Best replacement Cat Converter for 1990 535i

[willobmw]

Any suggestions on the best(for the money) replacement Cat for a 1990 535i? I've been quoted names such as Miller, Alloem, D.E.C. etc. I would like OEM but don't want to pay dealer prices. Bekkers Imports claims the D.E.C. is a highflow cat. BMA sales the same at twice the price. All help appreciated.
Thanks,
Will Ollison
1990 535i
1981 528i
1975 2002

[e34bim]

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecommerce/Parts.asp

expensive things those cats

[John B.]

I bought the DEC from BMA in 03 for $330.00. Supposed to be one of the best non OEMs but I'm not impressed. I had to cut the rear brace & spread the 2 outlets to attach it properly & then reweld the brace. Now with about 10k on it I can hear something rattling inside the cat when I first start the car. Clears up after it gets hot. If the oem cat hadn't been $1500 I would have gone for it.

[Rigmaster]

Will, where are you located?? I have a good used downpipe/cat from a '90 535i if you want to consider going that route. Located in NC- I don't think it would be too much $$$ to ship.

Thanks, Bret.

[willobmw]

Bret, Thanks for the suggestion. I'm trying to do it once(entire exhaust system) so it will last another 15 years. Now if you have a nice "Natur" rear door panel with the wood, maybe we have something. I'm in Gainesville,VA.
Will Ollison

[Rigmaster]

Will,

the car does have a natur interior with wood trim- it's in pretty nice shape. I have all 4 door panels + the rear seat (pretty much everything except the front seats.

Lemme know.

Thanks,
Bret

[callen]

Purchased Direct replacement cat bolt on from autozone.....bolted right up....much lighter than factory system and after 50K miles no problems...and I have strict emmissions testing . Purchased rest of system from Beckers that also worked out perfectly....think the cat was about $250.00 but that's been a few years.
callen