Hey everyone, Ive got an 05 MCS with 86K miles:

On the way to work, as the light turned green, the mini sounded like it was missing an exhaust.. super loud with no engine light being on. On the way back home, it was still very loud and occasionally (for minutes at a time) would go back to normal (not loud at all). I noticed a slight power decrease as well. Does that sound like it could be the CAT? Im not very knowledgeable about this kinda stuff.

Also, I have taken it to a nearby shop that works on only minis/bmws/mercedes and was told i needed a new CAT. Furthermore, i was being quoted at $1600.00 for the new CAT and 4 hours Labor ($95/hr)... That sounds like a bit much, or am i wrong?

Ive seen that federal regs require manufacturers to cover emissions gear for 7 years, Is that confirmed?
The Mechanics shop will remain anonymous for now...

So my questions are:
Does it sound like my CAT has gone bad?
Does it really take 4 hours to replace?
Is $1600 for a CAT and Labor ($95/hr) way too expensive?
Is there another option (upgrade perhaps)?

Thanks ahead of time

 

CAT bad...probably...mine hasn't gone on this car and I don't know anyones that has...

Four hours....yes...for a shade tree mechanic like me

$1600...will buy you a new aftermarket catback exhaust, cat and header...not the best, but a nice upgrade. About $2150-2500 will you get you top of the line.

Options....hell yes. Do you have other performance upgrade wants?

 

Well put.. haha yes i do have upgrade cravings, but not the heavy wallet for them. I currently have a CAI, thats it. that nice upgrade you said.. Does that include installation?

 

Nope, but install isn't that bad. Get a Bentley or Haynes manual and the work you put in will be well worth it

 

Do they have full systems (header, cat, exhaust) that will be okay for smog in CA? That cost no more than 1600$

 

I don't live in Cali, but from what I understand, nothing aftermarket, minus a few K&N parts, are legal for smog testing.

BTW, one of the top of the line systems is designed by a Cali guy...RWM.

 

I see, this cali guy.... you say RWM.. do you mean RMW? revolution mini works?

 

Yep yep

 

The federal EPA emissions warranty requires that the catalytic converters be covered for the first 8 years/80,000 miles on model year 1995 and newer cars, so you're just outside the federal warranty period based on your mileage.

Here's a link to the warranty.

 

A stock Exaust header off my 2006. If you want we can try that Pm me about details Ill sell it to you for a decent price Nothing hefty. So let me know.

 

8yrs/80k yikes that hurts

im not exactly knowledgeable about parts... so does the header include the CAT? And will the 06 work fine for my 05? Also, May i ask the miles you have on it? thanks

 

im thinking that you cant just buy a new cat.. you gotta get a header which includes the cat?... so i assume the 1600$ is for a new oem header... does that sound correct?

 

The OEM headers already come with the CAT. Some after-markets headers come separate form the CAT like Mini-Madness, etc.

 

ok thanks

 

I have an OEM header and cat if you would like to purchase it, send me a message and we can work something out!

 

If you want to go aftermarket, just get the RMW street header and bolt it up to your stock cat-back exhaust. It comes with a cat. I did and I couldn't be happier.

 

Doesn't look like your question was answered directly. Yes the OEM Cat is part of the OEM header. They are part of the same piece. You can not simply replace your cat.

As for aftermarket stuff and being able to pass smog. A CAT-BACK exhaust is legal in CA as long as it does not exceed the noise regulations. Which in all honesty are there to keep people from having ridiculously loud exhausts from driving around. A couple db above the limit and nobody really notices or cares. As for replacing the header, a smog place wont be able to tell the difference visually between an aftermarket and stock, as long as your aftermarket header also includes a Cat. Many of them do, thus you will be able to pass the tail piper sniffer test, the only thing they COULD fail you on is the visual, but like I said, they won't be able to tell the difference...but you sure will in the seat of you pants!

Another recommendation for RMW shorty header!

 

that was a great answer to my question.. thanks for that..

As of now, im looking to install an 06 header (with cat ) on my 05.. ill post results...

that shorty header sounds temping though ..

 

bro, i would strongly suggest that you reconsider getting the 06' header and instead getting the rmw. if you don't go with the aftermarket header, there is a strong chance that you will kick yourself in the *** later

 

..more than a couple times

 

Another possibility is getting an aftermarket cat and going to a decent muffler shop. They could weld on the new cat. Just make sure it's carb legal and you should be fine. I don't know any Cali laws on this matter, but here in Fl, that's what I would do. It would probably save you considerable money and free up a little bit of restriction in the exhaust.

 

sooo... i purchased a used header at a very good price even saved labor by installing at home (with much help from an un-named person)...

The header and CAT was split in half.. literally two pieces!!... wtf!

Thanks everyone!!.. NAM is the best!

see you on the streets