Question about valuation

[terrystu]

I've discovered a small hole in the muffler of my 1985 M635csi. (guess it's entitled after 34 years!) It is currently legal to pass emissions in 48 states, although it is probably exempt due to age in many of those states, including my home state of NH. I am toying with the idea of replacing the exhaust system with one that has no converter. My question is this - do you think the lack of a converter would affect resale value either positively or negatively? I'll be retiring next year and thinking of selling the car. Tough decision, since I bought it new, but that's a discussion for another time.

I would be very appreciative of any opinions on the relative impact on resale value.

Thanks in advance.

[RSheiman]

A bit confused cause an M635 should not have a converter on when it left the factory...it was added in the states, No? That should answer the question. Also get a little extra HP with the converter eliminated.

[terrystu]

Yes, you are correct, I added the converter when I federalized the car. I am just wondering if with/without converter would affect the value in any way.

[DesktopDave]

I don't think it'd change the value either way. I'd prefer a catalyzed car for personal reasons, but it's not a big deal here. PA's classic car registration grants an emissions waiver along with a classic car plate. I'd suppose each market is a little different for emissions testing.

CA and NY markets might require a catalyzed car, I'd imagine each state has peculiar twists on their books. AFAIK in CA, anything after 1975 requires an emissions certification, right?

[MMMEAT]

Sorry I can't exactly answer on the effect on value, but one question for the OP. When you take off the cat, what's the plan with the O2 sensor? My car has been federalized too and this move has me a bit stumped. Can the port just be capped, or what does one do??

[terrystu]

I had my O2 sensor tapped into the header pipe, so it will be unaffected by removal of cat. I only have 1 sensor, pre-cat only.

[e24mpwr]

Sorry I can't exactly answer on the effect on value, but one question for the OP. When you take off the cat, what's the plan with the O2 sensor? My car has been federalized too and this move has me a bit stumped. Can the port just be capped, or what does one do??

You should check and see if the 02 sensor is actually connected to anything. For a lot of folks the installation was cosmetic only - the wire is tucked behind the firewall and ends there...

[LarryM]

OP,

These cars are collectible enough now that they appeal to a worldwide market, so outside of a few states where emissions testing is very strict it probably won't affect value. If you want to sell your car, focus on that worldwide audience and let any potential buyers in places like CA and NY worry about passing smog tests. After all, they choose to live where they live and so must deal with the consequences. (Just one more reason we'll be leaving Cali eventually.)

But why sell your car after all these years of ownership, just because now you're retired? Unless you're ready to move on to something else or could just use the cash, now's a great time to really start enjoying it!

[1986series6]

I asked myself the same question, after owning for so many years why sell when retiring? I'm curious on your decision. In NY after 25 years old no more emission testing, just safety.