Removing Cats is illegal

Kris · 11-03-2008, 10:03 PM

I spoke at length today with HiTech exhaust in Sydney and we threw my car up on the hoist. He explained to me, as he has with the 335 guys that removing the pre (Downpipe) or mid cats is illegal. The penantly was around $33,000 from memory.

I asked him could you remove 1 set and still keep either the mid or pre, and he said no.

Bit of a worry for people with downpipes!

He did offer a midpipe section with 100cel cats, but the cost was HUGE as each cat is $800

Seems if you want to be legal, the only option is the BMW performance muffler or catted downpipes and keep the catted mid section!

Bummer!

lannypoffo · 11-03-2008, 10:09 PM

everyone knows thats the same in USA, but most of us dont care anyway. I personally buy catted downpipes when I mod, but most people don't.

Breville · 11-03-2008, 10:15 PM

Hey Kris, I didn't think the BMW perf zorst was approved for Australia? I suppose you could import privately? I'd probably look for the BMW zorst as well as suspension as I reckon that's a fairly good street/track mix.

Kris · 11-03-2008, 10:19 PM

Breville, BMW exhaust is fine. Its just a muffler, no complications there...

Zuzu · 11-03-2008, 10:27 PM

Hey Kris, still waiting for BMW to come back to me with part numbers and cost of BMW exhaust..

[Hey Kris, I didn't think the BMW perf zorst was approved for Australia?]

This could be why Duncan, there was no part numbers listed in their catalogue for this.

Kris · 11-03-2008, 10:28 PM

I dont think its worth it.. its just a muffler.. minimal gains!

BMWDave · 11-03-2008, 10:31 PM

I was led to believe that the BMW performance "exhuast" (ie muffler) hasn't been ADR approved, as Breville aluded to.

With respect to the topic of thread, yes, technically it is illegal to remove any cats, but realistically, if you got pulled over and had your car inspected I'd imagine 1) it would be nigh on impossible to see if the dump pipes still had their cats and 2) you could point to the secondary cats and say "these are the cats you're looking for, one from each turbo sir". You'd have to be damned unlicky to get down for $33K fine.

135i2 · 11-03-2008, 10:36 PM

Full Super Sprint exhaust hits my car towards the end of this month..no point in doing a cat back or sports exhaust as there is bugger all power gain.

Let you know the results.

Down pipes are not catted.

professor · 11-03-2008, 10:47 PM

$33,000?? bargain.

Kris · 11-03-2008, 10:53 PM

135i2 : so your car would have 2 cats only, instead of 4?

BMWDave, I hear ya!

amk2912 · 11-03-2008, 11:00 PM

The BMW Performance Exhaust apparently fails ADR. Apparently all parts orders go via BMW Melbourne and if someone tries to slip a non-ADR/non-approved parts number through it will be rejected. The only was is to privately import it.

I have been told the REMUS muffler meets ADR and that is why I am getting it.

As far as DPs are concerned, it's pretty obvious catless ones would be illegal, however I can't imagine there'd be problems with high-flow cats - unless someone knows otherwise.

All it takes is a suspicion from the Bill and your car gets a yellow sticker (in WA) and it goes over the pits for an inspection.

bfi2906 · 11-03-2008, 11:00 PM

Hey Kris, still waiting for BMW to come back to me with part numbers and cost of BMW exhaust..

Perhaps this can help....
RealOEM.com Home => Select another car => EXHAUST SYSTEM => ACCESSORIES AND RETROFITTINGS

No. Description Supplement Qty From Up To Part Number Price Notes
01MUFFLER SYSTEMBMW PERFORMANCE118100443574+core, See EBA 2146988

From a US Dealer
Performance Exhaust

The BMW Performance exhaust system invigorates engine output by allowing engine by-products to exit the vehicle more efficiently. RPM performance is heightened and engine performance is increased by up to 5hp at 6000 RPM, but there's also another benefit. As RPMs escalate, so does the exhaust note, creating a racy but never intrusive sound. (PN: 18 10 0 443 575)

$1,452.54

The part numbers are different (118100443574 & 18 10 0 443 575), but this is usual for parts for US cars Vs Eurpoean Cars

What I can't work out is whether the part number relates to 1. the muffler and pipes, or 2. the muffler only. Usually RealOEM would have both listed.

