Unofficialbmw.com

bigwingboy · Joined: 09 Dec 2003 Posts: 51 Location: Phoenix

3 years later and my aftermarket DEC catalytic converter is dead. Sad

I really thought it should last longer. Anyway, I'm looking for CAT replacement suggestions. I can:

1. Buy a new BMW ($$$$)

2. Get a "California recertified" CAT.

3. Or just stick another DEC on.
I would really like to go original BMW, but the cost is outrageous of course. Anyone know a good source? The "California recertified" is a used OEM CAT, but it does come with a 5yr/50000 mile replacement warranty. www.convertergeek.com
Suggestions?

Thanks

cjhsa · Joined: 10 Jun 2004 Posts: 325 Location: West Michigan

Move somewhere with fewer smog regs.

bigwingboy · Joined: 09 Dec 2003 Posts: 51 Location: Phoenix

Far more expensive than replacing a CAT or maintaining smog.

peerless · Joined: 12 Nov 2003 Posts: 1721 Location: Orange County, Ca

Well I dont know what kind of budget your on to make suggestions.

My freinds dad buys the cheapest CAT he can have installed. Every year! He doesnt seem to get the idea you get what you pay for.

My 85 325e still passes smog with the original converter. So in the end you get what you pay for. With that said,

I might recommend a aftermarket performance converter such as a MagnaFlow. They offer higher then stock flow rates and last for many years.
Or just throw the cheapy back on for another 3 years.

There are lots of options, talk to your local exhuast shop.
_________________
Robert

E30 Repair and Maintenance Services
714-398-8405

mutandis · Joined: 04 Oct 2002 Posts: 361 Location: Cockeysville, MD.

BavAuto sells cats for around $400... That's the cheapest I've seen so far. Dealer's cost on a new one is around $800 and change.

Does anyone have any experience with BavAuto's catalytic converter?
_________________
-Dave
'90 325i

85-325e · Joined: 30 Jun 2002 Posts: 4712 Location: Southampton, NY

I do... lasted 3 years of moderate driving, then was toast... I ended up getting a used OEM cat from Roadstergal, who used to be up here a lot and was a moderator, and it's worked perfectly. If you can get a good condition used factory cat, there's a HUGE difference between it and the aftermarket stuff. The OEM is MUCH heavier, has much better welds, and I'm sure the ceramic stuff is probably better too. The only downside is that a new OEM cat is about $1,200-1,300!
_________________
Cosmo - 1985 BMW 325e, Single Owner, 265,000+ ORIGINAL miles and still going strong! But now on the East Coast and the salt air corrosion is eating my beautiful car alive... Sad