The catalytic converter is an important part of your BMW’s exhaust system. The converter takes harmful emissions and converts them into safe ones. This keeps your Beemer’s emissions within the strict California regulations. MMS Automotive advises that high emission levels resulting in a failed smog check can be one sign that your BMW’s catalytic converter is going bad. Let’s talk about the other signs below.
Burning Sulfur Odors
A faulty catalytic converter will release burning sulfur odors into your BMW’s exhaust. Burning sulfur smells like rotten eggs. If you notice this odor in the exhaust, coming from underneath the Beemer, or in the engine bay, bring your vehicle to our shop for a catalytic converter inspection.
Dark Engine Exhaust
The malfunctioning converter may also create black exhaust smoke that your BMW will release out of the tailpipe. This can be a sign that the exhaust has not been converted to safer emissions or that the catalytic converter has indirectly affected the balance of fuel and air in the combustion chamber.
Engine Performance Lag
One common problem with older catalytic converters is that they get clogged and cause a back-up of engine exhaust into the combustion chamber. When this happens, there is no room to fire the air and fuel. Consequently, your BMW’s engine performance will suffer greatly as a result.
Heat Under the Car
If can feel a ton of heat wafting from underneath your Beemer, it’s probable that the catalytic converter is overheating. The converter can get too hot and this will heat up the BMW’s undercarriage. The heat can also rise into the engine and cause the engine to overheat.
Reduced Fuel Economy
Unfortunately, all of these things will affect your BMW’s fuel economy. The reduction in fuel economy may be subtle at first; something you wouldn’t necessarily notice. As the converter continues to die, however, you will have more engine performance problems and fuel economy issues.
Check Engine Warning
Finally, all of the problems listed above can turn on the Beemer’s check engine light. There are a ton of sensors throughout your BMW’s engine that report problems to the main computer chip. Once the computer chip receives an error code, it will illuminate the check engine light.
MMS Automotive is the best BMW service shop in South Bay, CA, and we can inspect your BMW or MINI’s catalytic converter to see if it needs to be replaced. If it does, we can replace it. Call us today to schedule an appointment for your Beemer or MINI Cooper.
