REVIEW: Magnaflow "California" Replacement Catalytic Converters - M3

[ethirtystraight6]

What are the options for my 1998 sedan? Any thoughts? I got 199k miles on it. I am getting bad cat codes.

[Schultz28]

this is definitely some good information to know! i might have to go this route next year!

[bay707]

nice

[mrbarnum]

PO put these on my car. they scrape only when i exit my apartment parking lot.
an exhaust shop told me they are a popular replacement.
too bad i dont have oem cats to compare them to

[pbonsalb]

Magnaflow, Thunderbolt (Canamex, but Thunderbolt on ebay), Vibrant, Mandrel Bending Solutions, Pypes, and others sell high flow cats in 100, 200 and 300 cell versions. They are round "bulllet" style, about twelve inches long with the cat part only about half that length. Buy only the metallic core versions since they are more durable. Expect to pay $75 to $125 each. They are no bigger around (4.0 inches diameter) than the stock cats and should not scrape.

[estorilduck]

I have a 95 M3 and I think the CAT is done for. My car smells while I drive and stinks when I get on it. I dont have to do emissions where I live, but will this be good for me just to fix it or should I go stock? Sorry to hijack.

This. My cats were gutted on my coupe when I bought it. I don't have to deal with emissions either but if this is going to help some of my smell and torque loss issues I'm definitely interested.

[New2M3]

I have a 95

[mproved]

Nice! Wonder why Magnaflow don't offer a set for 96+ M's?

[5oh]

posting here to bookmark the thread. i need this done.


thanks for all the information!

and just read the bad news... not cool

[Virg///M3]

Can't seem to understand, is there something physical stoping you from installing the #36004 Cat's on a OBD II?

[CMG]

In cali technically u have to use direct replacement cats to pacify CARB

[LuxoM3]

FWIW - Magnaflow NOW lists a CARB Cert/OK's cat for 96+ M3s.

Bad news is... the price went up on Platinum... My set of two was $400-ish installed. It's looking like $650 now... sheesh!

[CMG]

U can still install any cat u want in cali, just make sure to go to a lenient shop.

[5oh]

FWIW - Magnaflow NOW lists a CARB Cert/OK's cat for 96+ M3s.

Bad news is... the price went up on Platinum... My set of two was $400-ish installed. It's looking like $650 now... sheesh!

Magnaflow Catalytic Converter - Magnaflow 99000 Heavy Metal - Natural Minor Modifications Required 49-state Legal - NO CA Shipments
1996-1999 BMW M3
MAGNAFLOW 99000 SERIES HEAVY METAL SPUN CATALYTIC CONVERTER

those are 110$ each

but idk if thats what i need. im going to the shop on friday

[Marv17]

there's a cat that is round instead of oval to fit better. I'm going to go with the 46005 series, its 2.25 inch instead of 2.0 inch. It's CARB too.

[tjm3]

Walker and Airtek also make CARB approved cats.

I also found the whole piece with cats (CARB approved) for a little over $800, direct fit, no BS. If the Magnaflows are getting that expensive, might as well throw in the extra $200 for a whole new piece.

U can still install any cat u want in cali, just make sure to go to a lenient shop.

Here's a thought.

Why not just do it the right way!

[stefanom3]

all right. looks like I am also going to take the plunge and replace my cats.
I don't have the time to try things and do pre-tests until I pass (even though I am pretty close). who makes the $800 direct fit option for 96+ M3s? sounds reasonable... for cali.

[tjm3]

DEC in Van Nuys has a website with a California catalog. You'll need to find the part number and then search for best price.

[LuxoM3]

Dude - the DAC cats, check their warranty... it's only 2 years man. You might end up buying ANOTHER set in 2 years. Magnaflow is 5 years!!! and flow much much much better.

[tjm3]

If it's sold for use in CA, it's 5 years. You can find this on the DEC website, BAR website or the ARB website. It's not just the manufacturer being a nice guy and offering a 5 year warranty. That's the law.

Where'd you come up with 2 years?

[LuxoM3]

TJ - I stand corrected.

When I was shopping cats close over a year/half ago... I saw the DEC listed at only 2 years. So things may've changed.

Be interesting to see the DEC performance. The Mangaflows were/are still pretty awesome on my 95 M3.

[tjm3]

You may not have been looking at the 'CA Approved' pages. I have no idea what's going on elsewhere with cat requirements other than needing an OBD2 approved cat for OBD2 cars. That one is federal. A two year warranty for cats outside CA and OBDI might be pretty good. Might be lucky to get any.

[stefanom3]

I also looked at magnaflow but couldn't find anything definitive on their website... I found a bunch of universals that supposedly work for the m3. however I am not a big fan of plumber exhaust jobs

the whole thing with the cali specific cats... I am sure this was done on purpose by carb to finance their ridiculous initiatives instead of actually doing something to clean the air.

p.s. my car is obd ii

Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk 2

[LuxoM3]

FWIW - a GOOD exhaust shop will do a GOOD job. The shop that did my Magna cats was highly recommended across all the car boards. When I took mine in, the exhaust tech was just finishing up a full stainless dual set-up on a 69 camaro that was in show car condition.

Keep in mind, the DEC set-up is going to be a 2 hour install job on your back and will run you about $800. Magnaflows shows list pricing. An exhaust shop will usually quote you their customer price and labor.

Thus the Magnaflows listed for $450-ish a set. I got the parts and the install and tax for a little over $400.

[tjm3]

Did a little more research.

First, like LuxoM3 said, a good muffler shop will install cat and do a good job of it. Most of them know by now that they need to use CARB approved cats. I would check to make sure.

The Magnaflow site lists CA approved cats for only two years of E36 M3's, 1995 and 1999. 1996 - 1999 should be the same, BUT only one year of OBD2 is listed, 1999, and I don't know why that is. DEC is approved along with Airtek and Walker and these are listed on the CARB site.

No matter what, choices are limited. And whatever you install, print out a copy of the EO for that part and have it available when you go for a smog check.