Any good advice is appreciated...

I took my 06 Crossfire Roadster Limited to an ASE certified repair facility for engine code P2098, a skipping CD player and oil leaking on top of the engine under the plastic air intake plenum (you can smell the burning oil in the cabin through the vents). I bought an extended 7yr/70K warranty that claims it covers factory installed audio, gaskets/seals, wear and tear and electrical components.

The ASE certified repair shop diagnosed the following: P02098 - catalytic converter has 5 to 6 inch hairline crack in the seem at the curve on upper driver's side. They say it's the reason for the P02098 downstream O2 sensor code. Oil is leaking from the breather box section of the valve covers (left and right side of engine). Need to replace valve covers. Non-repairable items (Mercedes Benz RTV issue)??? CD player skips, need to repair/replace CD player by removing from dashboard assembly. Warranty company denied all of the repairs. ASE repair facility gave me back the car and recommended taking it to the local dealer to see if warranty people would work with them.

Dealer diagnosed the following: Dye test performed and oil leak present, ordered Cylinder Head Cover Gasket P/N 5097104AA. CD player skips, remove CD player from dashboard assembly and send out for repair to the CD/radio manufacturer. P02098 - replace both bank two sensors with P/N 5099820AA and 5099821AA at $544 each. Not covered by extended warranty or chrysler emission control warranty. Oreilly auto parts, Autozone, NAPA and countless others sell Bosch O2 sensor with the OEM connectors for $93 - $170 (price depending upon whether upstream or downstream).

Dealer is stating that warranty company is covering part of the gasket and radio repair minus my $200 deductible, but I am on the hook for $544 x 2 plus tax and labor for the O2 sensors. I can buy the sensors from moparpartsonline for $387 each and put them on myself or I can buy the Bosch parts from Autozone for MUCH LESS MONEY.

What say you? Should I instruct dealer to not install O2 sensors? Does the $544 sensor really outperform the Bosch equivalent. Dealer told me 5099820AA and 5099821AA are made for the vehicle and aftermarket parts have no guarantee of working properly and removing code P02098. Personally, I think the dealer is full of it and I bet Bosch probably makes the "mopar part number" sensors mentioned above. I haven't heard that Mercedes Benz or Chrysler went into the oxygen sensor manufacturing business.

Also, how could I verify that my catalytic converter is cracked/not cracked? I've seen a few other crossfire owner posts where they had cracked catalytic converters and their check engine light posted P02096 and P02098 codes. The ASE certified shop estimated cat converter at $1350.

According to EPA regulations, three parts have an 8 year / 80,000 mile warranty: catalytic converters, ODBI-II and ECM for 1995 automobiles till present.

Thanks for your advice and help...