catalytic converter

E

Evie 10

Member
Hi I am new to this forum. My beloved Z4 needs both catalysts replacing but apparently has to be BMW replacements only and there are absolutely no larger catalysts available? i have been quoted for the smaller one £1043.18 and the larger one approx £1800 both plus vat! Ouch
Should i still be driving the car - will it be causing any damage
Can anyone offer any advice etc.
Love my car but how much do you spend on it?
 
In my experience if the catalyst fail there is usually a bigger problem that needs to be addressed first. Assuming the engine is running properly they should last >100k miles. Often when they do fail prematurely it’s because the engine is running rich (too much fuel) or they have been poisoned by something like and oil leak.

Before replacing them I would make sure to root cause whatever made them fail in the first place, otherwise you will end up having to replace them again in a year.

Perhaps things are more strict in the UK (I am US based) but I have had a few exhaust shops weld in aftermarket catalysts to headers for me at much lower costs (but never on my Z4 to be fair). I do know that typically the aftermarket catalysts tend to have lower emissions standards, so I can see why you may not be allowed to.
 
There’s a 2 l being broken on the z4 Facebook page if you able to negotiate a deal there
 
There’s a 2 l being broken on the z4 Facebook page if you able to negotiate a deal there
 
Who told you that the cats have gone? Did you have it checked because the emissions light keeps coming on?

Also, have you had it emissions tested? Have you had code reader on it, if so what are the codes? If it is a P040 code or similar then it wont be the cats unless you are really unlucky.

It is relatively unheard of that the cats fail on the N46. These engines are notorious for emission codes. Also, welcome to the forum.

Cheers, tug :thumbsup:
 
Hi and welcome Evie. :thumbsup: Shame about the circumstances though.

You don't say who told you that your car needs new cats, but I suspect it may have been a local garage. I assume you have an Amber EML showing on the dash, but even if you do it is OK to drive it for now.

My previous Z4 showed an Amber EML for post-cat 02 sensors but with help from a local BMW Indy we got the light out without needing new cats!

So I wouldn't even consider buying new cats without a proper diagnosis based on the fault codes stored on the Diagnostics by a BMW specialist. I'm lucky to have one less than 10 miles away in Hook, Hampshire. Ross who runs RBM Hampshire worked at Sytner for 15 years and many on here have taken their cars to him and he does have a couple of loan cars.

But if you'd prefer somewhere nearer here's a link to some recommended BMW specialists from another forum:- https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=72&t=796191

I hope you find a less costly solution!
 
Thanks for all the advice. My beloved black Z4 currently in one of the recommend BMW specialists having diagnostics done. Heard already failed the emissions but waiting to hear from top guy there.

Went to MVT on Holton Heath who seem trustworthy and very professional so fingers crossed.
 
Evie 10 said:
Thanks for all the advice. My beloved black Z4 currently in one of the recommend BMW specialists having diagnostics done. Heard already failed the emissions but waiting to hear from top guy there.
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Could still be several reasons why it's failed the emissions.
Fingers crossed it's one of the cheaper ones.
 
Just had a message but awaiting confirmation that it might not be the cats at all but possibly the “lander”?
Means nothing to me but I gather a preferred option? I know they will explain it to me but any ideas from anyone in the meantime? Thanks
 
Evie 10 said:
Just had a message but awaiting confirmation that it might not be the cats at all but possibly the “lander”?
Means nothing to me but I gather a preferred option? I know they will explain it to me but any ideas from anyone in the meantime? Thanks
Click to expand...
Step 1 - clean your ears :D
Step 2 - google Lambda sensor
Step 3 - breathe a sigh of relief as they're far cheaper than a catalytic convertor. :thumbsup:

Edit: Step 4 - keep Tug on speed dial as he is possibly the most experienced 4-pot owner on here :wink:
 
Well i am pleased to say my beloved Z4 is back! Neither of the cats needed replacing. To think i was ready to take it to We Buy Any Car
Cant rate MVT on Holton Heath enough. Took car in and worked on in. They replaced lambda probe and all sorted.
These garages who mis diagnose make me so mad. They were meant to be a reputable garage but clearly cowboys.
Anyway things have worked out so very happy
Thanks for all the advice
 
Glad it was relatively painless for you Evie. If the reason for this episode was the recurring emissions light coming on (it will again!!) dont be concerned. Just get yourself a cheap code reader & turn the light out yourself, takes a minute.

To go a long way to prevent this pesky light, search this forum for emission problem in 2.0i.

This might give you an insight into understanding the problem.
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1923853#p1923853

Cheers, tug :thumbsup:

P.S. thanks Enuff for the heads up. :thumbsup:
 
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