With the very recent and ongoing theft of Catalytic Converters and Diesel Particulate Filters, we have decided to write this blog as Sprinter Van Owners need to be aware on how to keep their Sprinters secure!

Let’s start with the reason why our Sprinter vans are fitted with these parts.

The CAT or Catalytic Converter is used in the exhaust system as a place for the oxidation and reduction of toxic by-products, such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons, of fuel into less hazardous substances like carbon dioxide, water vapor, and nitrogen gas. The role of the DPF or Diesel Particulate Filter is that they simply catch bits of soot in the exhaust. As with any filter they have to be emptied regularly to maintain performance. This process is called ‘regeneration’; the collected soot is burnt off at high temperature to leave only a tiny ash residue.

In Mercedes Sprinter Vans 2006 up to 2010 the CAT and the DPF are two separate pieces and from 2010 up they are one unit. It is illegal to not have these parts on your vehicle. Some people have removed them and remapped their ECU or Engine Control Unit to falsely state the existence of the Catalytic Converter and Diesel Particulate Filter, this process is also not legal.

The two following  diagrams display the layout of the system for 2006 to 2010:

In the top section of the diagram you can clearly see how the Catalytic Converter is linked to the Back Box.

This diagram shows how the CAT and DPF are connected. Both diagrams also display the multitude of sensors and wires that help make up the entirety of the Exhaust System.

Now to discuss the unfortunate crime that is taking place concerning the Catalytic Converters.

This matter has been an ongoing issue for years but of recent times there has been an increase in the prevalence of theft of the Catalytic Converters, Diesel Particulate Filters and Exhausts. The latest attack being on Northgate Vehicle Hire in Dublin where they removed 75,000 Euro worth of parts, essentially the parts mentioned in the previous line. Various other Transport and Sales Companies have been targeted also. The main suspicion being that these people are doing this for resale or to melt down the precious melts such as Platinum, Palladium and Rhodium which are contained in the Catalytic Converters and Diesel Particulate Filter.

How can you prevent this from happening to you, you ask?

A company called Armaplate UK Ltd have designed and manufactured two devices to protect your CAT and DPF. These are called CatShield and ArmaCat.

This is the CatShield and it is suitable for Euro 5 and Euro 5B Mercedes Sprinter Vans which is models from 2010 until now. It is made from strong stainless-steel and can be installed in no length of time at all.

This is the ArmaCat, it is also made from high-grade stainless-steal for strength and durability. Each model is specifically tailored to a particular vehicle. We stock ArmaCats for Mercedes Sprinters Euro 4 (2006 – 2010), Euro 5, Euro 5B and Mercedes Vito Euro 4.

So not only with the expense of replacing a part, if your van is targeted, comes the inconvenience, downtime and potential loss of business. We strongly recommend that you consider the installation of either of these devices to Secure your Sprinter and protect your Catalytic Converter and Diesel Particulate Filter.

If you are interested in learning more about this topic or if you wish to purchase either the CatShield or ArmaCat then contact us here at Mercedes Sprinters Van Sales as we are registered sales agents with Armaplate UK Ltd and we can help you out.