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1998 Mercedes-Benz E320

Question: Emissions

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roadster, Woodstock, GA, June 09, 2009, 04:50

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What is the life expectency of a catalytic converter and how likely is it to have 2 go out at the same time without engine light coming on?

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  Bret Bodas June 10, 2009, 12:43
  

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  When you mention it "going out at the same time", what are you referring to? Did the converter fail along with something else?
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  roadster, June 10, 2009, 12:53
  

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  Both catalytic converters went out within days of each other, but no engine light sensor. Engine running fine. Was told that older converters have been re-designed because ceramic parts inside old ones broke loose.
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  Bret Bodas, June 10, 2009, 13:28
  

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  So both converters failed due to the element inside becoming loose and rattling? I have seen this from the engine running poorly and causing the element to deteriorate, but that was on older cars that had less sensitive emission systems that didn't turn on the Check Engine Light as quickly as the newer systems. I can see this happening from a defect in the manufacturing though. There may be an emission warranty or some sort of assistance from Mercedes if this is a common problem. Let me know what you end up finding out!
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