Replacement Catalytic Converter

Im sure it's been covered before, but my searches of the forums aren't giving any hits...

Could someone point me in the direction of non-dealer = non $$ cat converters please?

Thanks in advance!

They are expensive, no matter where you get them, because the whole assembly is about 90% of your exhaust system. But try the usual places, bavauto.com, pelickan parts, etc....

One of the service records I inherited from the previous owner of my car showed that he had the cat replaced about a year ago at a sort of snooty indy shop -- they charged well over $1K (I think, around $1,400)! Ridiculous, since they cost about $540 at bavarian auto, and labor can not possibly be that much for exhaust work...

They are expensive because they require the use of platinum in their manufacturer and have to in general be more reliable than the rest of the system.

A quick Google search turned up a few choices all around the $500 mark. You should factor in new gaskets and sealant and possibly new bolts as yours may be corroded.

This is a DIY if you are handy with tools and can safely get your car in the air.

http://www.bmwcca.org/Roundel/2003/04/Article_2.shtml