3-Series (E21, E30)Chat relating to the BMW 3-Series from 1975-1983 and 1984-1991 line. Specific models: BMW 315, BMW 316, BMW 318, BMW 318i, BMW 320/4, BMW 320i, BMW 320/6, BMW 323i, BMW 320i. E30 Family models include: BMW 325e, BMW 325i, BMW 325is, BMW 325ix.
BimmerWerkz.com is the premier BMW Forum on the internet. Registered Users do not see the above ads.
Exhaust is Costing Double what I Paid for the Car!
Hey sports fans,
I'm fixing up a 1991 318is I got for $500. The muffler had two leaks, so I bought a new one. When I removed the oxygen sensor, some of the bung threads of the catalytic converter went with it. I don't want to replace the exhaust manifold, too. So please help, because I have three questions...
(1) The diagram on realoem.com RealOEM.com BMW E30 318is Exhaust manifold indicates that the exhaust manifold is a single piece separated by one gasket from the catalytic converter. After I removed the gasket, I see 4 distinct bands on the cat-end of the manifold, just like the attached picture. What are the bands?
(2) The diagram also shows four screws (part #2), which are separate from the exhaust manifold. In my case, the screws are not separate from the band closest to the manifold. If I break that band in an attempt to remove the screws, do I need to replace the exhaust manifold?
(3) Parts number 4,7, and 12in the realoem.com catalytic converter diagram RealOEM.com BMW E30 318is CATALYTIC CONVERTER/FRONT SILENCER are virtually impossible to find online. Why? If I'm a web site that sells the catalytic converter, wouldn't I also sell the parts to attach it to the frame?
To be honest, i would go online and get a set of ebay headers for 200, and have a shop slap on a straight pipe on for another 200. voila, problem solved, and you don't pay double.
__________________
R.I.P fast 6
Two wheels or Four, I'm happy as long as the throttle is pinned.
I'm fixing up a 1991 318is I got for $500. The muffler had two leaks, so I bought a new one. When I removed the oxygen sensor, some of the bung threads of the catalytic converter went with it. I don't want to replace the exhaust manifold, too. So please help, because I have three questions...
(1) The diagram on realoem.com RealOEM.com BMW E30 318is Exhaust manifold indicates that the exhaust manifold is a single piece separated by one gasket from the catalytic converter. After I removed the gasket, I see 4 distinct bands on the cat-end of the manifold, just like the attached picture. What are the bands?
(2) The diagram also shows four screws (part #2), which are separate from the exhaust manifold. In my case, the screws are not separate from the band closest to the manifold. If I break that band in an attempt to remove the screws, do I need to replace the exhaust manifold?
(3) Parts number 4,7, and 12in the realoem.com catalytic converter diagram RealOEM.com BMW E30 318is CATALYTIC CONVERTER/FRONT SILENCER are virtually impossible to find online. Why? If I'm a web site that sells the catalytic converter, wouldn't I also sell the parts to attach it to the frame?
Thank you in advance!
1. The diagrams on RealOEM are not really to be trusted as far as being to scale/accurate depictions of parts.
2. You're linking to a LHD m42 manifold ... yet you posted a picture of a RHD manifold. Where are you and which side of the car is the steering wheel on? I'm confused as all hell.
To be honest, i would go online and get a set of ebay headers for 200, and have a shop slap on a straight pipe on for another 200. voila, problem solved, and you don't pay double.
What about the cat? By "shop," you mean muffler shop, right?
1. The diagrams on RealOEM are not really to be trusted as far as being to scale/accurate depictions of parts.
2. You're linking to a LHD m42 manifold ... yet you posted a picture of a RHD manifold. Where are you and which side of the car is the steering wheel on? I'm confused as all hell.
3. Try ecstuning.com
(1) OK, but what are the bands in the picture?
(2) It's a LHD. I found the picture online when I was attempting to research my questions presented here. I thought it showed the bands well, I didn't mean to cause confusion.
In regards to the catalytic converter install kit at bavauto.com, except for the gasket, everything is used to attach the cat to the muffler. What I am after is the metal parts (2 or 3 depending on time of production) that are bolted together to form a loop around the cat pipe, and bolted to the bottom of the transmission mounts. The assembly supports the cat.
Alright, here's what I found out. Part #4 on the front silencer/catalytic converter diagram is the piece that bolts to the transmission via the two holes at the top of the U-shape. Part #7 is bolted via the two holes on the right to the remaining two holes of Part #4. The diagram shows these parts as if they were flattened, I suppose for the sake of clarity.
I ended up saving the catalytic converter. A friend directed me to a company called May Day Industries in Levittown, PA, right off the turnpike. I wasn't all that hopeful when I got off the phone, because they wanted to see it before they'd say if they could do the work. Well, I get there, and it turns out they are the assemblers/welders for Eastern Catalytic. It's a small company, about 10-15 employees. They tapped the threads of the old bung, threaded in a placeholder, cut out the bung, welded in a new one, and cleaned up the threads. I got to watch, which I really appreciated.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
A friend directed me to a company called May Day Industries in Levittown, PA, right off the turnpike. I wasn't all that hopeful when I got off the phone, because they wanted to see it before they'd say if they could do the work. Well, I get there, and it turns out they are the assemblers/welders for Eastern Catalytic. It's a small company, about 10-15 employees. They tapped the threads of the old bung, threaded in a placeholder, cut out the bung, welded in a new one, and cleaned up the threads. I got to watch, which I really appreciated. 
Here's their web site 
Linear Mode
