Rattle sound after cold start... catalytic converter?

[Alphaville]

Hi fellow drivers,

My e60 started developing a rattling sound from underneath the engine compartment. This only happens during cold starts, and the noise will go away after a while. It does not rattle when I re-start the engine after a drive, i.e. when the engine is hot. Over a few days, the rattle is getting louder and louder.

An exhaust shop mechanic told me this is a classic symptom of the catalytic converter disintegrating, i.e the ceramic honeycomb starts to break down and becomes loose inside the casing, pieces may come loose and that causes the rattling sound. If left unfixed, it will affect engine performance and may damage the engine.

Anyone with experience in changing their catalytic converter? Should I go for original parts or OEM parts will be good enough?
Any workshop to recommend, and ball park price?

Thanks....

 

[Herbert]

Similar happened to my e39. I replaced the 2 catalytic converters and got it from chop shop for RM 1k for both.

 

[Alphaville]

Similar happened to my e39. I replaced the 2 catalytic converters and got it from chop shop for RM 1k for both.

Herbert, where is this chop shop?
Thanks.

 

[Herbert]

Got mine from a chop shop at Jalan Sg Besi. You can go to any chop shops but make sure the used cat converter fits your car model. To make life easier for you. I would further suggest you leave the buying to your workshop mechanic.