Hope that's useful.

Kris · 11-03-2008, 11:03 PM

hey bfi, yep thanks. Have seen it - honestly $1400 for the BMW performance exhaust doesnt seem worth it for 5hp. Freeing up the mid section according to Hitech unleashed 15kw on the 335 they did the work on...

WAY · 11-03-2008, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kris

I spoke at length today with HiTech exhaust in Sydney and we threw my car up on the hoist. He explained to me, as he has with the 335 guys that removing the pre (Downpipe) or mid cats is illegal. The penantly was around $33,000 from memory.

I asked him could you remove 1 set and still keep either the mid or pre, and he said no.

Bit of a worry for people with downpipes!

He did offer a midpipe section with 100cel cats, but the cost was HUGE as each cat is $800

Seems if you want to be legal, the only option is the BMW performance muffler or catted downpipes and keep the catted mid section!

Bummer!

You only realised this now?

Why do you think Riss (and Andrew locally) advertise this as "For off-road use only"?

amk2912 · 11-03-2008, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kris

hey bfi, yep thanks. Have seen it - honestly $1400 for the BMW performance exhaust doesnt seem worth it for 5hp. Freeing up the mid section according to Hitech unleashed 15kw on the 335 they did the work on...

That would be US$1,400 (A$2120)!!

bfi2906 · 11-03-2008, 11:11 PM

Kris - couldn't agree more. And the exchange rate makes it AUD 2,168. That's a very expensive noise maker.

You could get a lot of other stuff, and / or a couple of track days for the same money.

135i2 · 11-03-2008, 11:22 PM

yep. the car will only have 2 cats....and of course it will only be for off road use...track work

Kris · 11-03-2008, 11:34 PM

135, thats one expensive exhaust! I think ill go the Hitech midpipe section

results to come soon (including dyno charts)

qship · 11-04-2008, 01:36 AM

This has been canvassed before. BMW will not ADR the exhaust system due to too small a demand. Simple fact is, as mentioned above, basically ANY change to the exhaust is a no-no unless it meets ADRs.

As also mentioned above, keep it relatively quiet and subtle and the chances of being caught are low. Just keep your std exhaust to bolt on if the car has to be tested.

According to the WRX forum there is currently a blitz on in NSW and Vic regarding the EPA and noisy cars.

AussieRacer · 11-04-2008, 03:25 AM

Dan sells the BMW Perf exhaust for US$950 + shipping.

Whilst I'm against removing cats on road cars for environmental reasons - I've got be frank and say if you buy a car like a 135i, you clearly have no issue with breaking the law.....if you know what I mean....

grunt · 11-04-2008, 04:10 AM

gutting your cat is also illegal - but a common practice in non-smog check states ...

Kris · 11-04-2008, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grunt

gutting your cat is also illegal - but a common practice in non-smog check states ...

How does a cat survive without guts?

11-03-2008, 10:03 PM	#1
Kris Colonel 123 Rep 2,295 Posts Drives: m3 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: USOFA iTrader: (0)	Removing Cats is illegal I spoke at length today with HiTech exhaust in Sydney and we threw my car up on the hoist. He explained to me, as he has with the 335 guys that removing the pre (Downpipe) or mid cats is illegal. The penantly was around $33,000 from memory. I asked him could you remove 1 set and still keep either the mid or pre, and he said no. Bit of a worry for people with downpipes! He did offer a midpipe section with 100cel cats, but the cost was HUGE as each cat is $800 Seems if you want to be legal, the only option is the BMW performance muffler or catted downpipes and keep the catted mid section! Bummer!
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11-03-2008, 10:09 PM	#2
lannypoffo Lieutenant 20 Rep 564 Posts Drives: 2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cali iTrader: (1)	everyone knows thats the same in USA, but most of us dont care anyway. I personally buy catted downpipes when I mod, but most people don't.
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11-03-2008, 10:15 PM	#3
Breville Scum in the sun 30 Rep 938 Posts Drives: 135i Coupe TiAg Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Syndey iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 135i Coupe [0.00]	Hey Kris, I didn't think the BMW perf zorst was approved for Australia? I suppose you could import privately? I'd probably look for the BMW zorst as well as suspension as I reckon that's a fairly good street/track mix. __________________ One should love animals. They are so tasty.
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11-03-2008, 10:19 PM	#4
Kris Colonel 123 Rep 2,295 Posts Drives: m3 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: USOFA iTrader: (0)	Breville, BMW exhaust is fine. Its just a muffler, no complications there...
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11-03-2008, 10:27 PM	#5
Zuzu Major General 2816 Rep 7,637 Posts Drives: M2C HS 6MT Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sydney Australia iTrader: (0)	Hey Kris, still waiting for BMW to come back to me with part numbers and cost of BMW exhaust.. [Hey Kris, I didn't think the BMW perf zorst was approved for Australia?] This could be why Duncan, there was no part numbers listed in their catalogue for this.
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11-03-2008, 10:28 PM	#6
Kris Colonel 123 Rep 2,295 Posts Drives: m3 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: USOFA iTrader: (0)	I dont think its worth it.. its just a muffler.. minimal gains!
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11-03-2008, 10:31 PM	#7
BMWDave Totally Add1cted 17 Rep 503 Posts Drives: X1 Xdrive23d Join Date: May 2008 Location: Perth, Australia iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW X1 23d [7.66]	I was led to believe that the BMW performance "exhuast" (ie muffler) hasn't been ADR approved, as Breville aluded to. With respect to the topic of thread, yes, technically it is illegal to remove any cats, but realistically, if you got pulled over and had your car inspected I'd imagine 1) it would be nigh on impossible to see if the dump pipes still had their cats and 2) you could point to the secondary cats and say "these are the cats you're looking for, one from each turbo sir". You'd have to be damned unlicky to get down for $33K fine. __________________ Proud new owner of a X1 23d in Jet Black
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11-03-2008, 10:36 PM	#8
135i2 Lieutenant 106 Rep 419 Posts Drives: Join Date: Oct 2008 iTrader: (0)	Full Super Sprint exhaust hits my car towards the end of this month..no point in doing a cat back or sports exhaust as there is bugger all power gain. Let you know the results. Down pipes are not catted.
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11-03-2008, 10:47 PM	#9
professor Major 46 Rep 1,473 Posts Drives: Z4 M40i Join Date: Mar 2008 iTrader: (0)	$33,000?? bargain.
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11-03-2008, 10:53 PM	#10
Kris Colonel 123 Rep 2,295 Posts Drives: m3 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: USOFA iTrader: (0)	135i2 : so your car would have 2 cats only, instead of 4? BMWDave, I hear ya!
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11-03-2008, 11:00 PM	#11
amk2912 Lieutenant Colonel 87 Rep 1,663 Posts Drives: '10 X5 40d & '12 F10 520d Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Perth iTrader: (0)	The BMW Performance Exhaust apparently fails ADR. Apparently all parts orders go via BMW Melbourne and if someone tries to slip a non-ADR/non-approved parts number through it will be rejected. The only was is to privately import it. I have been told the REMUS muffler meets ADR and that is why I am getting it. As far as DPs are concerned, it's pretty obvious catless ones would be illegal, however I can't imagine there'd be problems with high-flow cats - unless someone knows otherwise. All it takes is a suspicion from the Bill and your car gets a yellow sticker (in WA) and it goes over the pits for an inspection. __________________ 2012 BMW F10 520d M-Sport 2010 BMW E70 X5 xdrive40d
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11-03-2008, 11:00 PM	#12
bfi2906 Captain 35 Rep 685 Posts Drives: 135 Coupe Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Sydney iTrader: (0)	Hey Kris, still waiting for BMW to come back to me with part numbers and cost of BMW exhaust.. Perhaps this can help.... RealOEM.com Home => Select another car => EXHAUST SYSTEM => ACCESSORIES AND RETROFITTINGS No. Description Supplement Qty From Up To Part Number Price Notes 01MUFFLER SYSTEMBMW PERFORMANCE118100443574+core, See EBA 2146988 From a US Dealer Performance Exhaust The BMW Performance exhaust system invigorates engine output by allowing engine by-products to exit the vehicle more efficiently. RPM performance is heightened and engine performance is increased by up to 5hp at 6000 RPM, but there's also another benefit. As RPMs escalate, so does the exhaust note, creating a racy but never intrusive sound. (PN: 18 10 0 443 575) $1,452.54 The part numbers are different (118100443574 & 18 10 0 443 575), but this is usual for parts for US cars Vs Eurpoean Cars What I can't work out is whether the part number relates to 1. the muffler and pipes, or 2. the muffler only. Usually RealOEM would have both listed. Hope that's useful.
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11-03-2008, 11:03 PM	#13
Kris Colonel 123 Rep 2,295 Posts Drives: m3 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: USOFA iTrader: (0)	hey bfi, yep thanks. Have seen it - honestly $1400 for the BMW performance exhaust doesnt seem worth it for 5hp. Freeing up the mid section according to Hitech unleashed 15kw on the 335 they did the work on...
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11-03-2008, 11:11 PM	#16
bfi2906 Captain 35 Rep 685 Posts Drives: 135 Coupe Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Sydney iTrader: (0)	Kris - couldn't agree more. And the exchange rate makes it AUD 2,168. That's a very expensive noise maker. You could get a lot of other stuff, and / or a couple of track days for the same money.
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11-03-2008, 11:22 PM	#17
135i2 Lieutenant 106 Rep 419 Posts Drives: Join Date: Oct 2008 iTrader: (0)	yep. the car will only have 2 cats....and of course it will only be for off road use...track work
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11-03-2008, 11:34 PM	#18
Kris Colonel 123 Rep 2,295 Posts Drives: m3 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: USOFA iTrader: (0)	135, thats one expensive exhaust! I think ill go the Hitech midpipe section results to come soon (including dyno charts)
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11-04-2008, 01:36 AM	#19
qship Disillusioned bourgeois capitalist pig! 21 Rep 488 Posts Drives: Blue Join Date: May 2008 Location: Malbin, Ozstralia iTrader: (0)	This has been canvassed before. BMW will not ADR the exhaust system due to too small a demand. Simple fact is, as mentioned above, basically ANY change to the exhaust is a no-no unless it meets ADRs. As also mentioned above, keep it relatively quiet and subtle and the chances of being caught are low. Just keep your std exhaust to bolt on if the car has to be tested. According to the WRX forum there is currently a blitz on in NSW and Vic regarding the EPA and noisy cars. __________________ You can lead a fool to knowledge but you cannot make him think!
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11-04-2008, 03:25 AM	#20
AussieRacer Major 24 Rep 1,058 Posts Drives: 2008 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Aust iTrader: (0)	Dan sells the BMW Perf exhaust for US$950 + shipping. Whilst I'm against removing cats on road cars for environmental reasons - I've got be frank and say if you buy a car like a 135i, you clearly have no issue with breaking the law.....if you know what I mean.... __________________ Current: 135i Auto, Le Mans Blue - w/ Bridgestone RE-11 rears, GP Thunder 7500k angels, & "golf tee" mod plus a few M3 suspension bits and pieces...
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11-04-2008, 04:10 AM	#21
grunt new - but older than dirt 2 Rep 34 Posts Drives: Join Date: Aug 2008 iTrader: (0)	gutting your cat is also illegal - but a common practice in non-smog check states ...
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