2000 E320 replacement catalytic converter - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

ad3g · 07-06-2011, 04:51 PM

I need to replace drivers side cat on my E320...front one has the famous rattle.
I want to buy a replacement online ,not sure of who would be good to deal with,as I found multiple websites with replacement cats of several brands. I want to buy the whole assembly ( two cats with pipe) not just a single cat.
Anyone have a recommendation as to a brand or website they have dealt with?
I plan on doing replacement myself with a friend ( who conveniently has a lift),rather than go to the stealership.

01blackhawk · 07-06-2011, 05:39 PM

I think I have the same problem(gonna check the shield tonight) I just checked Advance Auto Parts, they have them in store, cat converter itself is around $66 a piece. Just curious why do you want to buy the whole assembly?

**Musikmann** · 07-06-2011, 05:58 PM

The whole assembly is bolt on and a much neater job. That's what I got from MB under the 8/80,000 warranty and I'm glad I fell within those parameters. If I was paying for it I would probably have taken the weld in route using the often recommended Magnaflows.

ad3g · 07-06-2011, 06:35 PM

I can't find a local muffler shop willing to weld a cat into place ( I called several,everyone tells me it's a tight squeeze and won't do it),plus,if I change one front cat,shouldn't I change both front cats so both sides exhaust have same characteristics?
I don't know if that matters or not, I'm a MB newbie and would love for some of the experienced forum users to chime in,as I just want to do the job right.

**Musikmann** · 07-06-2011, 06:56 PM

As I understand this, if one front cat is bad you should repalce both to equalize pressures; same for the back cats. I don't understand why none of the shops you called will do this job. The only thing I can think of is they don't want to because you are providing the parts so that beats them out of their normal mark up. See if they will do it if they sell you the parts. It shouldn't make that much of a difference in cost to you. Bravo to you for doing it right!

fosmith · 07-07-2011, 11:59 AM

I had just the right rear cat welded in with no ill effects. The car ran great and the rough idle that I had went away too.

$130 total cost. I used the Magnaflow universal cat, 53005, I think.
Fred

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musikmann

As I understand this, if one front cat is bad you should repalce both to equalize pressures; same for the back cats. I don't understand why none of the shops you called will do this job. The only thing I can think of is they don't want to because you are providing the parts so that beats them out of their normal mark up. See if they will do it if they sell you the parts. It shouldn't make that much of a difference in cost to you. Bravo to you for doing it right!

**Musikmann** · 07-07-2011, 05:24 PM

But Fred you are in CA. I thiught those were only 49 state compliant? Or has something changed recently?

Weegee14 · 07-07-2011, 07:13 PM

"$130 total cost. I used the Magnaflow universal cat, 53005, I think."
I'm not sure if this model will fit my 2000 E430. Everytime I check the sites, I see all kinds of shapes and configurations for my vehicle. Did MB change the configuration every year?
I called Magnaflow several months ago and was told they don't make a cat for my car. I told them that I read on this site that other MB owners have purchased their products, so WTF, a stupid customer service person? Is there something better than Magnaflow other than going to MB?