RE: e34 540 catalytic converter

["Doug Hill" <Doug_Hill1@xxxxxxx>]

Greg,

I would highly recommend shopping around for an original BMW unit.  I
say this with knowledge, as I have a DEC unit now and believe it is
choking my engine.  DEC units are the best aftermarket however their
quality is no where near that of the OE unit.

I priced the OE units around $980.00 and would have gone this route
after seeing what I receive from DEC.

Installation is definitely a DIY job.  May take an hour or two but well
worth it.

Don't forget to change your 02 sensor, the triangular flange gaskets,
and the one time use copper flange nuts.
Also worth checking out the exhaust hangars while your at it.

Rgds
Doug 
92 525ia(US) 160k

- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-bmw@domain.elided [mailto:owner-bmw@domain.elided] On Behalf Of G.
Steinke
Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2001 9:15 AM
To: bmw-digest@domain.elided
Subject: e34 540 catalytic converter


Hello,
My friend has a 94 540i. His mechanic told him that one of the two
catalytic converters is worn. Basically the internal ceramic matrix is
broken, so you can hear the inside pieces rattling around. Ultimately I
guess this can cause higher exhaust back pressure. He was quoted $1400
for a new BMW converter plus $600 labor. These seem a little high to me,
but there may be more to it than is obvious. I found on
ultimategarage.com a DEC brand converter for $410. Is there much
difference? How hard is this job, anyhow? I replaced a muffler on an
e36, and it was not too bad. To replace the cat con, is any significant
disassembly required, like the driveshaft or something like that?

Thanks
Greg
g_steinke@domain.elided

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