Most Common Causes and Signs of Catalytic Converter Failure in BMW X1

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, commonly known as BMW was founded in 1916 as an aircraft engine manufacturer. However, it switched to the motorcycle and luxury vehicle manufacturing industry during world war two. Since then it has emerged as a key player in the automobile manufacturing industry. BMW X1 is one of the most popular luxury subcompact SUVs. The large cargo area, easy-to-use infotainment system, and muscular engine have made BMW X1 one of the market leaders. It is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (228-horsepower). Moreover, an eight-speed automatic transmission makes the driving experience fun.

The primary purpose of an exhaust system is to get rid of the byproducts of the internal combustion process. Moreover, it also minimizes the level of environmental pollution with the help of some special components like the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter is an emission control device that reduces the emission of noxious gases. It was first invented by Eugene Houdry in 1950. It helps to convert poisonous gases like CO, unburned hydrocarbons, Oxides of Nitrogen, and Oxides of Sulfur to less reactive CO2, N2, and H2O. Failure of such a crucial emission control device might have a catastrophic outcome and your BMW X1 might fail an emission inspection. So, the causes of catalytic converter failure in your BMW X1 should be identified and repaired as soon as possible.

Causes of catalytic converter failure

The catalytic converter is a vital component and failure of such a crucial exhaust component might bring your BMW to a halt in the middle of nowhere. Leakage of motor oil and coolant due to cracks and leaks in the system are solely responsible for the catalytic converter failure in your BMW. Moreover, the seepage of unburned hydrocarbon into the honeycomb structures of the catalytic converter could also damage it. The generation of excess heat energy due to internal combustion could melt the honeycomb structure. A clogged or damaged catalytic converter not only affects the performance of your vehicle but also could cause irreparable damages to the engine. So, early warning symptoms of catalytic converter failure in your BMW should not be neglected.

Symptoms of a bad catalytic converter

Engine power output declines:

Excessive exhaust backpressure due to a clogged catalytic converter is solely responsible for poor engine performance. A clogged catalytic converter could restrict the flow of exhaust gases as a result of which backpressure would incline and the engine fails to run freely. So, sluggish engine performance in your BMW X1 might be a sign of catalytic converter failure. So, check it and fix the faults in it as soon as possible to keep the engine in its top order.

Check engine light is on:

If the ECU detects any kinds of errors in the data provided by the oxygen sensor due to a failing catalytic converter, then it will turn on the check engine light. Illumination of the check engine light should not be neglected. Check the oxygen sensor and catalytic converter of your BMW X1 in order to detect and repair the defects in the system. Moreover, efforts should be made to keep the catalytic converter clean to ensure a smooth flow of exhaust gas.

Emission increases:

Your BMW X1 might fail an emission test due to a clogged or damaged catalytic converter. So, if your vehicle is emitting an excess amount of exhaust gas than usual, then it shows that your catalytic converter might have some faults which need immediate attention. So, check the catalytic converter of your vehicle regularly and if you detect any kinds of defects, then replace it immediately.

Rotten egg smell:

The engine of your BMW X1 emits hydrogen sulfide as a byproduct of the internal combustion. The catalytic converter of your vehicle converts the smelly hydrogen sulfide to sulfur dioxide which is odorless. However, a failing catalytic converter fails to do so as a result of which the exhaust gas might smell like rotten eggs. So, the appearance of such kinds of unusual smell should not be ignored. Take your vehicle to an experienced technician to detect and fix the defects in the system.

Bottom line

The catalytic converter is a vital component of your exhaust system which minimizes the level of noxious exhaust emission. However, the failure of such an essential component not only affects the power output of your BMW X1 but also triggers several emission-related issues. Moreover, your vehicle might fail an emission test due to a faulty catalytic converter. So, signs of a failing or clogged catalytic converter in your car should not be neglected. Replace it immediately to keep the exhaust system in working order.

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