mahunt

After 265K miles it was time to replace the catalytic converter pipes on the SL600.

Aside from being a little rusty around the edges, I'm getting persistent O2 sensor faults. I haven't noticed the telltale rattle of dead converter innards, but I want to remedy the CEL being on intermittently.

I found online where the normally $660 and $720 pipes were offered for $460 and $534 for the remanufactured pipes (129 490 72 19 18 and 129 490 71 19 18). Each pipe also adds a $200 core charge. I was interested in finding out if a local dealer would match the prices because shipping these oversize and overweight items would cost a fortune that would eat up the online deal.

I did find a local dealer willing to match the online prices and I put my order in. One pipe was in California and the other in New Jersey. It only took 4 days for them to arrive as well as 2 new muffler hangers (124 292 00 44), 2 pipe hangers ( 124 292 00 82) and the resonator hanger (124 292 00 37).

After swapping out the pipes, I wish I had ordered new exhaust bolts and nuts because the old ones were too rusty next to the brand new exhaust pipes and flanges. In fact, when I returned the pipes for the core charge today, I ordered all new bolts and nuts.


New pipes still in their factory fresh wrapping.


New hangers.



The bill.

Everything underneath is now gleaming new and high and tight with the new hangers. Upon disassembly, I found 3 of the 5 hangers were split.

Now on to the O2 sensors and that pesky CEL.

Ahmed

Brilliant, well-done sir!

I wouldn't mind buying those and shipping them over.

mahunt

Use the part numbers and prices and see if a local dealership will match the deal so you can save on shipping. If your car's mileage matches mine in any way or you intend to keep your car as long, I would recommend getting them before MB decides to no longer stock them.

The 2 pipes are very HEAVY and long, I can't imagine how much they would cost to ship.

They are very nice though.