Part number 18301440183 is a BMW Downpipe / Exhaust Flange Gasket. It acts as a primary seal situated directly between the exhaust manifolds (headers) and the catalytic converter downpipes to seal harmful exhaust gases before they reach the rest of the exhaust system. This flat metallic profile gasket replaces the older, superseded factory part number 18301436334.
This part is specifically engineered for BMWs running the earlier generation M52 and M52TU inline-6 engines (as well as select 4-cylinder engines like the M44 in the 318ti). It generally spans from 1996 to 2000:
- 3 Series (E46 Chassis): 1999–2000 323i, 323Ci, 328i, and 328Ci
- 5 Series (E39 Chassis): 1997–2000 528i (both Sedan and Sport Wagon body styles)
- Z3 Series (E36/7 & E36/8): 1997–2000 Z3 Roadster & Coupe (2.3, 2.5i, and 2.8L setups)
(Note: A complete layout requires a quantity of 2 gaskets—one for the front cylinder bank downpipe flange and one for the rear.)