Catalytic Converters Update ...

[piperguy]

Well, we're still not sure (yet) exactly what was / is going on with the cats in the wagon (2001 540iT if you didn't see my earlier posts). The left one is now rattling. Car has been checked thoroughly, no codes other than a 420 (Cat inefficiency, that it threw the other day). Had it on a dyno with an exhaust analyser and passed that with flying colors, also runs great. Eastern Catalytic is at a loss to figure out why the R/side cat broke up. Also, no physical damage showing anywhere.

The big thing I want to mention is that we all put a post up when something goes wrong and we're not treated well. but tend not to tell when something goes very right. These cats were bought by the previous owner in May from Rock auto. Made by Eastern Catalytic in Langhorne, PA. I did not have a copy of the receipt but did have a copy of the packing slip so could prove purchase and when. I sent two emails to Rock Auto and never heard anything from them. I then sent an email directly to Eastern and had a response within hours from one of their tech people. He was courteous, found it hard to believe it was a problem with their end but also told me a few things to check. I did, and all that he asked me to check came back negative. I was beginning to think that it was going to be an "oh well, my loss " kind of situation. He also told me that they do not handle warranty returns directly, it must go through the seller. I explained that I didn't seem to be getting anywhere there. I then got an email from the sales manager asking me to tell him what was happening. I did, and in the course of a few emails found that he also is a BMW owner and tends to read the forums occasionally.

I won't go into particulars, but will say that the customer service I received from Eastern Catalytic was exemplary and the way that all companies should do business. I'll definitely deal with them in the future and suggest them to anyone who needs Cat Converters. The old ones are going back to them for diagnosis and I'll be very interested to hear back on findings.

Just thought everyone should know when something goes right.

Vaughan

[JimLev]

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[Whorse]

Do you know how much they run for? also i would assume they got banged around during shipping which didn't break em but might of cracked them and started all this.

[piperguy]

They were $225.00 / side. Bolt in / weld on factory replacements. They come with the bolt on flange for the front and are welded on at the rear. The set I am trying now is a test sample of new metallic high perf cats they are developing. These are cut out and weld in. I'll have them on next week. Shop that is putting them on is very much into performance mods of all types and especially BMW's. He also plans to check all 4 o2 sensors.

[Whorse]

I want to re-do my whole exhaust with some free flow cats and a decent sounding muffler but been hesitating cause of all the stories i read about CEL tripping for non oem cats.

Andreas
Queens NY
BMWCCA# 186796
86 325es (wrecked by careless driver)
87 325 300k (project for life)
00 540is 6spd 180k (daily driver)