SL600RED

'93 SL600 -- It started out with a poor performance of the car, gears change timing is not normal, and after less than 10 miles of driving I found out that the left catalytic converter burned out. Next day, I have both of the catalytic converters replaced with aftermarket units (for SL600) at a local mufflers shop. With the new replacements, the very strong smell of fresh gasoline just keeps coming out from the exhausts while the engine is running. The MB service advisor informed me that I have to use the MB factory catalytic converters for the gas smell problem to go away and they can't fix it. I thought they can adjust the fuel & air for the problem but it is not the case (?).

Right now, the car seems to start in 2nd gear and jumps to 3rd with a kick after a long delay. I have scheduled for the tranmission oil changed and will be replacing all of the spark plugs ... just in case. Please advise!

sosh

Your SA is most likely correct re the Cats. Don,t you feel a bit miffed that to correct the problem you have to sacrifice all the money you saved by putting in the correct part?? Do not believe that the trans problem will be corrected by the fluid change. Its most likely due to a failed valve body. However driving it in its present condition could have damaged the clutch in the trans and you are most likely in for a total rebuild. Again I would have an authorized dealer have a look and diagnose. You could be tossing more money down the drain by taking the cheapest way out.

SL600RED

Hi sosh, Thanks for the reply. I have the car towed from one location to the next after the catalytic converter failure. The car has only been driven a few miles from the mufflers shop to the dealership since then. I am amazed how the normal running car can go from normal to many problems.