Cost to replace catalytic converter

[FiveG]

Just got word that based on the error code, I may need to replace the catalytic converter (1997 328i with about 91K on it) in the near future. Anyone have estimate about what that costs, both at dealer and at a decent nondealer repair shop?

FiveG

[DJ Genius]

Here in Europe, an OEM catalytic converter costs 500 ($785) euro, so I decided to go with an aftermarket Supersprint de-cat section for 300 ($470) euro.
The story in US might be a bit different though.

[maharaj1]

Cant say for sure how much theyll cost depends on who replaces them i kno on my 740iL there are two of them and the entire job cost like 2 grand but go with original BMW parts on this one aftermarkets wont last you very long

[themadhatter]

go after market as the OE cats will run you $1200-1500 from the dealership.

magnaflow cats can be had for as little as $60 each, find an exhaust shop and have at it.

[restricted]

i would if you havent already take a look at the down stream o2's 91,000 the car has just finished breaking itself in but if you are getting a cats below threshold code i would look at o2's first $400 or $1500-$2000

[nighthawk328i]

The dealer list price for the converters alone is about 1700. Then you have to figure in labor as well. I know that bavarian autosport sells catalytic converters that are oem and they are about 500.

[43rdWorld]

It is possible to talk the dealer down. When I asked about a new cat, they quoted me $1900. I said I would have to go aftermarket - not as a negotiating ploy just shooting the breeze with the rep. Well, he disappears and comes back in a bit having knocked $900 off the price. I didn't bite but was suprised at how quickly they were to deal.

The Bavauto OEM cat is really a DEC and they can be had for a bit less but with free shipping if you search around. There should also be a version by Easter Catalytic(?) for about the same price.

[sprocket1200]

go oem used, search the parts places...

and don't forget to get your old one back, I got $150 for mine, they love the metals in the BMW ones...

[Tatted85]

They are so expensive because of the platinum it contains.. I heard on the news about this guy who would go around buying cats cheap and getting the platinum.. He'd take alot of cash anywhere from 25-30 grand to buy these and one day he got mugged. :/

[sprocket1200]

mmm mugging

[zerglin87]

Who needs cats when you have a friend who can legallize your polluting car, at a discount too!

Im sorry that is just me. Anywho, yes the reason why cats are "UNGODLY" expensive because of the platnum in it ((which is VERY exensive))

Usually when you buy cheap, you get cheap, most likely those magna flow ones dont contain any platnum, i bet.

Well have fun finding one, they are in stock, and if they arent in stock...well, they dont support the environment.

((PS, the dealership must be charging you for the labor, usually labor is 60-80% of the total price you are given, i suggest you learn to weld, and do it yourself, thats what i did. the reason why you see these cars in the dealerships is because the owners are probably 'well established' financially and donbt care if they puit 10k into the car. If you are cheap and poor, like me, you will need to do the work yourself, trust me, skill will go a long way into getting a career.))