i have a 1998 e300d
with a catalytic converter that has 2 holes in it the size of quarters.
Would it be ok to take the care to a muffler shop and have them replace it or should i buy one from ebay or certified mercedes online dealer ?

 

It is against the law to replace a catalytic converter with a straight pipe on this car. Suedeboogie, take your car to a trustworthy muffler shop or back to the dealership and have it fixed in the proper manner.

 

And you'll fail state inspection. Brilliant.

 

what is a good aftermarket catalytic converter for my non turbo e300d 1998

 

FI:

FYI, in California there is no bi-annual smog test/inspection for diesel vehicles (car and pickup trucks, at least) as there is for gasoline powered vehicles. And since there is no safety inspection either, no one would really know if you replaced a cat. conv. with a straight pipe.

From the CA DMV web site:

Does my vehicle qualify for a smog exemption?

Smog inspections are required unless your vehicle is:

* Hybrid
* 1975 year model or older
* Diesel powered
* Electric
* Natural gas powered and has a Gross Vehicle Weight rating of 14,001 lbs. or more.
* Motorcycle
* Trailer


BTW, thanks for all your great technical insight and forum participation.

Regards,
--Jim Jim Jim

 

You are absolutely right, diesels are smog exemt in california, so no one will no if you've modified you car. I removed mine, because it started to rattle, and rather than buy a new one, I put in a straight pipe. It was a tiny bit louder, but the improvement in performance was dramatic; probably because my old cat was clogged. There was a slight improvement in mileage too.

 

This correct Sue, I had my cat converter removed last year, my car (210 E300) run faster, better MPG, cooler, a lot less smoke, close to 20 lbs lighter but a few decibels louder than normal. I am in Ca. and diesel engines does not require inspection.

 

Diesel having a smog exempt status from biannual smog test in California has changed. Only diesel cars and light truck older than 1998 are smog exempt. Newer diesel will need a smog test.

http://www.autorepair.ca.gov/80_BARR...elWorkInf.html

http://slumz.boxden.com/f22/new-cali...010-a-1365589/