I have just joined the site and would like to introduce myself as a new owner, in Singapore anyway of a BMW 318 (2001 E46). Bought 2nd hand, cheap in comparison but yet to know if it was a good deal. Since purchase I have replaced 2 engine sensors, fuel filter, brakes, tyres, the usual stuff. Just lately I've been hit with a BIG one. The car was fitted with a rear muffler from SuperSprint but the rest of the exhaust is stock. The front box and catalytic convertor is now making some serious noise. Performance Motors tell me the front section with cat will cost $2500 before labour. This is more than double the cost of the actual part so I guess Mr. Taxman would be happy if I were to proceed. My request for help is therefore:
1. Does anybody have a cheaper alternative, ie a spare low milage & suitable replacement?
2. Any aftermarket cats that can be fitted (most brands do not cover the 318 E46)?
One alternative is to cut the box out remove all the honeycomb, insert some glass fibre mesh (not sure about that) and weld it back in. My question would be how the sensors respond, what back pressure there would be and if it would remain constant and how would the engine management CPU run.
Bare in mind the car only has 5 years left on COE.
All and any help would be much appreciated.
1. Does anybody have a cheaper alternative, ie a spare low milage & suitable replacement?
2. Any aftermarket cats that can be fitted (most brands do not cover the 318 E46)?
One alternative is to cut the box out remove all the honeycomb, insert some glass fibre mesh (not sure about that) and weld it back in. My question would be how the sensors respond, what back pressure there would be and if it would remain constant and how would the engine management CPU run.
Bare in mind the car only has 5 years left on COE.
All and any help would be much appreciated.
