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Question

I own a 1997 BMW 540I and have a left side cat going bad. Tenn has no required emissions test. If I disable or remove the cat, will the oxygen sensors work properly. I am losing power above 3000 rpm now? The dealer wants 1,400 to replace the cat.
Got to be a cheaper way to go! Jon Link LinkJ1@aol.com

Submitted: 1264 days and 14 hours ago.

Category: Car

Value: $15

Status: CLOSED

Optional Information:
1997 BMW 540I 8 cyl

Already Tried:
talked to dealer about repair

Posted by Danny 1264 days and 14 hours ago.

Answer

Most after-market repair shops can replace the converter for a fraction of the cost. Nashville and some surrounding counties do have emission testing. If you gut the converter the check engine light will stay on all the time due the the converter not breaking down the emission gases, this will be detected. Also you should note there is a federal law that prohibits the removal of converters which carries a 30k fine if caught while doing the removal.

1264 days and 11 hours ago.

Reply

Reply to Danny's Post: Danny, the question remains, besides the check engine light staying on, will the engine performance be affected by removing the cat (or at least removing the loose materials that block the exhaust to the O2 sensors. If you can answer that issue, I will be more than happy to release the deposit.

Thanks, XXX XXXX

Accepted Answer

The performance will not be affected to any great extent,fuel economy may drop a little. Some times vehicles with hollowed converters will Idle slightly less smooth. Other than that you should not have any trouble.

Accepts:
Expert:	Danny
Pos. Feedback:	99.2 %
Answered:	6/7/2006

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Senior Master Subaru, G.M.Cert.,Honda cert., Dodge Cert., Ford Cert., 2 ASE Master cert.15 yrs exp.

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