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walshja
Joined: 03 Apr 2001 Posts: 1139 Location: guilford, ct, usa
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Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 3:39 pm Post subject: 1999 528iT catalytic converters |
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has anyone changed the cats on an E39? my inspection is due, and mine need to be replaced ASAP
is this a DIY job? doesn't look too hard, just looking for some feedback from someone who knows.
thanks _________________ joe
1994 325iC, 195k miles
http://home.comcast.net/~walshja/index.html <--- check it out
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edjack
Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Posts: 3887 Location: San Jose, CA
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Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 8:27 pm Post subject: |
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THere are two options. Replace the pipes and converters with an OEM assembly. Bolt-on job. Note that, if you twist off the mainfold bolts, they are about $30 each.
Have a pair of "universal" cats welded in. _________________
Ed BMW CCA member since 1987 (Nr. 62319).
'97 540i 6 speed Aspensilber over Aubergine interior. |
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walshja
Joined: 03 Apr 2001 Posts: 1139 Location: guilford, ct, usa
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Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 11:14 pm Post subject: |
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hey Ed
I found these bolt on replacements
http://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part.php?products_id=2236
just wondering if it's an easy DIY job, or if I should have a shop do it.
in reading up on this, sounds like I need to raise the engine 1/4inch, drop the entire exhaust, then replace the cats.
the dropping of the exhaust is what's giving me concern.
have you ever done this? do I really need to drop the exhaust and raise the engine?
thanks for your help !! _________________ joe
1994 325iC, 195k miles
http://home.comcast.net/~walshja/index.html <--- check it out
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edjack
Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Posts: 3887 Location: San Jose, CA
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Posted: Wed Jul 21, 2010 1:48 am Post subject: |
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Never have. Talk to your local muffler shop. _________________
Ed BMW CCA member since 1987 (Nr. 62319).
'97 540i 6 speed Aspensilber over Aubergine interior. |
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edjack
Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Posts: 3887 Location: San Jose, CA
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Posted: Wed Jul 21, 2010 3:11 pm Post subject: |
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Bentley says to raise the engine. I would think that you could remove the nuts on the manifolds, and lift them off the pipe, w/o dropping the exhaust system.
BTW, how do you know you need to replace them? Are they rattling? Sometimes a defective post-cat O2 sensor will trigger the code. Be a good idea to replace them first, and see if the problem goes away. _________________
Ed BMW CCA member since 1987 (Nr. 62319).
'97 540i 6 speed Aspensilber over Aubergine interior. |
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walshja
Joined: 03 Apr 2001 Posts: 1139 Location: guilford, ct, usa
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Posted: Wed Jul 21, 2010 4:05 pm Post subject: |
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had not thought of replacing the post-cat sensors.
good idea, since they are what trips the check engine light. my mechanic and dealer said the cats were bad, but I'm guessing they are basing that claim on the codes being thrown by the computer.
you helped me change the pre-cat sensors, will I have easy access to the post-cat sensors? _________________ joe
1994 325iC, 195k miles
http://home.comcast.net/~walshja/index.html <--- check it out
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edjack
Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Posts: 3887 Location: San Jose, CA
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walshja
Joined: 03 Apr 2001 Posts: 1139 Location: guilford, ct, usa
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walshja
Joined: 03 Apr 2001 Posts: 1139 Location: guilford, ct, usa
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Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2010 5:20 pm Post subject: |
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just an update, I never replaced my cats, and I failed emissions and now the registration is due, so I had to do something quick.
bought this product
http://www.amazon.com/Cataclean-Engine-Catalytic-Converter-Treatment/dp/B002BVXM92/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1283552306&sr=8-2
waited until the tank was 1/4 full, dumped the entire bottle in, maybe 50 miles later my check engine light went off. went to emission and passed !!!
I did this about a month ago, but my wife never told me the light went off, until it came back on (after a tankful of gas). so the light will come back on, but this definitely gets your through emissions !!! _________________ joe
1994 325iC, 195k miles
http://home.comcast.net/~walshja/index.html <--- check it out
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