WTF?? $2000 to replace cats? & update fr the shop

[Loppy]

So the new to me 540/6 should be done today. Over the last three days, every time my phone rings my ass puckers... in the end:
- both motor mounts and tranny mounts were toast.
- Low pressure oil line on DS leaking, what killed that side mount, replaced
- rear exhaust hanger behind cat, front of muffler gone. replaced
- ALL fluids flushed and replaced.
- new radiator fan shroud, mine was busted and rattling. replaced
- valve covers leaking. on inspection, plugs soaked. Replaced.
- All new plugs
- a few other odds and ends

He didn't bother with the KY, and $1800 later I should have her baselined today. My ass is sore and I haven't even paid yet. I figure it was worth it though, a good once over by a good tech. I will be doing the work from now on though.

Good news - he said overall it's a tight car. One of the best 540's he's seen mechanically. they smoked it, no vac leaks. Motor is very good, diag normal and healthy. Steering and suspension tight. I ask if she will be done today. He says "yeah, dont worry... you'll be chasing Corvettes this weekend". LMFAO!

One thing though. The cat rattles. Ceramic must be busted. It passed smog with flying colors though... that confuses me. but I blew a lid when he tells me they are $1100 EACH SIDE! WTF? Is that for real??? PLEASE tell me there are options...

[DaCan23]

Yes the BMW Cats are like a grand each.... other options are the DEC ones at I think ~$400 each or the CarSound MagnaFlow Cats around ~$100 each.

[632 Regal]

how much did you pay for this car?

[MBXB]

st1100ray has some good cat replacement pics on webshots:

http://community.webshots.com/album/97381781YrcNgK

[mikell]

Go with after market cats - OEM are just too costly. Most good muffler shops - the ones who can fabricate stuff, can cut out the originals and weld in the aftermarket ones for a lot less $$

[Elekta]

did both of mine with aftermarket cats. Just get the min req'd by your DOT and have them cut in by a reputable indy. 02 sensors were fine and my bill was $500 all in, tax incl.

This is one item that abs does not have to be oem.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Get Magnaflows for under $100 each, another $100 or less for labor and you're set! Might consider doing the O2 sensors while they're out anyway.

Sounds like you'll be good to go for a while, you just covered most of your bases.

[SRR2]

I have no personal experience with Magnaflow, beyond seeing their name frequently popping up any time aftermarket exhausts comes up. I don't recall anyone saying bad things about them. That said, how can they possibly make a proper cat for $100 that will perform at least as well as the OE piece. Something just doesn't sound right about this.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Why is it the same part for a BMW is 10x what it costs for a Chevy? Plus, in this case BMW has people over a barrel. If they fail smog because of shot cats, and the shop says $2k please, they don't have a choice. Either pay the money, or don't drive the car. Only those that know cars, or waste time on the internet, know that you can buy an aftermarket piece for $100. Plus you have to go to the trouble of having your old ones cut out and new ones installed, where as the OE ones are plug and play.

[bfd]

Here's an article you should read:

http://www.ultimategarage.com/catalyst.html

Make sure you read the "Emails from unhappy customers" section at the bottom of the page. Good insight.