When i step on the gas it doesnt make noise. Whenever i pound on it, it goes away. Is that still the cat? How much is it?

Can i just buy a Universal Catalytic Converter? Whats the difference between that and a full catalytic converter?

Is it covered under the emissions warranty?


Do i need to just replace the catalyst?

 

Hi,
If you get the car on a ramp and get close to the central catalysts you will be able to detect exactly where the noise is coming from.
Use a stick or hose to your ear to help locate the source. Careful its HOT HOT HOT.
If it is the catalyst I'm afraid that this is an expensive item. Look very carefully to ensure it is NOT a loose or touching heat shield before concluding it is the cats.
How many miles has your vehicle covered?
I suspect that the parts may be less expensive in the USA which is why I asked you to let us know the price.
Here in the UK a part system (central cats only) is circa £500. All four cats (inc front 2) takes it to about £800 and a complete system including rear silencer is maybe £1200 + of course fitting. (Very rough pricing).
This is MB pricing at its worse.
The actual parts SHOULD cost much less than this (imagine paying this much on a Ford!!). Unfortunately no after market company produces the catalyst box assembly for this model of MB in the UK. The 3.2 V6 SLK is a very low volume model.Most vehicles are 2.0/2.3 - 4 cylinders.

The problem is the ceramic block inside the stainless casing. The "wire wool" support for the ceramic degrades and allows the block to move around which in turn causes further damage to the block.
In the short term emmissions, performance etc. are OK but the rattling noise drives you mad.
I'd love to know the "official" MB incidence of this problem on high mileage cars (from Parts division). My own data concludes that it is very high especially on the 3.2 V6. Maybe it runs too hot or something.

To save expense I welded in new generic aftermarket STEEL monolith cats instead of ceramic. Steel is the new generation material for cats. Cheaper and more reliable........unless someone knows to the contrary.
let us know how you get on.
Stuart

 

There is a european auto shop right by my house and they offered to do everything for 275 including parts and labor.

 

that's too cheap.

 

So what are they going to do?

Repair the old cats somehow.
Fit some sort of aftermarket (non standard) cat system.
Eliminate the cats.
Misquoted a price.
Mis diagnosed what is required (or maybe we have)

Might be worth my while getting some parts shipped to the UK so your response, and shop web address, might be useful.

Would appreciate knowing vehicle mileage.

Stuart

 

they might do some incision and remove the catalyst.

 

I am taking it in this weekend and i will let you guys know....the mileage is at 115,000 and it runs like a champ





[IMG]local://upfiles/5183/1907E4198EA04829A8D3A75D3AE6F2C8.jpg[/IMG]