Which Catalytic Converter To Get?

[GOT8SPD]

I live in CA and will need to get my car smogged soon. Unfortunately, this year, I have to take it to a STAR station so this is the year I need to fix the car. Yeah, a lot of people including myself, complain about the CA smog laws, however, I've lived here all my life, and I can't imagine how it would be without the strict smog laws because it's pretty nasty on a lot of days.

With that said, I think I need to replace my catalytic converter. The last time i got the car smoged, the guy there said I needed to get it replaced. I checked Magnaflow for the cat, however, they only show cats for the 325e...

What's the recommended catalytic converter for the 325i?

Thanks

[roguetoaster]

I see a 50 state cat at Turner for $533, mfr Magnaflow. Link

I did a quick check of Bosal and Ansa, no joy on CA cats.

[Gregs///M]

I believe CA muffler shops can only sell you legal catalytic converters. Magnaflow seems to be your best bet tho.

[GOT8SPD]

Magna flow seems to be the way to go. The guy at the smog shop also says that after you put on a new cat, you'll be fine, but the car will kill the cat and I'll have to replace it again in a few years.

I hate the tight smogs laws here in CA, but I live in Socal, and honestly, I can't imagine how shitty life would be if they didn't have strict air quality control. I certainly don't want to be living in a place where the smog is as bad as places in China

[roguetoaster]

Easy solution, buy a new unit, either a bolt on setup or have the shop add flanges in line and simply remove the new cat/replace with the old one after the testing. Then when you have to do it in however many years you simply reinstall. Not only will you save in the long run, but you probably won't run afoul of any visual inspection.

[GOT8SPD]

Easy solution, buy a new unit, either a bolt on setup or have the shop add flanges in line and simply remove the new cat/replace with the old one after the testing. Then when you have to do it in however many years you simply reinstall. Not only will you save in the long run, but you probably won't run afoul of any visual inspection.

I was debating on doing this...make like a test pipe in between so that it doesn't kill it. I think I'm gonna ask the shop to do it. I need to check with my uncle to see if he can do a test on my car, but not really do it.

2 years ago when I had to smog it, I didn't pass, but this year, I have new 02 sensor, new plugs, wires, valve adjustment, cap and rotor, and replaced a ripped rubber intake elbow.

It probably runs better, but i don't think it's gonna pass still.