Due to their placement, concealed against the engine and out of sight, BMW catalytic converters are more difficult to steal than those in the majority of other vehicles.
They can, however, still be stolen, and catalytic converter theft is an issue that is becoming more and more prevalent in many nations across the world.
To lessen the chance of theft, experts advise parking your BMW such that it faces a wall or another sturdy building. Doing so makes it even more difficult for criminals to gain entrance.
Although getting to the cat is challenging, there have been instances where clumsy thieves have reportedly stolen the resonator instead, doing a lot of damage in the process.
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In front of a wall, park
Your car’s front, where the exhaust enters the engine, has a lot of catalytic converters. It is far more difficult for thieves to get the part if you park with the bonnet up against a wall. Additionally, whenever possible, try to park between vehicles. You may make theft as difficult as possible by minimizing space on both the front and side of your car.
Why are catalytic converters stolen by people?
Because catalytic converters are simple to steal and its components can be sold for high prices, they are frequently stolen.
To accelerate the chemical reactions in catalytic converters, priceless metals like platinum, rhodium, and palladium are used.
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Catalytic converters are targets for thieves who profit by selling the parts to scrapyards or metal recycling facilities because they contain valuable elements. A regular catalytic converter can be stolen for anywhere between $25 and $300, and hybrid car ones can fetch up to $1,400.
Additionally, it’s not too difficult to reach these components from underneath the car. In general, catalytic converters dangle lower from the vehicle than other parts, making them simple targets for thieves to slide beneath the vehicle and cut them off. A
Catalytic converter-equipped BMWs
Your car makes you happy. The used 3-series you purchased for $18,000 is a nice one. You particularly enjoy the quietness of the automobile. Then, one morning, your BMW starts acting in a most odd way. When you turn on the car, the engine sputters horribly. Your wife arrives and informs you the sound is one she’s heard before—a missing BMW catalytic converter. Your car has been repaired overnight (or more likely, for only a few minutes) and a valuable component has been removed. You already know what that entails: deductibles on your theft insurance of several hundred dollars and around three days without your lovely BMW.
A component of your car’s exhaust system is a catalytic converter. Processing the exhaust when it leaves the engine is part of its responsibility for making sure that whatever enters the atmosphere is as secure as feasible. Since around 35 years ago, this technology has been a requirement for all cars sold in America. Why do thieves specifically target this area? They take the catalytic converters from whatever vehicle they can get their hands on, not just Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, or BMW models. even those that are obviously defective. Simply ask around; everyone is aware of a few folks who have had their converters stolen. Because these are made of precious metals, thieves commit these crimes. Platinum, palladium, and other rare metals are used in catalytic converters. For these metals in the converter, a thief can obtain $100 on the scrap market. It’s unfortunate that replacing a BMW catalytic converter actually costs more than $1,000.
Catalytic converter theft has become such a major issue that several states have passed legislation requiring recyclers to keep track of each and every converter that is brought in to be sold as scrap. Additionally, they are not only requesting a hastily written fake address and phone number. The government requests a picture, a video, and other information from each sale. Additionally, the government prohibits cash payments to sellers of old catalytic converters. A cheque that is mailed to the seller must be used. How far the government is going with these regulations may seem a little harsh, but what happens when gangs of thieves break into vehicle dealerships, take every catalytic converter, and flee in one night? It takes place all around the nation.
Some people think of having their catalytic converter welded onto the vehicle. But what if the catalytic converter were to malfunction one day? The welder would require hundreds of dollars from you.
Which automobiles are most susceptible to having their catalytic converters stolen?
- Ford F-Series pickup trucks from 1985 to 2021 (F-150, F-250, etc.)
- Honda Accord: 1989–2020.
- Jeep Patriot, 2007–2017.
- Ford Econoline vans from 1990 to 222.
- Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks from 1999 to 2021.
- Chevy Equinox, model years 2005–21.
- Honda CR-V, which is available from 1997 until 2020.
- Toyota Camry, 1987–2019
Which vehicle has the lowest risk of having its catalytic converter stolen?
Due to the lower value of their catalytic converters, American brands like Ford, Chevy, Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler are less likely to be stolen. This group includes several Nissan, Hyundai, Mazda, and Subaru cars.
Many brands employed cat-inspired designs that constrained the amount of precious metals present. The majority of thieves conduct adequate research to know to avoid using these brands.
Are there catalytic converters in BMWs?
BMW’s catalytic converters are integrated with the exhaust manifold at the front of the automobile, on the underside where the exhaust system joins the engine.
A second pair of catalytic converters, positioned farther down the exhaust system, is also present in some BMW models.
It can be more difficult to locate a catalytic converter in a BMW than in other vehicles because of its placement, which keeps it mostly out of sight even when the car is jacked up.
In fact, given how similar they can appear from the outside, some people actually mistake the resonator for a cat.
What do thieves demand in exchange for a catalytic converter?
According to the police, thieves might make between $100 and $150 each converter. Just 3,969 cases of stolen catalytic converters were recorded by the insurance company in 2019, more than 17,000 in 2020, and more than 52,000 last year.
