So, I take my 2001 S430 in to the Benz dealership because I started hearing a slight rattling under the midsection of the car while idling. The guys ask me, how many miles do I have on the car - I respond with 92,000 roughly.

They tell me, 'oh too bad, if it was 80,000 or under, then we could fix your car for free because of a USA federal mandate for emissions.'

They also tell me that, the catalytic converter is NOT 'life threatening, but I should get it fixed.' They recommended a muffler and exhaust shop, but also mention that the shop could only provide a temp fix and that the problem would return in a couple of years.

I have talked to other mechanics and they lead me to believe that the catalytic converter on my car is not a MB specific part. It's just generic exhaust parts and labor.

Can anyone chime in on this with any helpful info?

 

hahahhah we replace cat like there going out of style at the dealer you can put any cat on your car but i only recomend mb parts for mb cars. what happens if your car wont pass smog after they replace it then what you have to put a mb one on there anyways.

 

Can anyone recommend a good a place to find a CatCon (aftermarket) for a 2001 S430?

 

could you give me a little more info on this. i have a 2002 S430 and just started hearing the rattling noise. i only have 63k on the car. is this mandate for every state or only certain ones?

Thanks in advance

 

Well, since you have 63k miles on the car, you should be eligible for replacement at no cost to you.

Just take your car to a dealership. You could probably call dealership with you VIN and they could tell you.

 

I too have about 91k miles on my 2002 S430 with a rattling. Can you tell me how you made out. Did you get a new one from MB, or did you find a aftermarket that works well with your car?