[imdgonz]

Hi all - Plz help with a very subtle noise: 2000 clk 430 convertible, have to open windows or top to hear when it happens.

Under strain, like rolling along in 2nd, then getting on the gas, very slight hesitation as power kicks in, but a light rumble/rattle/grind type noise is heard for a second from beneath the car. Not sure if this is normal gear/tranny sounds or not.

Could it be exhaust? Transfer case? Please make suggestions. Thanks.

 

[skiflyer]

I have it too... I think it's the cats, but I'm too afraid that I'm right to check it out, those suckers are expensive.

 

[Check Codes]

Transfer case? Do they make a 4Matic convertible click?

Sounds like the classic sound of a CAT going south.

imdgonz, you're stuck since you're in CA, you need to go OEM to comply with CARB.

skiflyer, please complete your profile dood, with your car and location, because that makes it easier to suggest things. If you're not in CA you can use an aftermarket cat...depending on what car you have...which is lots less expensive than OEM.

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg

 

[imdgonz]

Cats are warranty to 100k, no?

Mechanic suggested cats are covered to 100k miles. Is this true?

Transfer case? Do they make a 4Matic convertible click?

Sounds like the classic sound of a CAT going south.

imdgonz, you're stuck since you're in CA, you need to go OEM to comply with CARB.

skiflyer, please complete your profile dood, with your car and location, because that makes it easier to suggest things. If you're not in CA you can use an aftermarket cat...depending on what car you have...which is lots less expensive than OEM.

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg

 

[Check Codes]

Best to call your dealer. 8 years, 80,000 is the Federal mandate, but MB did extend the warranty on a few models, mostly AMG. But if you call they'll let you know.

If you're decent with tools this is a DIY job for the OEM parts, I did my 210 last year in about 4 hours for both sides, including all four O2 sensors and splicing the universal sensors took by far most of the time.

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg

 

[nrphlly]

gregs i can replace cats an 02 sensors?

Best to call your dealer. 8 years, 80,000 is the Federal mandate, but MB did extend the warranty on a few models, mostly AMG. But if you call they'll let you know.

If you're decent with tools this is a DIY job for the OEM parts, I did my 210 last year in about 4 hours for both sides, including all four O2 sensors and splicing the universal sensors took by far most of the time.

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg

I saw where and how to replace the o2 sensors but i can replace my cats too? I have a cali car also, but i live on the east coast, can i replace with high flow cats and universal 02 sensors?

 

[Check Codes]

I saw where and how to replace the o2 sensors but i can replace my cats too? I have a cali car also, but i live on the east coast, can i replace with high flow cats and universal 02 sensors?

You can. However, unless your cats are plugging up or rattling you won't notice much. You'd probably get a bit more from substituting an X pipe where your resonator is. However, it wouldn't cost much more to replace the rear cats at the same time with something like the Magnaflow universals.

The O2 sensors are a 100K check/replace item. If you're at or over 100K and plan on keeping the car, replace them. Then you're good for another 100K. Check Bosch's parts finder to find the part numbers for (1) the exact replacements for your car and (2) the universal PN. Then run those part numbers at autohausaz.com and see what the pricing is. In my case it was $322 for four universal sensors (plus a couple hours to splice them in) versus nearly another $300 for the OEM units. So I paid myself about $150/hr to splice in the universals. If you are going to DIY that makes sense, otherwise you need to buy OEM, because it will cost you more to have a mechanic splice them.

You can do cats yourself if you buy OEM or the aftermarket units, but you are then buying both cats plus the stringer pipes. Otherwise you have to buy the suitable aftermarket unit and have it replaced by an exhaust shop.

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg