2000 X5 4.4i Catalytic Converter

M3X5 · #1 05-31-2009, 06:47 PM

Hi,
My 2000 X5 4.4i Cats is bad now per fault code reading. BWM dealer ofcourse want alot of money for an OEM. A repair shop in my town recommended the Magnaflow Heavy Metal. They claim that it is similar with the OEM.
My question is anyone have any experience with the Magnaflow Cats for the X5 4.4i? Any better recommendation? If Magnaflow is good for the X5 which part number of the cats from Magnaflow is best for X5?
Any help would greatly appreciated. The OEM from dealer is very costly, I just want to find out any other alternative for my X5.

Thanks,
Binh

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killcrap · #2 05-31-2009, 07:21 PM

look for a junkyard near you that will sell you a original cat that will bolt on. dont put aftermartket cats on.

Weasel · #3 05-31-2009, 08:35 PM

The faults are for cat converter efficiency, and I would doubt the aftermarket high flow cat would be as efficient. Which could likely result in the same fault.

Did you do any work recently that would have any affect on the exhaust gasses? (ie: secondary air system, vacuum leak repair etc.) Because when I fix certain problems it causes the cat efficiency faults (due to age of cats naturally) but once cleared the cat faults may not return for years.

I would clear the faults and drive it, and if the faults come back, then look for a source of OEM cats.

Some sites like this might carry them.

amacman · #4 05-31-2009, 09:05 PM

my bmw 740i had same issue when crank vent oil separrator diaphragm leaked , allowing oil to be drawn into combustion chamber , replacing the part sorted emissions .

M3X5 · #5 06-01-2009, 01:33 AM

I did confirm with BMW dealer and with my friend shop. It is the cats problem, but since I got miss message about OEM cats and after market cats, so I am not which one to buy for replacement. OEM is best, but the cost at the dealer is $3850 and my friend shop can do it for $3200. I just want to save money if the after market can do the job w/o any problem in the future.

m5james · #6 06-03-2009, 02:32 AM

I have replaced both of my cats w/ Magnaflow versions, just make sure they're the same piping diameter. I paid $200 per side including installation. They flow better than stock and even increased the depth of the exhaust note. MANY M62/M62TU users have had great luck w/ them on Bimmerforums.com - The Ultimate BMW Forum. I also have they're 14816 mufflers installed and they sound amazing, so don't let these nay-sayers tell you otherwise...just because its NOT some fancy BMW name brand w/ a huge price doesn't mean it can't be just as good, if not better.

M3X5 · #7 06-03-2009, 10:57 AM

Thanks for the infor. Do know know which part number of the Magnaflow you used for your car? a muffler shop in my town said they will use heavy metal Magnafow cats and for both they want a $1000 to complete the job.

m5james · #8 06-03-2009, 01:56 PM

That's rediculous!!!!! Hell, you could drive out to Everett, WA to the shop I had them installed and drive back for cheaper. I have NO CLUE what the exhaust diameter is for the X5, but i'd imagine it's still close the the 740iL's 2.25" piping. Find out for sure, then order from either the sites listed below and find a shop to install them, or find another shop who isn't trying to rape you because of the emblem on the front of your truck! Like I said, I paid $200 including installation per side...i'd laugh my ass off if they even said anything remotely close to $300.

HottExhaust.com - Online Store Search Results - $79 and you can probably get it for cheaper and free shipping if you call and ask them for it. I called and literally asked for a discount, and was able to purchase my Magnaflow 14816 mufflers for $112 each including shipping, which is a screaming deal!

MAGNAFLOW HI FLOW UNIVERSAL CONVERTER 94105

BMWFiend · #9 06-03-2009, 03:18 PM

I wouldnt recommend using an aftermarket cat, they usually give you problems. I would make sure its the cat though, they only go bad 2 ways, chemically and physically. If its physical, the cat will rattle when you step on the gas. This is the honeycomb lattice inside that has broken down, and is now making noise. You can also hear it if you get under the car , off or on, and tap it with a screwdriver handle, you'll hear the pieces rattle. If there is no rattle than its chemical, but you should make sure your oxygen sensors are working correctly first, any indi shop can scope them out and make sure they're giving the proper signal. ALSO, most cats have an 8 year 80,000 mile warantee, some even longer, check to make sure its not covered

m5james · #10 06-03-2009, 03:33 PM

Yes, BMW extended the warranty replacement of their stock cats for 80k since they were having so many problems w/ them. My original factory cat clogged (WAY long story about and indy trying to screw me out of $2000) and the factory replacement rattled. I don't trust BMW's parts anymore than anyone else, so i'm gpoing to go off true experience that I and others have had before being afraid to get away from factory parts due to fear. The M62/TU is a gas rich motor (as we all know by the mileage we get) so they tend to run a little rich and eat cats. I don't know what experience you have directly or if you're speaking from word of mouth, but i've had absolutely no problems w/ my Magnaflow cats, passed emissions, etc...myself and MANY others from bf.c have had the same "luck" if you'd like to call it that. The key is ensuring to installing them is making sure they're centered just like the stock cats (since these are universal, they're actually smaller but flow more). Personally, at $1500 for BMW cats vs. $200 installed for the Magnaflows, it's easier to replace them every two years if I felt the need instead of replacing them w/ factory cats. The problem is that ironically we'd go through less cats if we had performance software installed so the car doesn't run so rich, which is on my grocery list for the X5.

I've kind of come to the conclusion after being on these boards for the past week or so that you guys are addressing issues we've been dealing w/ for YEARS on the 540/740 boards. Since we all share the same motor, basically everything that we do applies to the X also. This is by no means an insult to either crowd, but maybe we're cheaper on the 5/7 boards and have figured ways around the stealership more so than the X community has. While I may be tooting my own horn, but i'm hoping that I can spread some of the love i've learned and shared on bf.c to you guys here on the X boards since i'm a family member now.

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