DIY Forum was looking kind of weak, thought I'd add a nugget of info.
If you are looking for aftermarket Catalytic Converters on your E39 540i, here are some options:
Carsound 53005 2.25" in/out, round body, no air, $67/each: http://www.exhaustproslinc.com/carrounbodun.html
Or you could pay more for the IDENTICAL converter with a polished case, Carsound makes Magnaflow, they are the same thing.
Magnaflow 54305 2.25" in/out, round body, no air, $80/each: http://www.exhaustproslinc.com/magpolstains1.html
Make sure that you exhaust guy is very comfortable with blind welding in tight spots, otherwise make him drop the system to ensure that there are no leaks around the converters. Leaks may throw the O2 sensors off. I doubt that you will find a good welder at anyplace besides a custom exhaust shop, the guys at Midas and Minekie probably are not cut out for this job.
If you don't know of a really good local exhaust guy, here is decent place to start: http://www.magnaflow.com/03dealer.htm
So here are your choices:
- $600/side for BMW Cats + installation.
- $67/side for Carsounds + $100-$150 for installation.
I can tell you to avoid IMCO Cats in a 540i, I had a pair of IMCO High Flow Cats (75115) installed once. The drivers side converter started rattling within 3 weeks, the ceramic brick was loose from the metal casing. I went back to the shop and had Carsounds (53005) installed, like they should have had them do originally (but that's another story). The owner was apologetic and said that he was just trying to get his customer the best value, just tipped the welder $20, otherwise no charge for the Carsounds.
IMCO Cats: http://www.imcoweb.com/
If you are looking for aftermarket Catalytic Converters on your E39 540i, here are some options:
Carsound 53005 2.25" in/out, round body, no air, $67/each: http://www.exhaustproslinc.com/carrounbodun.html
Or you could pay more for the IDENTICAL converter with a polished case, Carsound makes Magnaflow, they are the same thing.
Magnaflow 54305 2.25" in/out, round body, no air, $80/each: http://www.exhaustproslinc.com/magpolstains1.html
Make sure that you exhaust guy is very comfortable with blind welding in tight spots, otherwise make him drop the system to ensure that there are no leaks around the converters. Leaks may throw the O2 sensors off. I doubt that you will find a good welder at anyplace besides a custom exhaust shop, the guys at Midas and Minekie probably are not cut out for this job.
If you don't know of a really good local exhaust guy, here is decent place to start: http://www.magnaflow.com/03dealer.htm
So here are your choices:
- $600/side for BMW Cats + installation.
- $67/side for Carsounds + $100-$150 for installation.
I can tell you to avoid IMCO Cats in a 540i, I had a pair of IMCO High Flow Cats (75115) installed once. The drivers side converter started rattling within 3 weeks, the ceramic brick was loose from the metal casing. I went back to the shop and had Carsounds (53005) installed, like they should have had them do originally (but that's another story). The owner was apologetic and said that he was just trying to get his customer the best value, just tipped the welder $20, otherwise no charge for the Carsounds.
IMCO Cats: http://www.imcoweb.com/