Which are best aftermarket cats for C32?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 2
From: San Diego
2002 C32 Black/Charcoal
Which are best aftermarket cats for C32?
Hey!
One or both of my primary cats on my 2002 C32 are bad, as evidenced by the terrible clattering noise that comes from them at idle or low rpms. Very annoying.
I searched and saw several recommendations for Magnaflow. I called Magnaflow, but they said that the part numbers which are showing on their website for the C32 primary cats (49805 for driver side and 49806 for passenger side) are not actually in production, and never have been(?)
So, I am looking for a solution which is more durable than the OEM cats, will still pass smog, wont cause a "check engine" light, and won't break the bank. Is the best solution one of the Magnaflow universal fit cats? If so, could you please tell me the part numbers and where you bought them from?
Much Grassyass.
One or both of my primary cats on my 2002 C32 are bad, as evidenced by the terrible clattering noise that comes from them at idle or low rpms. Very annoying.
I searched and saw several recommendations for Magnaflow. I called Magnaflow, but they said that the part numbers which are showing on their website for the C32 primary cats (49805 for driver side and 49806 for passenger side) are not actually in production, and never have been(?)
So, I am looking for a solution which is more durable than the OEM cats, will still pass smog, wont cause a "check engine" light, and won't break the bank. Is the best solution one of the Magnaflow universal fit cats? If so, could you please tell me the part numbers and where you bought them from?
Much Grassyass.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
02 C32, G60 Corrado
I am interested in the same info.
My check engine light came on a while back with codes for both primary cats. I had my dealer check for the codes as well and they said the same thing. OEMs are very pricey as you may know, plus I was thinking of adding a bit more flow with a freer flowing cats. I came up with the same Magnaflows through my search but not much more. Can any exhaust shop install the universal cats?
My check engine light came on a while back with codes for both primary cats. I had my dealer check for the codes as well and they said the same thing. OEMs are very pricey as you may know, plus I was thinking of adding a bit more flow with a freer flowing cats. I came up with the same Magnaflows through my search but not much more. Can any exhaust shop install the universal cats?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
I am interested in the same info.
My check engine light came on a while back with codes for both primary cats. I had my dealer check for the codes as well and they said the same thing. OEMs are very pricey as you may know, plus I was thinking of adding a bit more flow with a freer flowing cats. I came up with the same Magnaflows through my search but not much more. Can any exhaust shop install the universal cats?
My check engine light came on a while back with codes for both primary cats. I had my dealer check for the codes as well and they said the same thing. OEMs are very pricey as you may know, plus I was thinking of adding a bit more flow with a freer flowing cats. I came up with the same Magnaflows through my search but not much more. Can any exhaust shop install the universal cats?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,948
Likes: 3
From: Houston, TX
C32/C55 AMG
I bought a pair of these, but I have yet to install them. They look good in person.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=370204926271
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=370204926271
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 2
From: San Diego
2002 C32 Black/Charcoal
I bought a pair of these, but I have yet to install them. They look good in person.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=370204926271
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=370204926271
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,935
Likes: 5
AMG
I would recommend these 300-cell high flow metal core cats. Magnum Exhaust has sold hundreds to MBworld members and everyone has been happy. For primaries you will need the smallest diameter 2.25".
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/High-...Q5fAccessories
Some other sellers try to sell the regular ceramic core as metal core so beware. Magnum Exhaust always sells the proper units, and free shipping is included as well.
If you replace, do both at the same time. And most importantly. Do a before & after dyno to see if doing high flow primaries on C32 will make power (b/c apparently secondaries don't).
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/High-...Q5fAccessories
Some other sellers try to sell the regular ceramic core as metal core so beware. Magnum Exhaust always sells the proper units, and free shipping is included as well.
If you replace, do both at the same time. And most importantly. Do a before & after dyno to see if doing high flow primaries on C32 will make power (b/c apparently secondaries don't).
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 2
From: San Diego
2002 C32 Black/Charcoal
I would recommend these 300-cell high flow metal core cats. Magnum Exhaust has sold hundreds to MBworld members and everyone has been happy. For primaries you will need the smallest diameter 2.25".
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/High-...Q5fAccessories
Some other sellers try to sell the regular ceramic core as metal core so beware. Magnum Exhaust always sells the proper units, and free shipping is included as well.
If you replace, do both at the same time. And most importantly. Do a before & after dyno to see if doing high flow primaries on C32 will make power (b/c apparently secondaries don't).
