M40 to M42 front section

[Hotjim]

Hey guys a quick question. I have converted my m40 to an m42. The m40 did have a cat so do i need to add a cat back into the system as i have heard about a lot of 318is's not having cats as standard?

Any thoughts?

[E30Mark]

318iS didn't have cats as standard, what year is your car? if it's '93 onwards then you'll need a cat fro the MOT.

[Hotjim]

Ahh it's a '93...bum luck, cheers for the reply though

The cat for the m42 E30 is impossible to find unless you want to spend £948!! Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get round this? so far the plan is Magnaflow Universal Cat # 94004 + job lot of tubing + someone who can weld

[Hotjim]

just hope it passes the emissions!

[E30Mark]

Double check the '93 date, I'm sure I'm right!

I was able to take the cat off my '92 reg car, and it passed the MOT OK. Tester said if it was a year younger then i would of had to keep the cat.

[Hotjim]

Right i'll definitely check that.

[rix313]

Emissions wont be a problem

[Hotjim]

Yup your right it looks like if the car was registered after 1st August 1992 you need a cat. Arse.

[Andy325i]

Jim are you looking for an M42 front section with cat?

Andy

[Hotjim]

Hell yes i am Andy!

Sorry it's Robin, why i stick with hotjim is just beyond me

[eko]

For what its worth......

I recently converted a 94 318i Touring to M42.Obviously it was equipped with a cat.
It did cross my mind to a)somehow bodge the M40 cat into the standard iS exhaust b) chance it passing with no cat fitted!
Decided to go and chat to the MOT place that I would be taking it too later that week.Explained the car was a 94 but the engine fitted was from a 1990 iS.I was lucky enough to have a copy of the V5 related to the new engine and the tester said that he would on that basis.
Booked the car in for test later that week and it passed the standard emissions test with flying colours
Now wether or not this was fully above board or I just caught the guy on a good day who knows but im not really bothered to be honest

[Hotjim]

Nice idea that hadn't come to mind i've been so focused on getting a cat. I have been to the place for years and their not the most ah-hem diligent lot. No details for the engine might not be a winner. Definitely worth a go. Cheers eko.

[odbod]

You may be able to demonstrate that the engine is pre-1993 as it was from an E30 and they only went in these for 1990-1991, might be worth talking to BMW about the engine number if you have a friendly dealership...

[Hotjim]

Good stuff odbod i will try that.

Given that i might be able to pass the emissions on a 'it's pre '93...honest!' Does anyone know of any m42 de-cat front pipes around? i'd be veeeeeeery greatful

[Hotjim]

Just thought i'd update as to what i did. Bought a new genuine BMW de-cat front section £280. Fit's great sounds great, stainless steel, can't argue with that. I'll deal with the mot when it comes round. Somehow!