De-cat for E34 530i V8 ?

[Vitesse39]

the Cat on my 530i could well be on it's last legs and i don't fancy paying silly money for a replacement.

Is there a de-cat option and what is the story with purauding the ECU its still there when it isn't (if you see what I mean !)?

[vixpy1]

The Lambda sensor is before the cat, so you should be able to take the cat out and it will have no effect on the ecu.

How are you going to get it through the MOT though?

[Vitesse39]

I was going on the assumption that as it was a possible and 'normal' thing for TVRs RoverV8 or Speed6 powered, it should be equally fesable (in theory) on the BM

[Vitesse39]

vixpy1 said:

How are you going to get it through the MOT though?

I've been told that as long as it passes emissions then it is OK.
This must be do-able as so many TVRs have it done.
Talking to TVR people the ECU does need to be fooled abit though

[Marshy]

I think you may have two cats, one per bank. I certainly did on my 730i with the same engine. Pretty certain my 540i has two.

What about trying one of the dismantlers for some cats from a lowish mile scrapper? www.fabdirect.com is one to try.

[Vitesse39]

Marshy said:

I think you may have two cats, one per bank. I certainly did on my 730i with the same engine. Pretty certain my 540i has two. What about trying one of the dismantlers for some cats from a lowish mile scrapper? www.fabdirect.com is one to try.

I think your right, I looked at euro car parts site and their listing for cats gives a left and right version - almost sounds like they've built them on to the end of the manifolds

[Marshy]

I was reading about some guys in the US who've swapped out M60 cats for aftermarket items. I don't think it needed cutting/welding to do the job, which is nice.

Have a hunt around on www.bimmer.info/forum - the post was there (somewhere).

Want a laugh? On the E38 730i I replaced both cats. At a main BMW dealer . That redefines "expensive".