What is the scrap value of a BMW catalytic converter?
A catalytic converter’s average scrap value ranges from $300 to $1,500. Because it is made of precious metals, this component is one of the most expensive ones in a car.
Therefore, the majority of car owners have learned the lesson to first sell off valuable parts before eventually selling their ruined vehicles to a junk removal business.
Naturally, the goal of this tactic is to make a little additional money before selling the retired car to a salvage yard or a business that sells auto parts. However, certain car catalytic converters are more valuable as scrap than others.
A BMW catalytic converter costs how much?
Recently, my BMW has started acting sluggishly. Additionally, the exhaust is black and vile-smelling. I believe my catalytic converter is defective. How much would it cost to buy one of those replacements?
In less than two minutes, find out if your auto insurance is being overcharged.
Oh no! I’m sorry to hear that your BMW is experiencing performance and exhaust troubles. It does definitely sound like the catalytic converter might be the issue based on what you’ve said. In most cases, replacing the converter will cost between $2,500 and $3,000.
The catalytic converter replacement should only be considered as a last resort due to its high cost. Bring the vehicle to a mechanic first so they can determine whether the converter is the problem. They’ll all be able to let you know if there’s any chance your catalytic converter may be repaired.
Your auto insurance may be able to help with the cost of repairs depending on what caused the catalytic converter to fail.
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How can I prevent the theft of my catalytic converter?
Use a locked garage, regularly shift your car’s place, or park in well-lit areas close to exits for the general public. Install a theft prevention device. Install cameras and motion-activated lights in your parking area. To prevent potential buyers, paint your catalytic converter; some local police agencies even provide complimentary painting services.
A BMW has how many catalytic converters?
BMW has developed a famous reputation for luxury and performance. A large part of this is attributable to the company’s capacity to manufacture high-quality cars that are loaded with amenities and have excellent driving characteristics.
But BMW is also renowned for employing cutting-edge technology, and this includes the usage of catalytic converters by the manufacturer. What number of catalytic converters does a BMW have then?
Depending on the BMW model, there may be a different number of catalytic converters. Two to four catalytic converters are standard on most models. On the other hand, some high-performance vehicles could contain up to eight catalytic converters.
To meet the strict emissions regulations that are in force in many nations, BMW uses numerous catalytic converters. BMW is also able to adjust the engine for improved performance because to the usage of numerous catalytic converters.
Where can I find a BMW catalytic converter?
BMW vehicles have catalytic converters mounted underneath the vehicle where the exhaust system connects to the engine. Secondary catalytic converters are included in the middle and end of the exhaust system on more recent BMW models.
In addition to assisting them in producing the optimum results, their location also makes it more difficult for them to be discovered. This means that it is difficult to steal a BMW catalytic converter.
A catalytic converter is present in a BMW 3 Series?
BMW 3 Series Catalytic Converter Your 3 Series emits less pollution and exhaust gases thanks to the exhaust catalyst or catalytic converter. It has a lifespan of about 80,000 miles.
How long is the lifespan of a BMW catalytic converter?
Federal law requires manufacturers to replace a faulty converter for up to 15 years or 150,000 miles together with other pollution control systems.
If your catalytic converter is painted, does that deter theft?
Indio, Indiana A new initiative by the Indianapolis police is designed to dissuade catalytic converter thefts.
IMPD is hoping some spray paint and a unique PIN will help local drivers save a lot of hassle and a lot of money due to the rise in converter thefts.
IMPD Captain Steven Ferklic stated, “There is no use in stealing if you can’t sell it.
In an effort to stop further catalytic converter thefts, a huge queue of vehicles backed up behind the Take 5 Oil Change on South East Street in Indianapolis on Wednesday.
Lashelle Turner stated, “I simply don’t want to be one of those, when they take the converter and I go out to my car and lose.
The “Paint and Protect” initiative of the IMPD is developing a fresh strategy to reduce catalytic converter thefts. They brand the catalytic converter with bright, high-temperature spray paint in the hopes that the visual distraction will prevent burglars. As an additional deterrent, the item is also imprinted with the license plate number of the car.
As part of IMPD’s “Paint and Protect” program, a technician paints a catalytic converter.
Thefts of catalytic converters have increased over the previous few years. There were almost 3,300 converter thefts recorded nationwide in 2019. In 2020, that number soared to 14,000 thefts.
Her catalytic converter was taken from Danielle Flatau. She asserted that taking action now will help prevent it from happening in the future.
When they take away people’s transportation, she claimed, “These individuals are stealing people’s livelihood.”
The IMPD is hoping that this will deter criminals or make it more difficult for them to sell the converters.
The “Paint and Protect” event was held on Wednesday at Take 5 Oil Change on South East Street.
“Hopefully, it will instill a little bit of dread in some people who harbor criminal intentions and mindsets. Perhaps it will draw their focus to something constructive “Turner added.
Another “Paint and Protect” event, according to IMPD, is planned for the near future. Each vehicle’s process just took a few minutes, and it was free.