Catalytic Converter Replacement?

[qapla97]

My cat is rattling, and the car smells like rotten eggs after hard driving. So, I check with BMW and the cat is like $1100! I have no garage or any way except to pay someone to change it for me, so the mechanics will not "take it out" saying that it's illegal to put a resonator in there saying they could get in trouble.

OK... so what aftermarket Cat should I sink my $ into? I don't want to buy any crap or reduce the performance of my ride, but I can't swallow $1100!

Responses from those who actually went through this would be great!


Scott
1995 325i Sports Pkg 5-spd. 4-door
Bone Stock

[Kevin325i]

Find yourself a crappy little muffler shop that's like "Don's Mufflers" walk in there, offer them cash to take out your cats and put a straight pipe. Cash = no paper trail = they don't get in trouble.

Don't get a carsound cat, they blow.

[orlando_p]

are they places near you where you can get a used cat, that would be better costwise.

[qapla97]

Apparantly, it's illegal to sell used Cats in KY - even the salvage guys can't sell them.

[fresh328]

For an aftermarket one its $500.00 at bimmerparts.com

[xsperf]

if u still have ur old car can u use that one?

[ghettozn]

get a straightpipe you dont need cats.

[Halon]

damn, fuck all their suggustions. Just take your cat off one day when you've got nothing to do. get a lead pipe. smash the honeycomb out of the cat. Put the cat back on. Volia. Fixed.

[edit]

whats up with all the new members in kentucky? Represent! :P

[jllphan]

{HERE}

[LivinFast67]

how can u not need cats, it needs to be 73 or older to not need cats. Federal Law. ????

[jllphan]

Dude, didn't you read, he alluded to being from Kentucky.

[Kevin325i]

Originally posted by LivinFast67@Aug 18 2004, 02:53 AM
how can u not need cats, it needs to be 73 or older to not need cats. Federal Law. ????

There's also a federal law agaisnt destroying money. When was the last time you left a dollar in your pants pocket and ran it through the wash.

If you don't get caught, it isn't illegal.

[LivinFast67]

true, but in CA it would't pass smog without a cat i don't think. and u need to do that to keep it legaly on the road

[Cary328is]

I just got my diagnosis done recently as well. CAT InEfficiency code. Dealership quoted me almost 1800 for full parts/labor. I laughed in their face and walked out. I went to a recommended muffler shop (recommended by the privately owned BMW shops in town) and they quoted me 700.00 for parts and labor plus 3 year warranty. The cat itself was 500.00. It is a refurbished/rebuilt cat, meaning the vendor takes it apart, puts new inside material (lining/filters etc) and reassembles it. Whatever. It saves me over 1200 so I'm happy. Luckily I passed CA smog before this all started happening. It's an expensive replacement, but it really helps with your fuel efficiency too. Also, replace your o2 sensors after getting a new cat.

[ClarenceT]

Originally posted by LivinFast67@Aug 18 2004, 03:30 AM
true, but in CA it would't pass smog without a cat i don't think. and u need to do that to keep it legaly on the road

Of course it wouldn't pass smog; The guy with the "lead pipe" suggestion is from Ky, where that isn't so much an issue, and I asusme the poster knows better if his state has smog laws.

Also, if you don't have a lead pipe, just use a normal flat head. It's called "gutting the cat" and be sure to use that phrase when you tell your girlfriend what you'll be up to today

If you are in cali, however you can always go for the 2 systems approach. Go to a shop and have them make a straight pipe system with a header that you will bolt on and drive with. Save the stock exhaust to hang up there every 2 years for smog purposes. Or find a crooked shop that'll pass you with a friend's car's tail pipe test for an extra $150 I did this with my 4x4, since I never had the stock exhaust, just straight pipes and 40 series Flowmasters.. Paid this dude off, he smogged my friend's truck (which was new and stock) and entered my info.