Cat or not?

[TUD]

Euro 'i' car. I was told that the car did not have a cat, but it certainly appears that it does. Opinions?

[Sean]

You know, it looks like a cat, but I guess the best way to tell is to smell your exhaust. If it's not running a cat, it will probably have a nice odor to it. if not, it shouldn't be as bad. That could be a resonator of some sort, but I really don't know. :-\

[tonytony]

looks like a cat to me, take it apart and roll a marble into it:)

[SchnellerVert]

That's a cat. Late model car? Early EU cars it was optional, late model mandatory.

[TUD]

That's a cat. Late model car? Early EU cars it was optional, late model mandatory.

'86 Euro M20, gray market.


The exhaust is fairly strong, but not as bad as an S14 with no cats.


Edit: There is not an O2 Sensor on this car.

[SchnellerVert]

Early cars did not have an O2 sensor due to no cats. This was common.

[TUD]

Early cars did not have an O2 sensor due to no cats. This was common.

So, then that is not a cat?


Edit: I sent Patrick at BMA the same pic this monring and they are having difficulty coming up with an answer.

[SchnellerVert]

It was probably a cat added to appease the inspectors when the car was brought into the US. Does it have Federalization papers? IT should.

EPA/US Customs.

It probably has down pipe back of a US system minus the proper pipe for an O2 bung.

[TUD]

It was probably a cat added to appease the inspectors when the car was brought into the US. Does it have Federalization papers? IT should.

EPA/US Customs.

It probably has down pipe back of a US system minus the proper pipe for an O2 bung.

From my understanding the importer/first owner later removed all the items that had to be added.

[TUD]

Snapped a few more pics

[SchnellerVert]

The only issue is now finding a proper fit exhaust due to cat backs will be to short.

SuperSprint sells an EU set for the 323i e30's that fit as well as BAV sells this exact system.

Or order from Mike.

[TUD]

The only issue is now finding a proper fit exhaust due to cat backs will be to short.

SuperSprint sells an EU set for the 323i e30's that fit as well as BAV sells this exact system.

Or order from Mike.

I was considering using the Eberspacher - BMW p/n 18101705783. According to ETK this is the part # for this specific car.

[nando]

that's definitely a cat.

[volgapower]

take it away and weld in exhaust diameter sized pipe instead u will get 1-2HPs ;)

[Morrison]

Did you ever find out if it was actually a cat or just a resonator? I was looking at this on realoem after searching for an " '85 Euro 325i" and found this:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=1531&mospid=47283&btnr=18_0207&hg=18&fg=05

It says it is for a catless system, but looks similar to a cat. Also notice the cost; much less than an actual "cat" system. Is it fair to say that there is just a standard resonator inside there?