DEC Catalytic Converter (49 state) - fits BMW 328i (96-98), 328ic (98-99) and M3 (96-99). Meets all the OBD2 requirements except for California. Great value, especially considering that this 49-state cat, effective Aug 2009, now has the same "heavy loading" as the more expensive California versions.

Price includes.........

• Manifold gaskets - 18301716888 (x2)*
• Exhaust manifold copper plated locknuts - 18301737774 (x6)*
• Sealing Ring - 18111723720 (x1)*
• Sealing Ring - 18111719446 (x1)*
• Connector bolts (8x55mm) with flanged locknuts (x4)*
• DEC Warranty - 2yrs on the converter, 5 years on the pipes (warranty exceptions, see below)

*There is a $20.00 Credit "Hardware Delete" option for customers who wanting to source the above items locally or through their repair shop.

Important Note - the images (line drawings) shown are a representation of the shape of the catalytic converter(s) for this vehicle. The end terminations (flanges and straight pipes) are illustrated accurately but the silencers and heat shielding will most likely be different from the original BMW factory part. If you want something that looks EXACTLY like the factory converter, the original BMW part (with a 1 year warranty, excluding hardware & gaskets) can be purchased through your local dealer for $2,408.00 (plus core), less any dealer discounts.

Shipping - hardware and gaskets (if selected) will ship from NJ via Fedex ground (see transit time map) . Catalytic converter will ship directly from DEC in CA. Expedited delivery options are available at additional cost.

Important Note - the images (line drawings) shown are a representation of the shape of the catalytic converter(s) for this vehicle. The end terminations (flanges and straight pipes) are illustrated accurately but the silencers and heat shielding will most likely be different from the original BMW factory part. If you want something that looks EXACTLY like the factory converter, the original BMW part (with a 1 year warranty, excluding hardware & gaskets) can be purchased through your local dealer for $2,155.00 (plus core), less any dealer discounts.

Fitment - DEC catalytic converters are engineered and built to be "direct fit" replacements of the factory units. Occasionally, some of the longer catalytic converters (eg, 5-6' in length...BMW E36 3 series, E39 5 series, etc) may become "tweeked" in transit through rough handling. A 1/4" movement at one end can result in a 3/4" to 1" fitment/alignment issue at the other end. Should this occur, a steel prybar can be used to force the head-pipes into alignment with the manifolds and the back end can be pulled (plenty of leverage here) to align with the muffler. If any damage were to occur to the cat during this process, it will be covered as part of the factory warranty. In the event that a fitment problem is not correctable with reasonable force, please contact me for further recommendations and action.

Installation - I highly recommend that this installation be done with the vehicle on a lift due to the overall length of the catalytic converter and the required angle of approach for alignment with the manifolds. It is very difficult to get the proper leverage (should additional force/prying be required) with the car on jackstands and only 18-20" of working room.

Additional comments - The most common reason for replacing an OBDII converter is a PO420 code ("Catalyst Inefficiency"). This is caused when the rear oxygen sensor(s) detect a fluctuation that is greater than the vehicle's computer allows. The oxygen sensors do not measure Hydrocarbons, Carbon Monoxide, or Nitric Oxide.....they only measure the oxygen retention of the catalyst. If there is any type of air leak, it could trip this code. DEC has also found that using a higher octane fuel than the manufacturer recommends can cause red light problems. It will cause too much carbon to be built up and trip the PO420 code. CARBON BUILD UP is a major problem. Carbon releases oxygen and will give an incorrect oxygen sensor readings causing the air fuel mixture to be incorrect. This also causes more carbon to build up because of the incorrect fuel mixture. Carbon needs to be cleaned out to maintain proper air fuel mixtures!

DEC requires that oxygen sensors be replaced with the converter to ensure warranty protection.

Warranty Exceptions - Vehicles that have had aftermarket (ie, "performance") fuel management software changes may experience premature failure of the catalytic converter. This may result in the failure to pass state smog testing. DEC will inspect all cats returned for warranty replacement to determine if there was a "manufacturing" failure. If the failure was due to engine or fuel management issues, they will typically provide a "one-time only" courtesy warranty replacement. Customer is responsible for all shipping (inbound and return) and labor costs on all warranty replacements.