533i Catalytic questions

Carnifex · Post by **Carnifex** » Mar 04, 2005 7:32 AM

Hi there. I just bought a 1984 533i for $200 the other day. The car is in not that bad of condition, but if definitly needs some work.

Here's the question. The guy that owned it before me cut the muffler and stuff off, so right now it has a straight pipe ending right under the middle of the car. Sounds like a beast but I kind of need to get this thing street legal. I got under the car and I couldnt find a catalytic converter either. :@ I was gonna do the exhaust myself but I bought this cheap $160 "complete muffler assembly" which it isnt really, and now I dont have a cat to even bolt it to. I would just leave the Cat off, but I live in Virginia and I have to get it inspected (no smog test though).

So basicly I was wondering if you all had any ideas for me and if you could maybe point me in the direction of a cheap catalytic converter. I dont want to end up spending 4 times the price of the car in exhaust however :p I was also wondering if anyone has a picture of their full exhaust including the cat? Thanks alot - Steve

Mark 88/M5 Houston · Post by **Mark 88/M5 Houston** » Mar 04, 2005 11:08 AM

Here is a link to a parts diagram for the exaust system. I put a complete 535 system on my 533, biggest difference is O2 sensor location. http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.do?m ... g=18&fg=05

Click on the cat line in the text box above the picture to see it.

[Edit by Mark 88/M5 Houston on [TIME]1109952623[/TIME]]

Steve Haygood · Post by **Steve Haygood** » Mar 04, 2005 12:16 PM

I have the DEC units if that is any help

dasMafia · Post by **dasMafia** » Mar 04, 2005 1:43 PM

hahaha.... same thing I did with mine (well, I did put a muffler in) it sounds brutal... I love it.

yeah you best find a few down/y-pipe assembly with the integral cat, or you'll need to pick up a high-flow cat from a speed-shop somewhere.

I love the way they sound "un-corked" I drove it around a little with just the manifolds on... LOVED IT!!!!

RetiredDoc · Post by **RetiredDoc** » Mar 04, 2005 1:55 PM

Unfortunately, a new catalytic converter is likely to cost more than the $200 you paid for the car. Here's the least expensive I have found:

http://www.all-catalytic-converters.com ... &year=1986

Jay in VA · Post by **Jay in VA** » Mar 04, 2005 4:38 PM

Dude I live in Virginia and It's your lucky day. I am installing a 535 exhaust on my 533 and you are welcome to my old one if you come and get it when I'm done.

my cell 757 289 6341

Steve Haygood · Post by **Steve Haygood** » Mar 04, 2005 7:47 PM

atta boy Jay

lino · Post by **lino** » Mar 04, 2005 7:52 PM

[QUOTE="Jay in VA"]Dude I live in Virginia and It's your lucky day. I am installing a 535 exhaust on my 533 and you are welcome to my old one if you come and get it when I'm done.

my cell 757 289 6341[/QUOTE]

My full respect to you. That's very thoughtful of you. Thanks for being such a decent person and helping other BMW owners get into shape.

fastpat · Post by **fastpat** » Mar 04, 2005 8:20 PM

[QUOTE="Jay in VA"]Dude I live in Virginia and It's your lucky day. I am installing a 535 exhaust on my 533 and you are welcome to my old one if you come and get it when I'm done.

my cell 757 289 6341[/QUOTE]

This is the best combination of price-performance going. While you may have a cquired a 533i for $200.00 :p , it's not a $200.00 car as you're going to find out.

In my opinion, used or new, the factory exhaust is the best way to go, and in the long run it's the cheapest way to go.

MyE28.com

MyE28.com

533i Catalytic questions