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/High-...Q5fAccessories
Some other sellers try to sell the regular ceramic core as metal core so beware. Magnum Exhaust always sells the proper units, and free shipping is included as well.
If you replace, do both at the same time. And most importantly. Do a before & after dyno to see if doing high flow primaries on C32 will make power (b/c apparently secondaries don't).
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Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
02 C32, G60 Corrado
I would recommend these 300-cell high flow metal core cats. Magnum Exhaust has sold hundreds to MBworld members and everyone has been happy. For primaries you will need the smallest diameter 2.25".
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/High-...Q5fAccessories
Some other sellers try to sell the regular ceramic core as metal core so beware. Magnum Exhaust always sells the proper units, and free shipping is included as well.
If you replace, do both at the same time. And most importantly. Do a before & after dyno to see if doing high flow primaries on C32 will make power (b/c apparently secondaries don't).
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/High-...Q5fAccessories
Some other sellers try to sell the regular ceramic core as metal core so beware. Magnum Exhaust always sells the proper units, and free shipping is included as well.
If you replace, do both at the same time. And most importantly. Do a before & after dyno to see if doing high flow primaries on C32 will make power (b/c apparently secondaries don't).
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,935
Likes: 5
AMG
For primaries you want 2.25", for secondaries you want 2.5"
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,948
Likes: 3
From: Houston, TX
C32/C55 AMG
At the primaries its actually only roughly 2.0" OD before the primary cats, then it expands to 2.25" then once the two pipes merge it eventually gets to 2.75" towards the end of the system. The smallest size they make is 2.25"
For primaries you want 2.25", for secondaries you want 2.5"
For primaries you want 2.25", for secondaries you want 2.5"
They also mentioned that high flow cats would also cause my CEL to come on because I would need different O2 sensors for high flow cats. They quoted me $75 per side for a total of $150.
Will the cats that I bought not work for my primaries? Will 2.5" diameter inlets and outlets affect any thing? Do I really need different O2 sensors for high flow cats?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 2
From: San Diego
2002 C32 Black/Charcoal
I went to see about getting my primaries replaced with the cats I bought and they said that my cats would not work for my primaries. My cats are 2.5" in and out and the inlets and outlets are completely centered. They said that it was too big and that it would not fit/work.
They also mentioned that high flow cats would also cause my CEL to come on because I would need different O2 sensors for high flow cats. They quoted me $75 per side for a total of $150.
Will the cats that I bought not work for my primaries? Will 2.5" diameter inlets and outlets affect any thing? Do I really need different O2 sensors for high flow cats?
They also mentioned that high flow cats would also cause my CEL to come on because I would need different O2 sensors for high flow cats. They quoted me $75 per side for a total of $150.
Will the cats that I bought not work for my primaries? Will 2.5" diameter inlets and outlets affect any thing? Do I really need different O2 sensors for high flow cats?
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
02 C32, G60 Corrado
Well, my check engine light went out by its self a couple of days ago. I took the car in for my emissions test as it was due. The car passed. I lucked out big time. It was definitely the cats causing the light to come on. I will post the codes later. Not that I am complaining, but what happened??
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,948
Likes: 3
From: Houston, TX
C32/C55 AMG
Well, my check engine light went out by its self a couple of days ago. I took the car in for my emissions test as it was due. The car passed. I lucked out big time. It was definitely the cats causing the light to come on. I will post the codes later. Not that I am complaining, but what happened??
.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,948
Likes: 3
From: Houston, TX
C32/C55 AMG
The code I had was P0432. Catalyst efficiency low-bank 2
Here is the list of possible problems:
1 Defective catalytic converter (failure possibly due to 2,3, or 4)
2 Engine misfire or running condition
3 large vacuum leak
4 engine oil leakage in exhaust-valve guide, seals, piston rings
Here's a link to the thread :https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...er-thread.html
Here is the list of possible problems:
1 Defective catalytic converter (failure possibly due to 2,3, or 4)
2 Engine misfire or running condition
3 large vacuum leak
4 engine oil leakage in exhaust-valve guide, seals, piston rings
Here's a link to the thread :https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...er-thread.html
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,935
Likes: 5
AMG
I went to see about getting my primaries replaced with the cats I bought and they said that my cats would not work for my primaries. My cats are 2.5" in and out and the inlets and outlets are completely centered. They said that it was too big and that it would not fit/work.
They also mentioned that high flow cats would also cause my CEL to come on because I would need different O2 sensors for high flow cats. They quoted me $75 per side for a total of $150.
