catalyst, soft top

[Klaus]

I just returned from Europe where I have friends who collect MB and Pagoda related materials for me. Among the goodies brought back (like the 2004 Classic SL calender) I found the following (as translated by me):

Catalyst
Quote
Special Action (i.e. Sale)
For all owners of the model W113
Tread lightly on the environment with your Pagoda!
In a one-time sale the MB Classic Center offers a complete catalyst installation set for all vehicles of model W113 for the special price of Euro 1,995.- (approx. $ 2,500.-). Take this extraordinary chance and buy as long as supply lasts. The catalyst, key nr. 77, meets EU-exhaust emissions standard Euro 1. All electronic parts, as well as comprehensive installation instructions are included.....The set is available immediately under part nr. A 113 490 00 20 from the MB Classic Center.

Offer
Soft Top covers for your MB classic
Soft Top covers (R107, W111, W113, W121, R198)
Starting immediately, the MB Classic Center and the MB Central Parts Depot in Germersheim (Germany) offer soft top covers for the most popular classic MB cabriolets at special prices. The soft top cover is available in the known original quality "Sonnenland-Classic" with MB certificate in all original colors.
Example: soft top cover for W198: Euro 695.- (approx. $ 875.-)
For orders or inquiries we are available at ..address..tel...fax...e-mail: klaus.rau@daimlerchrysler.com
Unquote
(MB Classic Center, Classic Information 01/2004)

Of course, your local MB importer, e.g. MBUSA, will get these parts for you too, I don't know at what price.

The same Classic Information also lists vehicles the Classic Center is selling right now (also available on their website). It is interesting to see how high the prices in Germany are in comparison to the US. E.g. a partially restored 230 SL 1964, white-grey, black MB-Tex, is offered at Euro 69,500.- ($ 87,500.-); a 280 SL 1969, grey, brown leather, is listed as "price upon request", which probably means more than Euro 100,000.


Klaus
1969 280 SL

[Bob G ✝︎]

Klaus:
When did a 280SL have a Catayst in the exhaust system? I donot remember ever seeing one put on a 1971 280SL. what would it do to performance?

Bob Geco

[Klaus]

Bob,
the catalyst was developed as a retrofit in the 1990s by the MB Classic Center and MB R&D, for those owners who want to reduce their exhaust emissions and/or for registration in those countries that have restrictions for old and more polluting vehicles.
I do not have data on their impact on performance, but I would expect a slightly higher exhaust backpressure possibly limiting the peak horsepower and an influence on the exhaust sound.
If you race your car, don't buy it. If your car is a garage queen, don't but it. If your car is a driver, and you want to clean the exhaust (although for regulated pollutants probably only in the 60 to 70 percent range; this is not a modern three-way catalyst), this is the official MB way to do it.

Klaus
1969 280 SL

[Benz Dr.]

I think the answer is '' Don't buy it! ''
 It costs more than 2 complete systems and the extra heat under the passenger side would be very welcomed on a hot day.
I want to spew out as much nasty stuff into the environment as I can ( lol ) The 113 only has high CO at idle. ( 3 to 4%) At road speed it's about the same as a cat equiped car.
I own old cars for this exact reason. Not to avoid doing my part ( I farm and thereby I'm already doing my part) but to avoid having to pay someone else to do my part. New cars in Ontario Canada have to be E tested every other year until they're 20 years old. I have to pay someone to do the test and all the repairs. For new cars that have all these systems it makes some sense but trading carbon credits with big industries who do pollute doesn't.
I plant 2 - 3 hundred trees every year. Whatever the Red Rocket can't use the trees will.

Dan c
SL Barn

Daniel G Caron