At BR Metals, we are a catalytic converter recycling company that specialize in the sustainable recovery of precious metals from catalytic converters, and our team is committed to helping recyclers and suppliers in Malaysia unlock maximum value from their materials. Catalytic converters contain valuable platinum group metals (PGMs) like platinum, palladium, and rhodium — and knowing which converters to prioritize can significantly boost your returns.
Which Car Models Have the Most Valuable Catalytic Converters in Malaysia?
Not all catalytic converters are made equal. Some car models have catalytic converters are more valuable than others due to their high PGM content. Based on our market insights and recovery data, here are the top picks:
- Subaru – Converters marked “W5” from models like the Impreza and Forester are highly valued.
- Honda – “A33” coded converters (found in Civics and Accords) are rich in PGMs.
- BMW – The BMW 7 Series (E38) catalytic converter (OEM part #1741630 by Boysen) is considered high grade and valuable.
- Mercedes-Benz – AMG models (e.g., A45 AMG) often use converters labelled “KTA055,” which have excellent PGM content.
- Volvo Trucks/Buses – Large converters like part 21431393 / 7933 14W15 are loaded with PGMs.
- Toyota Hybrids & MPVs – The Toyota Prius is renowned for its PGM-rich converter. Likewise, MPVs like the Estima, Alphard, Vellfire and Land Cruiser have sizeable, high-value units
What Converter Brands or OEM References Indicate High Value?
BR Metals carries out thorough XRF and ICP analysis of each converter in our ISO 17025 certified lab and then checks against verified analysis based on OEM part numbers.
Some of the most lucrative converter codes we see include:
- Subaru “W5” – Found in Impreza and Forester models.
- Honda “A33” – Seen in Civic FD/FB and mid-2000s Accords. These can fetch up to USD $250 in scrap markets.
- BMW #1741630 (Boysen) – Found in 1990s BMW E38 730i/740i. Considered high grade, often reselling above USD $170.
- Mercedes “KTA055” (Boysen) – Used in AMG models with DPF systems (e.g., A45/CLA45 AMG).
- Volvo 21431393 (OEM) – Found in heavy Volvo vehicles; among the highest PGM loads.
- Toyota/Denso OEM – Common in Prius, Alphard, and Vellfire models; well-known for rich PGM content.
How Valuable Are These Converters for Recycling?
At BR Metals, we use advanced sampling system and proven analysis methodology to determine the precise content of PGMs in each catalytic converter. Here’s a simplified value breakdown:
- Very High Value – Top-tier converters yield several grams of Pt, Pd, and Rh combined. These units often fetch USD $200+ or RM800–RM2,500 in Malaysia.
- High Value – Found in Toyota MPVs/SUVs, luxury SUVs like Audi Q7 and BMW X5, and large sedans. These can be worth a few hundred USD.
- Moderate Value – Found in smaller passenger cars or local brands like Proton and Perodua. These typically sell for RM100–RM300.
What Local Trends Affect Catalytic Converter Values in Malaysia?
BR Metals has tracked several local market dynamics that influence converter value:
- Imported Used Cars – Malaysia imports many used Japanese and UK vehicles. Older models often feature higher PGM content.
- Vehicle Age – Older vehicles (10–20+ years old) tend to have richer converters than newer models.
- Theft Trends – Brands like Toyota are most targeted. Prius, Hilux, and MPVs have highly sought-after converters.
- Local vs. Foreign Brands – Proton and Perodua converters contain less PGM. Foreign makes like Toyota, Honda, BMW, and Mercedes meet higher standards and offer better catalytic converter recycling value.
Summary: Which Converters Should Recyclers Prioritize
Car Make & Model | Converter Code/Brand | Recycling Value |
Subaru (Impreza, Forester) | “W5” OEM | Very High |
Honda (Civic, Accord) | “A33” OEM | Very High |
BMW 7 Series (E38) | Boysen #1741630 | Very High |
Mercedes-AMG (A45/CLA45) | Boysen “KTA055” | Very High |
Volvo Trucks/Buses | Volvo 21431393 OEM | Very High |
Toyota Prius (Hybrid) | Denso OEM | Very High |
Toyota MPVs/SUVs (Estima etc.) | Toyota OEM (Large cats) | High |
Luxury SUVs (Audi Q7, BMW X5) | OEM (Audi, BMW) | High |
Proton/Perodua | Local OEM | Moderate |
If you’re a recycler, dealer, or scrap supplier looking to work with a trusted recovery partner, BR Metals offers competitive returns, fast payouts, and industry-leading transparency. Download our FREE catalytic converter price app from Google Play or Apple App Store for the latest prices of over 20,000 types of catalytic converters at your fingertips – so that you can check prices on the go!
Ready to turn your converters into cash? Contact BR Metals today to learn more about our recycling services across Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
About BR Metals
BR Metals is Asia’s leading specialist in the recycling of spent catalytic converters and precious metal-bearing waste. With advanced facilities and unmatched analytical capabilities, we recover the maximum value from your material — responsibly and sustainably.