Will the cats that I bought not work for my primaries? Will 2.5" diameter inlets and outlets affect any thing? Do I really need different O2 sensors for high flow cats?
They also mentioned that high flow cats would also cause my CEL to come on because I would need different O2 sensors for high flow cats. They quoted me $75 per side for a total of $150.
Will the cats that I bought not work for my primaries? Will 2.5" diameter inlets and outlets affect any thing? Do I really need different O2 sensors for high flow cats?
2.5" are way too big for primaries correct (as I mentioned). Your shop was lying to you, they were simply trying to swindle you for some new O2 sensors. A 300-cell high flow metal core cat will not cause any CEL... even a 200-cell usually won't (although it can sometimes depending on the car/ECU). There is no such thing as special "high flow cat" o2 sensors... I'd find a new more trustworthy shop.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
SL 500, M3
I have a 99 SL 500, actually its my dad's but I think of it as my own.
But my usual vehicle is a 98 BMW M3. After 12 yrs of faithful service, she needed a new rear main seal, new clutch, etc. I decided to do some mods, getting a short shift kit, stewart water pump, itg foam filter, and a milltek exhaust. Only problem was the size of the milltek pipes were 2.37 in and my stock pipes where it connected was 2 in. So I went to an exhaust shop and the guy told me that since I have 2 cats per side, 4 total, I won't feel the power. So he told me to cut it out and put in Magnaflows. So they did it and the car was more powerful than it was when I got it in 1998. More power quicker acceleration. I notice they used 2 different Magnaflows, 99334hm and 99335hm. Only diff was one is 2.25 in and the other is 2 in. He told me it didnt matter bec the main restriction was the restrictive cats.
I checked and tese magnaflows are 400 cell. so going from 2 cats that are probably 600-800 cell each to 400 cell was a big change. I had no CEL.
After a month, I decided to take things to the next level and get the HJS 200 cell. They cost me about $1k shipped from germany for 2.
So I went back to the shop and had him put it on, he had to weld the O2 bungs on the pipes. Now it is more faster and louder than with the Magnaflows. But not too loud, civilized because of my milltek.
I only had it for a week, but no CEL. I talked to HJS and this is what they use in germany for the M3s.
If I could do it again, I would have gotten the HJS. I dont know how long the magnaflows would last, but they were pretty good short term.
Here are some pics and videos for your enjoyment:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NKvT7WuyxI&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8m99nRf0eqo&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_zVAET6o6o&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCO6AXdZBNU&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKdKu4I8CnM&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SK9jO1mUOQ&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCmaw3Smwv8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ROV-DlyUzg&feature=channel
But my usual vehicle is a 98 BMW M3. After 12 yrs of faithful service, she needed a new rear main seal, new clutch, etc. I decided to do some mods, getting a short shift kit, stewart water pump, itg foam filter, and a milltek exhaust. Only problem was the size of the milltek pipes were 2.37 in and my stock pipes where it connected was 2 in. So I went to an exhaust shop and the guy told me that since I have 2 cats per side, 4 total, I won't feel the power. So he told me to cut it out and put in Magnaflows. So they did it and the car was more powerful than it was when I got it in 1998. More power quicker acceleration. I notice they used 2 different Magnaflows, 99334hm and 99335hm. Only diff was one is 2.25 in and the other is 2 in. He told me it didnt matter bec the main restriction was the restrictive cats.
I checked and tese magnaflows are 400 cell. so going from 2 cats that are probably 600-800 cell each to 400 cell was a big change. I had no CEL.
After a month, I decided to take things to the next level and get the HJS 200 cell. They cost me about $1k shipped from germany for 2.
So I went back to the shop and had him put it on, he had to weld the O2 bungs on the pipes. Now it is more faster and louder than with the Magnaflows. But not too loud, civilized because of my milltek.
I only had it for a week, but no CEL. I talked to HJS and this is what they use in germany for the M3s.
If I could do it again, I would have gotten the HJS. I dont know how long the magnaflows would last, but they were pretty good short term.
Here are some pics and videos for your enjoyment:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NKvT7WuyxI&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8m99nRf0eqo&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_zVAET6o6o&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCO6AXdZBNU&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKdKu4I8CnM&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SK9jO1mUOQ&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCmaw3Smwv8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ROV-DlyUzg&feature=channel
Last edited by m321p; Jun 30, 2010 at 11:58 AM.
