Cleaning, regeneration and replacement of catalytic converters in BMW

Catalytic converter and its function in the modern car

A car catalytic converter is a colloquial term for a catalytic converter, which is a component of the exhaust system. In spark-ignition engines, they reduce nitrogen oxides and oxidize carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon. The reaction results in carbon dioxide and water.

Their presence in the exhaust system is enforced by regulations specifying emission standards. Externally, the catalytic converter resembles the muffler in the exhaust system, and is also a component of the system. It’s a tin can with many honeycomb channels coated with the appropriate elements, most often platinum, but also rhodium and palladium.

We distinguish between two types of catalytic converters:

1. Ceramic catalysts – with a ceramic block.
2. Metal catalysts – with a metal block.

The smooth functioning of a catalytic converter depends on many factors including its operating temperature, exhaust gas composition (fuel quality, injection and ignition system efficiency), vehicle mileage and possible mechanical damage.

The service life of modern catalytic converters is usually calculated at a mileage of about 200,000 kilometers. Once this mileage is reached, the efficiency of the catalytic converter itself and the efficiency of the lambda probes, which analyze the composition of the exhaust gas and send a feedback signal to the engine controller, decreases.

What is the cleaning and regeneration of the catalytic converter in BMW cars?

If the catalytic converter is “clogged”, i.e. its capacity has decreased, it is possible to clean it. Both chemical and water cleaning methods are available. After performing diagnostics to determine the degree of clogging of the catalytic converter, a decision can be made on the method of cleaning it.

What is the replacement of the catalytic converter in a BMW?

Mechanical damage to the catalytic converter, destruction of its insert, chipping in the case of ceramic catalytic converters disqualifies its further operation. The only thing left then is to replace it with a new one. Original BMW catalytic converters and a large range of replacements are available.

When selecting a replacement, it is important to choose the right one not only in terms of its dimensions and the diameter of the connecting pipes, but especially its performance and operating parameters.

In what time will the catalyst cleaning/regeneration/replacement repair be done?

Catalyst cleaning usually takes around one business day.

The time it takes to replace the catalytic converter depends on the engine type and model. On newer models, the catalytic converter is connected to the exhaust manifold and can take several hours to build and build.

What components make up the cost of catalytic converter cleaning/repair/replacement?

The cost of cleaning the catalytic converter includes:

• building and building up the catalytic converter,
• cleaning of the catalytic converter,
• engine controller adaptation.

The cost of replacing the catalytic converter includes:

• the cost of parts – depending on the type and size of the engine and the manufacturer,
• the cost of building and building a new catalytic converter,
• the cost of engine adaptation.