New catalytic converter on E36, 323i

[big chris]

Got my car serviced on Friday and asked them to inspect a rattle under the car, apparently my Cat is breaking up which also explains my sudden power flat spots.

Anyway- BMW quoted me £800 to fix this with the part costing me £600.

Guy i bought the car from has said he can supply the Cat for £260 and fit it cheap.

Question is would any places like Kwik fit be able to do this? Does anyone know anything abuot catalytic converters on BMW's, will it make a difference who fits it? Finally does anyone know of any good and cheap independant specialist around Manchester?

[hughjayteens]

My 318is had a dodgy cat and ONLY BMW can get you replacements, I looked everywhere. Kwik fit and everyone else can only get the rear section.

I might be able to lay my hands on an M3 cat (unsure it will fit though).

[pdavison]

hughjayteens - how much would you want for the M3 cat?

I want to have mine checked and would rather buy a replacement second hand if it needs it.

Cheers

Paul

[hughjayteens]

They are £1450 + vat new so would want around £300 or so - a pic can be seen at www.respect-it.co.uk/cars/cats.jpg - M3s have twin pipes all the way down so I am unsure it would fit though.

[sohlman]

Find a local garage near you that can fit it for you and then buy the cat from motormec. They will be able to supply a genuine BMW cat for about 50% less than BMW. Don't know the price off hand so you will have to give them a call on 01502 500590. Then get them to send it to your local garage direct which is FOC. If you want to go non bmw, or stainless exhaust they will be able to do this to. I use them all the time as we have four BMW's and they can get anything. They specialise in just BMW's unlike german and swedish and offer far better quality parts.

[big chris]

Quick update for anyone with Cat problems...

I found a garage in Sandbach that did the job for £400 - Its a Independant specialist, seemed to have done a very good job and were very busy when i went. I can post the details of the place if needed.

[FragMeister]

I just had the front section (including the catalyst) replaced on my 1998 318is.

I got it done a kiwk fit as it was convenient, and was £305.00. I am not sure if it would be the same part for a 323 though, as mine is only a 4 cylinder.

Having worked many years ago for an exhaust company, BMW fit parts by Boysen and Eberspaecher (sp?) to new vehicles, and they get badged up with the BMW logo.