andreas_t
Active Member
Hello Folks,
The beginning of my saga has been documented elsewhere; here is the most relevant thread: http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=23822
Anyway, after several bits of correspondence with the dealer, they agreed to have the car in for extensive tests (eventually, they agreed to FOC ...). Within a couple of hours they came back and said that the catalyst is 'breaking up around the edges' and they recommended a replacement (part goodwill, but still £640 odd ...) before 'carrying out further tests'.
I declined saying that I wished to 'sleep on it' and asked them to change the air filter element as a precautionary measure. When I picked up the car more pressure was put on me to have it replaced, but I shrugged it off by saying that, at the moment, I have no real (other than the increased diesel consumption) motivation to spend that kind of money (and the car has just passed its MOT) - so NO THANKS. What I really wanted was to buy myself some time to do some homework ..... here goes then, my two questions (I eventually got to the point ....) are thus:
1. Does the story sound to you plausible - or are they just guessing at my (suggested) expense ?
2. If it looks like I need a new cat, does anyone know a good OEM or equivalent source ? - (car is E220CDI W210 2001 model)
I would be grateful if you can pass comment.
PS. And the best bit was !!!!! - They told me not to use Millers Diesel Plus additive as MB claims is damages the coating of the injectors and the fuel pump - and it might be the cause for my cat going south .... Hmmmm
The beginning of my saga has been documented elsewhere; here is the most relevant thread: http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=23822
Anyway, after several bits of correspondence with the dealer, they agreed to have the car in for extensive tests (eventually, they agreed to FOC ...). Within a couple of hours they came back and said that the catalyst is 'breaking up around the edges' and they recommended a replacement (part goodwill, but still £640 odd ...) before 'carrying out further tests'.
I declined saying that I wished to 'sleep on it' and asked them to change the air filter element as a precautionary measure. When I picked up the car more pressure was put on me to have it replaced, but I shrugged it off by saying that, at the moment, I have no real (other than the increased diesel consumption) motivation to spend that kind of money (and the car has just passed its MOT) - so NO THANKS. What I really wanted was to buy myself some time to do some homework ..... here goes then, my two questions (I eventually got to the point ....) are thus:
1. Does the story sound to you plausible - or are they just guessing at my (suggested) expense ?
2. If it looks like I need a new cat, does anyone know a good OEM or equivalent source ? - (car is E220CDI W210 2001 model)
I would be grateful if you can pass comment.
PS. And the best bit was !!!!! - They told me not to use Millers Diesel Plus additive as MB claims is damages the coating of the injectors and the fuel pump - and it might be the cause for my cat going south .... Hmmmm