The cat went on my ml320 a few weeks back.

I rang around for quotes which were generally around £850 plus vat for cat and £67 plus vat for labour.

One of the guys I rang was an independent Mercedes only garage who told me the cat can blow up and ruin my engine. I didn't believe him because i seen the cat underneath and didn't think it possible.

So i think he just wanted to scare me to come in straight away but i ended up getting a new cat myself for £240 and £37 labour from a good non Mercedes mechanic.

Is there any truth in what he said? I ask because i need a service soon and need to know if i can trust the guy.

many thanks

 

If I understand what you are asking... No, I dont believe a catalytic converter could explode... and the likely hood of the catalytic converter blowing anything back in to the engine I would have to say is pretty slim to none.

What COULD happen is that a catalytic converter over heats to the point where it could light something on fire... but that would be just by the very nature of what a catalytic converter is and does... they get VERY hot

 

yeah, thought so.

the weld opened up on it so i cant see how it could explode and send things flying into the engine.

I'm really pissed off now because he is the only independent around for a service who i thought i could trust.

 

There was a recall on the ml320 by mercedes to replace the cat free of charge. Check with a mercedes dealership.

 

here in the US there is a recall... I dont know about other countries?

 

none in the uk im afraid even though i think they are the same part. madness!!

 

If you like this guy and thought you could trust him then approach him and discuss your concerns about his diagnosis in a civil manor. Either you will come away hating the guy or have a good explanation on his reasons for his statements. In eather case you will instill on him that you are not stupid and most likely he will not try to dupe you in the future.
Mike