W209 CLK320 Exhaust Rattle / Possible Cat Removal

[djt100]

So My lovely CLK320 has developed an exhaust rattle, I've been reading up on this and it looks like the Cat has gone. The problem is the cat has begin missing when under load.

So look like I either need a new centre exhaust section or look to have the second cats removed. Question is what is best, From the little information I can find the second cats are after all the engine sensors so no issues there. And also no issues with MOT either.

New exhaust is £500 ish!
So I'm thinking make the most of it and a little extra performance and remove the cats. But I don't know anyone who can do this and what sort of cost it would be ?

So can anyone offer any advise on the cost of removing the 2 cats and replacing with a bit of straight pipe ??

I'm in Epsom Surrey so if anyone knows of someone to do this is would be good. Effectively its probably a couple of hours work for someone if I take Remove the exhaust myself. But have no idea where to have it done

[jke11y]

I took my 129 SL320 to a place in St Albans who, for £230ish cut out the old cats and fitted replacements. A decat was £90 from them. This was 2 or 3 MOT's ago and it has been fine since.

[djt100]

jke11y said:

I took my 129 SL320 to a place in St Albans who, for £230ish cut out the old cats and fitted replacements. A decat was £90 from them. This was 2 or 3 MOT's ago and it has been fine since.

Are these prices for a single cat or for the 2 cats ?? if so not bad either way. Was it just a local indy or an exhaust specialist ?

[jke11y]

djt100 said:

jke11y said:

I took my 129 SL320 to a place in St Albans who, for £230ish cut out the old cats and fitted replacements. A decat was £90 from them. This was 2 or 3 MOT's ago and it has been fine since.

Are these prices for a single cat or for the 2 cats ?? if so not bad either way. Was it just a local indy or an exhaust specialist ?

It was for the two cats. Mine were rattling.

Its an exhaust fabrication place, I have used them a few times; they used to be in watford called EMP Performance then they moved. I couldn't find anyone more local (I am in SW London) and it was worth the trip up there, great service.

[djt100]

I will need to look for some one more local, mine were rattling and now they have passed that and are causing the car to misfire ( they are blocking the pipe under load) it's only one side at the moment but will get both sides done. So driving an distance is painful at the moment. OK in traffic for daily to work use but have to stick below 2500 RPM. Need ot get them dome bit no idea where!

[callmedave]

If it is the secondary cats (after sensors) that you are having trouble with, you could cut open the body, smash the cat out (its a bit like a breeze-block) and weld the body back up. If you can remove the exhaust, do this work on the top, so it still looks tidy from underneath.

This is a bit of a caveman approach to the problem, but if your handy with a grinder and welder, its a pretty cheap and easy way to fix it.

[djt100]

callmedave said:

If it is the secondary cats (after sensors) that you are having trouble with, you could cut open the body, smash the cat out (its a bit like a breeze-block) and weld the body back up. If you can remove the exhaust, do this work on the top, so it still looks tidy from underneath.

This is a bit of a caveman approach to the problem, but if your handy with a grinder and welder, its a pretty cheap and easy way to fix it.

This has been suggested to me, but again i would need someone to weld it up for me. I actually thought this was the best option just keep the system, looking standard.

[callmedave]

Im sure a mate would do this for you for a few beer tokens, if you know what your doing its not a difficult job.

I done a few of these when i worked in a garage. The innards of these may be of value.......

[djt100]

A little update. I've been calling a few companies to do look at this. I've settled with Longlife exhausts in Carshalton Surrey. Booked in for Saturday. So will report back how it goes after.

I decided on them as when I called to enquire, as soon as I mentioned the rear cats removal, he said "Mercedes" and knew exactly what i was referring to. Seems to be a common request for them so should be a fairly straightforward job. Quoted £100 fitted and that includes a lifetime warranty so finger crossed.