Catalytic Converter!

[nil929]

Hi all.. new to this fantastic forum... have been reading all your posts for the past hour or so.. thought i'd post a quick prob i've been having:

Owned an e240 avantgarde since 2002 (the old shape one, bought brand new) and had to have the catalytic converter replaced in about 2005 because of a rupture because of huge speed humps! Anyway, had that done, and now for the past 2 MOTs, the catalytic converter supposedly failed again, setting me back a good £3000 each time.. just wanted to know if anyone else has had any problems like that??

Also the air con gases have needed replacing a good 4/5 times in the past 3 years!!

I'm thinking its just a new gimmick.. having previously owned a c class, i've noticed the build quality to have depreciated significantly!!! So much so I have looked around for a BMW 525i! Just wanted a few expert opinions??

Thanks in advance...

 

[BlackC55]

£3000 each time?

That sounds excessive. Only buy genuine CATS as the aftermarket types are not generally good.

The AC regassing is probably due to a leak. I suspect its the condensor as they are common for leaking.

 

[nil929]

Yeah, they were quite expensive.. and I've always had servicing done from MB as I took out a 6 year warranty.. its obviously void if I have it serviced by anyone else; so I guess it would be genuine...

Will look into the condenser, thanks very much for your reply!

 

[BlackC55]

£3000 is far too much.

I believe the warranty is not void if you have it serviced elsewhere.

What alot of my customers do is get it serviced (basic) at a dealer and all extra work they bring it to me.

 

[Roger Jones]

Catalytic converters normally go on for years and years without problems. When my mechanic first started working on my cars about three years ago I asked him about the longevity of the component and at that time he had never had to replace one. I know he's replaced one recently on an Audi A4, but it's at least 8 years old; the bill was around £800. £3000 seems outrageous.

Also, A/C regassing is normally necessary only every three years.

Do we take it that you have bashed the cat converters on speed humps? And what is your usage habit with the A/C? Just wondering whether lack of use may have caused the problem.

 

[Roger Jones]

Correction: the bill on the Audi was under £500, OEM parts included.

 

[Dieselman]

If the cats are failing and are genuine then the re must be another problem such as faulty lambda sensor or a misfire and £3000 sounds excessive for the cost.

The aircon must have a leak.

Assuming your car is a W210 version car and the last of the series I would be surprised if you found the build quality lower than a W202 C class.