blackcube

Does anyone have a source for aftermarket converters for a 2001 SLK320? Mine started ratling and when the dealership looked at them there were a couple of small scrapes on the housing. Therefore no emissions warranty coverage. I'm looking to find some generics and get them welded into the system locally.

E-Klasse

Check for a DynoMax or a Magnaflow dealer in your area.

twowheelin

I have a similar problem with my 02 320. I called the local MB service rep and explained that I crawled under the car to locate the source of a rattle and it was coming from the (main) cats. He asked if it was one or both, and indicated that it was a common problem that should be covered by the 8yr-80K emissions warranty. I have a service appointment for next Monday and will post the results.

If they decide not to cover this under warranty, I'll probably order replacement cats from here: http://www.discountconverter.com/ They don't have a direct replacement, but a universal should be available....

Kanji

would changing stock CAT would throw a CEL? just curious, and wodering, i've change my old cat on my previous car and threw a CEL and couldn't pass smog.

twowheelin

The pre-cats are measured by 02 sensors (since 1996) on both sides and can cause a CEL if not functioning properly. The main cats on the SLK do not appear to be monitored and should be fairly easy to replace without fear of CELs. As long as the cat is approximately the same size and flow rate as the stock cat, smog checks should not be problem, or at least haven't been on previous cars.

The main cats are the ones rattling on my car... Pre-cats are a whole lot more trouble.

twowheelin

Good news! After discussing my cars sound and the way my cats rattled when I inspected them under the car, my local service advisor indicated that he was familiar with the symptom and that the catalytic converters were a common failure item. The replacement was covered under warranty at no cost. So far, I'm very impressed with MB of Memphis service!

bazzle

I would dispute the scrapes if they are just that. CATs have a couple of skins. The inner one is normally 1/8" steel. You could jack your car up on it.

Bazzle

twowheelin

A 'couple of small scrapes on the housing' could definately be considered normal wear considering that the cats are completely exposed to the elements on the underside of the car. If you haven't tried to modify the exhaust or abuse the vehicle, the emission warranty should hold for 8 years, 80K miles of service from these exhaust components. You may want to discuss the problem with a different service advisor.