1999 ML430. Posted last week about what my son described as a 'transmission slipping - locked in one gear' problem. Turned out the transmission is fine but the engine was missing terribly.
Took it to my local Mercedes service center and was told yesterday that it needed new plugs, wiring, etc - nothing major ($650)! I hesitated but later gave them the go ahead to repair. Today, the service center called back and said the engine is fine, but both catalytic converters (dual exhaust) have been 'burned up' and needed replacement - $1200 more! Naturally, I am open to any suggestions.
Vehicle: 2002 ML 500, 1994 Ford Explorer donated to Doctors without Borders
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 2,126
Wait! The DEALER replaced your plugs AND wires for $650!!!??? My dealer charged me $950 for the wires and wanted another $900+ if I wanted him to change the plugs while he was in there!!!
I'm not sure what to say about the cats... You didn't give your mileage, but for a '99, it sounds reasonable.
1999 ML430. Posted last week about what my son described as a 'transmission slipping - locked in one gear' problem. Turned out the transmission is fine but the engine was missing terribly.
Took it to my local Mercedes service center and was told yesterday that it needed new plugs, wiring, etc - nothing major ($650)! I hesitated but later gave them the go ahead to repair. Today, the service center called back and said the engine is fine, but both catalytic converters (dual exhaust) have been 'burned up' and needed replacement - $1200 more! Naturally, I am open to any suggestions.
ReBell
Miserable in Ms
Hi ReBell,
Yes, if the catalytic converters are clogged up they will result in a ml running real weak and you will feel it. If you can afford it, let them do the cat replacement because if you do not it will cause more damage. To get a second opinion bring to a reputable muffler shop and let them check if there is some cracks in the cats or if it is clogged. They have this probe that can check for exhaust leaks and stuff. They might even cost cheaper than the dealer. There was a person here who changed all his cats ( 4 of them ) for $ 600.00 with labor included. I hope this helps. But dont worry, after the cats are fixed, your ML will run like new and power will be restored. Good Luck.
Cats are consumables. They must be replaced eventually on all applications as they do wear out, clog up and they do crack. Your car is 8 years old. Wires need replacement also in all applications as the insulation and conductors break down from the heat, etc. If you drove with a misfiring or poorly running vehicle for some time you have contributed to the Cats failure. The unburned fuel and carbon are not good for Cats. Pay the bill, have it done correctly and in the future maintain your car to a higher standard.
A muffler shop can do a back pressure test and check for cracks, as busoptr pointed out. While cats are 'consumable', they generally last a very long time. Since there is a catalytic converter for each side of the engine, it shouldn't be unusual to get 200,000 miles out of them. Unfortunately, most crack before they stop up, which the cracked cats can be replaced under a campaign recall by MB if your VIN is in the numerical range. I'd check it out because I wouldn't depend on the dealer being exactly honest, if you know what I mean.
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1999 ML430. Posted last week about what my son described as a 'transmission slipping - locked in one gear' problem. Turned out the transmission is fine but the engine was missing terribly.
Took it to my local Mercedes service center and was told yesterday that it needed new plugs, wiring, etc - nothing major ($650)! I hesitated but later gave them the go ahead to repair. Today, the service center called back and said the engine is fine, but both catalytic converters (dual exhaust) have been 'burned up' and needed replacement - $1200 more! Naturally, I am open to any suggestions.
ReBell
Miserable in Ms
The mechanic (dealer?) is milking you. Dollar signs are popping up in front of their eyes.
What failure codes are they finding ? It does not sound like your plugs are a problem.
A muffler shop can do a back pressure test and check for cracks, as busoptr pointed out. While cats are 'consumable', they generally last a very long time. Since there is a catalytic converter for each side of the engine, it shouldn't be unusual to get 200,000 miles out of them. Unfortunately, most crack before they stop up, which the cracked cats can be replaced under a campaign recall by MB if your VIN is in the numerical range. I'd check it out because I wouldn't depend on the dealer being exactly honest, if you know what I mean.
Yes a muffler shop can do all of that. I believe that you are pushing it saying Cats should last 200K. I read between the lines here and I believe that this ML was poorly maintained, perhaps by a previous owner and a poorly maintained engine will significantly decrease the life of the Cats.
Looks like you really need to replace your cats before it gets worst. Don't wait for another ring from your dealer, 'coz maybe the next time he call you up there'd be another problem for your car. That's why last time when I had a problem with my Mercedes Benz Catalytic Converter, I let the dealer replaced it asap as to prevent any further damage. Don't wanna waste too much $$$any more...Anyway, good luck for the cat replacement and the like...
Yes a muffler shop can do all of that. I believe that you are pushing it saying Cats should last 200K. I read between the lines here and I believe that this ML was poorly maintained, perhaps by a previous owner and a poorly maintained engine will significantly decrease the life of the Cats.
Not at all. Note I said most crack before they actually stop up. Most ML cats are replaced because they are cracked. I have 175,000 on my cats and they're fine. I fully expect to get 200k + IF THEY DON'T CRACK. Big, IF, though.
The mechanic (dealer?) is milking you. Dollar signs are popping up in front of their eyes.
What failure codes are they finding ? It does not sound like your plugs are a problem.
thats not always the case. anytime a older car comes in with lots of mileage or age with misfires or rough idle the first thing and most basic is to perform a tune up, new plugs, wires, etc... after that if it still misses or has another issue, you can keep diagnosing. yea it could be that the tech wants money but any smart tech will know that you dont diagnosis an 8 year old car with a driveability issue with plugs from the factory and never having a tuneup. its common sense.
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