Advice on Cat please!

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   I have recently noticed a very worrying noise from under the centre of my 523, which sounded like a serious mechanical problem developing - I was somewhat relieved to be told that the Cat was breaking up.

The exhaust is not leaking, and the Mot is not due until October, so I am looking around to find the best replacement, as I have been told all sorts of things about aftermarket Cats being restrictive, giving lower levels of performance and mpg, quite apart from them not lasting very long. The one on the car is a case in point in terms of service life - as the complete exhaust was renewed about 2 years ago, just before I bought the car, and it has failed already! I have not knocked it, or driven through any deep water that could have shocked it.

Just for a laugh I rang BMW for a price - they have too be kidding �850!!! The cheapest I have found is from GSF who sell them for �96, which is a good price, but are they any good?? Motormec do one at �170 odd - their parts generally are OE, although the Cats are not, they have them made, so again - are they any good??

I would appreciate some good advice on this please!!

Dick

Has anyo

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RICHARDD Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Club Member Joined: 03 Feb 2008 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 43	Post Options Post Reply Quote RICHARDD Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Advice on Cat please! Posted: 06 Jan 2009 at 8:59am
	I have recently noticed a very worrying noise from under the centre of my 523, which sounded like a serious mechanical problem developing - I was somewhat relieved to be told that the Cat was breaking up. The exhaust is not leaking, and the Mot is not due until October, so I am looking around to find the best replacement, as I have been told all sorts of things about aftermarket Cats being restrictive, giving lower levels of performance and mpg, quite apart from them not lasting very long. The one on the car is a case in point in terms of service life - as the complete exhaust was renewed about 2 years ago, just before I bought the car, and it has failed already! I have not knocked it, or driven through any deep water that could have shocked it. Just for a laugh I rang BMW for a price - they have too be kidding �850!!! The cheapest I have found is from GSF who sell them for �96, which is a good price, but are they any good?? Motormec do one at �170 odd - their parts generally are OE, although the Cats are not, they have them made, so again - are they any good?? I would appreciate some good advice on this please!! Dick Has anyo
	If in doubt when all else fails - read the instructions!!

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Mike Fishwick Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Forum Member Joined: 04 Aug 2006 Location: France Status: Offline Points: 2753	Post Options Post Reply Quote Mike Fishwick Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 31 Jan 2009 at 11:07am
	Make sure YOURSELF that the cat is rattling - too many garages tell customers this, when it is really something as simple as a loose heat shield.

RICHARDD Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Club Member Joined: 03 Feb 2008 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 43	Post Options Post Reply Quote RICHARDD Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 31 Jan 2009 at 5:52pm
	It definitely was rattling!! When a friend and I took it off it was quite loose inside. I ended up buying a CSF Cat, which apparently is made by a firm called BM - nothing to do with BMW! Big improvement - the car runs better now, and is doing a few more mpg - always welcome!! Dick
	If in doubt when all else fails - read the instructions!!