SOLVED Magaflow price gouging from ECS Tuning??? APPARENTLY NOT

[BMDoubleDrew]

I need a headers back exhaust system for a '98 Z3 1.9. As I've been shopping around I've landed on the Magnaflow catalytic converter direct fit replacement as the first part of that project. Magnaflow is out of inventory so I'm shopping among parts houses. So Bimmerworld has the system for $640, but I've found what appears to be the same system from ECS Tuning for $1,667.39. What I can't tell is if these are the exact system (as they appear to be based on fitment and the fact Magnaflow only lists one system like this) or if the model from ECS may be plated in gold, diamonds and francium. Is this just a clear cut case of price gouging or could there be some difference in the systems???

 

[Duncodin]

One appears to be california approved and the other isn't.

I'm a brit with no stateside experience so I don't know how much difference that makes. But they do appear to be different

 

[BMDoubleDrew]

One appears to be california approved and the other isn't.

I'm a brit with no stateside experience so I don't know how much difference that makes. But they do appear to be different

AHHHHHH! Excellent observation - and one I completely missed. Thanks very much for pointing that out. Wow - that is rather tragic for Californians having to pay 2.6 times more for a "comparable" part. Thanks for the help!