BMW Z3 1.9 Catalytic Converter

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kris.greenough@gmail.com - 29 May 2006 18:47 GMT

Hey there group. I was wondering if anyone has any advice on catalytic
converters. I've searched near and far for detailed information on
replacement parts and there is absolutely nothing. As far as I can
tell I have three choices the BMW replacement part ($1100 ouch), the
Miller part ($746 ouch), and the DEC part ($346, I can deal with that).
I want to know if anyone has any knowledge of these parts or any
experience replacing this unit. I'd hate to dump a ton of money into
the car and find out the part I bought was total sh.t.

If anyone can lend any information it would be of great value to me.

Also if anyone has any tips of replacing this unit I.E. other parts I
should buy/replace at the same time, tips, tricks, pitfalls etc.
Thanks!

- Broken Z3 owner

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Rex B - 29 May 2006 21:59 GMT

Some may think it heresy, but most cats can be replaced with universal
convertors. Walker makes a number of them, including high-flow units up
to 3" diameter. Your corner exhaust shop will also have new universal
units that can be welded in.
If price is the object, this will be far cheaper than an OE or most
bolt-in replacements, and performance will be no different.

> Hey there group. I was wondering if anyone has any advice on catalytic
> converters. I've searched near and far for detailed information on
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>
> - Broken Z3 owner

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kris.greenough@gmail.com - 31 May 2006 05:29 GMT

I've been doing some research on this group and other web sites and I'm
just not convinced the aftermarket is a safe alternative. With the
parts not fitting right, and the pipe restrictions, and possible O2
sensor snafoos I am just thinking I am going to have to bite the bullet
and go with the BMW part and have a pro install it. Uggg.....

How often do catalytics fail and what causes such failures? I run my
car pretty hard, IE high revs, cornering, etc. (drive it like I stole
it I always say).

Any ideas?

- Broke Z3 owner.

> Some may think it heresy, but most cats can be replaced with universal
> convertors. Walker makes a number of them, including high-flow units up
[quoted text clipped - 19 lines]
> >
> > - Broken Z3 owner

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joe_tide - 31 May 2006 11:35 GMT

> How often do catalytics fail and what causes such failures? I run my
> car pretty hard, IE high revs, cornering, etc. (drive it like I stole
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>
> - Broke Z3 owner.

A catalytic converter will rarely fail without a problem or malfunction
occurring somewhere in the emission system in front of the converter. It is
important to determine what caused the converter to fail, so that the
problem can be fixed and to prevent a recurrence of the failure. It can be
difficult to determine exactly what caused a catalytic converter to fail,
but the following failure descriptions will help narrow down your search for
the malfunction.

http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Trouble/Catalyticconv.htm

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