Wanted: 1996 C280 Catalytic Converter

[Big Dan]

Hi All,

First post on the forums as have just bought my first (of many I now expect) MB a 1996 C280 Elegance (Straight Six, 83k, FMBSH).

However I have a couple of large niggles the first being the front discs and pads which i have just replaced and the second being the rattly cat!

Does anyone have a working spare knocking around or know of the cheapest place I can get one???

Thanks in advance.


Dan

 

[andy27168]

Hi,
How loud is the rattle? if its not to bad don,t worry about it, one of my CATs on my C43 rattled, but it was very slight, the CAT stopped rattling after a few thousand miles, passes the emissions every MOT no probs.
Not sure how many CATs the 280 has but if it has two and its your lower one that is rattling why don,t you just get it removed, the v6 and v8's apparently still still pass the emissions and perform and breathe more easier, with the two lower CATs removed, and just relying on the two upper ones.
My solution to replace my CATs to avoid the £1700 bill MB wanted for them was a company that would revamp mine by cutting open my original knackered CAT, fit a new element then weld it back up, £205 for each CAT.
Google "CAT man" IIRC

 

[EDZ649]

Are you 100% sure it's the cat and not the heatshield?

 

[Big Dan]

TBH. The garage that did the brakes today said its the CAT (I know, I know) but not sure myself thats its not just the heatshield?

Rattle is not too bad and can hardly be heard at idle but on hard(ish) acceleration there is a loudish rattle that clears as I let off the gas??

May get a second opinion before I shell out as have a few more items on the shopping list for my new baby (rubbing hands together) ;-)

If it is the cat I may whip it out until MOT time and see how she does?

 

[andy27168]

CATs i believe "normally" only make a kind of tinkleling noise, mine did anyway, I think this sound more like the heatshield being loose as EDZ has said.

 

[Big Dan]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it is the heatshield.

Will be taking it into Bristol Exhausts for a second opinion as they do a Longlife (brand) Cat for £179 or a sports CAT for £299.

Anyone had any experience of Bristol Exhausts of Longlife CATs?

 

[Big Dan]

Definately the CAT as has been hit (by the previous owner) on a speedbump or similar meaning the NS CAT has been panned flat!