e60 530d - Pitfalls of a Cast Iron Manifold

[Boring_Chris]

As above, really. My exhaust manifold is cracked. What's the risk of using a cast iron one (circa £80) over an OEM (circa £400)

It's shaping up to be an expensive repair, so money is the main concern (not worried about any performance loss - so long as it's not like half power!)

Cheers,
Chris

[helix402]

A lot of people seem to put a good used E39 manifold on without reporting problems. I've not done it myself.

[Blu3R]

Mine cracked on my E61 525d and I had one of the cast Ebay specials fitted. Still going strong 2 years and 45k miles later.

[Boring_Chris]

That's good to hear. Slowly being swayed towards the cast iron eBay special.

[chevy-stu]

I bought an Ebay cast one for a 530d after original cracked.. no issues so far...

[Boring_Chris]

Good to hear.

I've bought one but struggling to find anyone to fit it. First quote was £170 or so quid for labour, but he's vanished off the face of the earth (mustn't be interested in the business!) Another was £250, and another again £400!

I'd rather pay 170 than 400...

[Blu3R]

Boring_Chris said:

Good to hear.

I've bought one but struggling to find anyone to fit it. First quote was £170 or so quid for labour, but he's vanished off the face of the earth (mustn't be interested in the business!) Another was £250, and another again £400!

I'd rather pay 170 than 400...

Where are you? Your profile doesn't help much.

[Boring_Chris]

Blu3R said:

Boring_Chris said:

Good to hear.

I've bought one but struggling to find anyone to fit it. First quote was £170 or so quid for labour, but he's vanished off the face of the earth (mustn't be interested in the business!) Another was £250, and another again £400!

I'd rather pay 170 than 400...

Where are you? Your profile doesn't help much.

Newcastle.

Had it fitted - certainly improved things but all's not well yet. I can still smell fumes and the car is sometimes lagging... almost like the turbo only wants to spool up at 4k rpm. The engine note even changes to a slightly higher pitch - does this sound like limp mode?