Anyone know the Symptoms of a failed catalytic convertor?

[kepper2020]

After replacing all the intake hosing thinking I had a vaccum leak. I was just told by a mechanic that it is most likely the cat.

If the cat is bad would the cat hesitate majorly, sound like a harley, and not be able to get over 50mph?

Also I reading that some Bimmers have 2 cats. I have a 98 323IS and from the best I can tell I only have the one.

Time to buy a new car????

[Teh Prof]

When a cat fails, the substrate inside breaks up and turns, and blocks exhaust gas flow. That seriously compromises engine performance. And yes, I think you only have one cat. It would sound funny--I don't know if it would sound like a harley, but it would also hesitate a lot and power would be reduced.

[nukeduster]

time to sell the car when a magnaflow cat is $100 at most and install is $30?

weird economics.

[kepper2020]

Thanks Teh Prof for the reply. I was hoping it wasn't the cat becasue for some strange reason I thought that a cat was priced at a 1K or so and figured I had two of them.

Thanks guys for both info. I was worried I would have to spend big bucks again... but you put my mind at ease with the Magnaflow. I still might buy that Z4 I have my eyes on though.

[la_pctech]

Have the catalytic converter fix your issues with no goinf more than 50 miles
I have the same problem and dealer already changed trottle body or trottle housing
when I suppose to just replace the catalytic converter
please advice if that's the cure for this issues

Thanks

[AlpineSixAndSeven]

Originally Posted by la_pctech

Have the catalytic converter fix your issues with no goinf more than 50 miles
I have the same problem and dealer already changed trottle body or trottle housing
when I suppose to just replace the catalytic converter
please advice if that's the cure for this issues

Thanks

(start another thread with almuch detail on your car and all the issues you are having)
Any check engine light dude??Mils and model ect.

[94BMW325i]

If you have a 323, get the midpipe from a 328, or obd 2 m3, as well as a dual pipe exhaust. From the many threads I have seen on that swap it will provide noticable gains.

[johnnyBgood]

Teh Prof is correct.....you don't have a dual cat, & you would get all the symptoms described. Also you might get a burning smell from that cat area of the exhaust, & sometimes the cat will get so hot it will glow orange in color.....because of the blockage......
johnny,

RealOEM.COM * BMW E36 323i CATALYTIC CONVERTER/FRONT SILENCER