranty of 7yrs/70,000" But it also states in the same section that " If your vehicle is between 3 to 8 years old and has been driven less than 80,000 miles, then your car may be eligible for additional coverage under the Federal Emissions warranty." This may be a good argument that I can use against MB. I'll give it a shot this week and Let you all know whats going on.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 732
Likes: 0
From: oregon
2011 C300
Dont forget that the service manager has the ability to "good will" repairs also. It's an authority the manufacturer gives reps, and managers for good customer service. If they stubbornly refuse, and can not be legally bound, they can excersise the option of offering a "customer participation" good will. Still cheaper than $1400 plus labor! IMO, I would stick with factory cats. Aftermarket cats are cheaper, but if they do not function perfect for your car, your O2 sensors can freak out, or wear out...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,214
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
Yes, federal law supercedes state laws. Contact the US EPA and let them know what is going on. They will tell you that you need a letter of refusal from Mercedes USA. Call MBUSA and let them know that you need a letter of refusal from them concerning their failure to honor the federal emission laws. Make sure that you tell them that you absolutely need it in writing because the US EPA has received many complaints and my order a recall due to all the defective catalytic converters. I don't think they will push their luck if you car is less than 8 years old and has less than 80,000 miles.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,076
Likes: 0
From: LA/OC
E320
Originally Posted by lexrex
Maybe you need to take a day trip to Arizona or Nevada 
My car have a CA license plate on it, and I bought it in CA, too.
Why not take a trip to Las Vegas and save the big money?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,076
Likes: 0
From: LA/OC
E320
Originally Posted by MB Fanatic
Whats the point of reviving a thread nearly 3 years old? 
I am sure the car is fixed by now lol.
I am sure the car is fixed by now lol.Recently, I heard the sound, which is like from the bad cat.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,076
Likes: 0
From: LA/OC
E320
Originally Posted by MB Fanatic
Whats the point of reviving a thread nearly 3 years old? I am sure the car is fixed by now lol.
I am sure the car is fixed by now lol.https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...ight=catalytic
