The location and vulnerability of theft of your BMW catalytic converter will depend on how old your vehicle is. Newer BMWs have integrated their catalytic converters into the exhaust manifold, making them much harder to steal than older BMW models.

Catalytic converter theft has always been a common problem, but reported cases hit an all-time high in 2021, and show no signs of slowing down. If you own a car, you need to know where your catalytic converter is located, and what you can do to protect it.

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Where is the catalytic converter on a BMW?

Generally speaking, most BMWs on the road today have little to worry about when it comes to catalytic converter theft. As time went on and theft went up, BMW designed their catalytic converters to be integrated directly with the exhaust manifold. This new position, wedged up against the engine makes removing the part extremely difficult—especially in a time crunch.

While BMW catalytic converters have always been located underneath the vehicle, this part is much more visible and vulnerable on older models, making them an easy target for thieves.

What are the benefits of a catalytic converter on a BMW?

What’s all the buzz about catalytic converters, anyway? They play a vital role in your BMW’s exhaust system, filtering out contaminants by converting toxic gasses into less harmful emissions. Without this emissions control device, your BMW would not only fail emissions testing, your engine performance would decline as well.

While this converter helps keep the air clean, their environmental benefits are not the reason thieves go after them. They are made of a combination of the valuable metals, platinum, palladium and rhodium, which can be sold for thousands of dollars per ounce.

How to protect the catalytic converter on your BMW

Just because BMW catalytic converters have a reputation of being “theft-proof” doesn’t mean it’s physically impossible to steal one. Sure, the thief would need much more time and an electric hacksaw to pry it free, but that’s not to say you can’t further protect your precious part.

Owners of older BMWs should especially take the following precautions to protect their catalytic converters:

Install an

anti-theft device

. The

CatStrap™

and the

CatClamp®

are some of the most popular anti-theft tools, but an alarm, shield, or cage can also be a good way to deter thieves.

Park in a locked garage or a well-lit spot. A secure garage would be the ideal place to park your BMW, but if driveway or on the street are your only options, motion-sensor lights or parking near a street lamp would make your car a less attractive target.

Mark your catalytic converter with your VIN number. This may not stop its theft, but it can make the catalytic converter easier to track down and a harder sell to aftermarket auto parts dealers.

Want another way to keep yourself financially protected from catalytic converter theft? Add

comprehensive coverage

to your

insurance

policy. This protection will cover the steep cost of a replacement catalytic converter in the event yours is stolen.

What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen

If someone does, in fact, get away with your catalytic converter, try not to panic. Instead, take the following action:

Document the theft with photos of your missing converter and the rest of your exhaust

Submit a police report

File an insurance claim if you have comprehensive insurance

Think about aftermarket catalytic converters to cut costs and lower the chance of theft.

Consider installing anti-theft devices to deter thieves

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When to replace the catalytic converter on your BMW

In most cases, you can expect your catalytic converter to last about 10 years—but just like any other car part, those prone to wear and tear can wear out more quickly. Keep an eye out for these telltale signs that your BMW is ready for a new catalytic converter:

Noticeable decrease in your car’s performance

Dark or harsh-smelling smoke coming from your exhaust

Underside of your vehicle is overheating

Failed emissions test

Check engine light is on

If you notice any of these signs, you can use an onboard diagnostics (OBD) scanner to get to the bottom of the problem. Of course, you can also

bring your car to your trusted mechanic

if you want a professional to take a look.

If you only need to replace a part of the catalytic converter, like the heat shield, you will find your repair bill to be significantly less. If you need a completely new one, though, the average cost to replace a BMW catalytic converter will run you between $2,500 and $3,000 for parts and labor.

New BMWs come with a Federal Emissions Warranty for 80,000 miles or eight years—whichever comes first. If your catalytic converter is ruled defective within that window, BMW could cover the cost of a replacement. The cost for a new one needed from regular wear and tear, or any malfunctions that occur outside of that window will have to come out of pocket.

How to replace a catalytic converter

Replacing a catalytic converter is not exactly the first car DIY project you should be attempting if you’re new to the mechanical game. Substantial knowledge of cars and tools is required, so if you have any reservations, it may be worth it to spring for the cost of a professional replacement.

If you’re confident in your abilities, don’t forget to look up the part number for your specific BMW model so you can try to find an OEM replacement. Although aftermarket parts can reduce the risk of theft, catalytic converters are an essential part of your car, and might be an area where you don’t want to compromise quality.

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