Need Exhaust & CAT Advice – Z3 1.9 98S

[jasecasecarr]

Hi all, my 1998 Z3 1.9 (98S) just failed its MOT on emissions. The tester reckons it needs a new catalytic converter, possibly full exhaust.

To be honest, I think the current system might be a custom job, she’s a bit loud and sounds like I’m wringing her neck when driving not sweet sound . Visually the exhaust looks in good shape, but clearly not doing its job emissions-wise.

Looking for recommendations for someone who can sort a new CAT and exhaust, ideally around Gloucester or nearby. Just want her running right again without breaking the bank.

Any help appreciated cheers!

 

[Rudyrov]

Muffler shop, a good quality one if you can find one, like where hot rods are done.

 

[Mike Fishwick]

If it needed a new cat, I would expect the EML warning lamp to be on. I would be inclined to check for fault codes, such as 'Lambda Voltage Implausible', which usually means an incorrect mixture. Did your MoT failure notice give any probe voltage and oil temperature readings? If not, this would cast doubt on the tester's claim - it would be better to start again. and start again

 

[ChrisD]

If it needed a new cat, I would expect the EML warning lamp to be on. I would be inclined to check for fault codes, such as 'Lambda Voltage Implausible', which usually means an incorrect mixture. Did your MoT failure notice give any probe voltage and oil temperature readings? If not, this would cast doubt on the tester's claim - it would be better to start again. and start again

Unfortunately there is no OBD catalyst monitoring implemented for the UK spec 98MY 1.9 and the MIL function is disabled.

 

[Duncodin]

My 1999 1.9 always sails through the emissions tests with very low readings.

My car has 88,000 mls. Back box has been changed for cheapo one from motor factor but it's on it's original CAT.

I hear that the CAT on a 1.9 is a long way away from the engine so can take a long while for the CAT to reach ideal working temperature to pass test.

I also hear that some testers are reluctant to let a 25 year old car sit running to heat up for fear of coolant system going pop somewhere.

 

[jasecasecarr]

I’ve opted for new CAT mine had definitely gone so hopefully will last years the only part that’s a bit of mystery everything else you more or less can swap out thx everyone

 

[Duncodin]

I’ve opted for new CAT mine had definitely gone so hopefully will last years the only part that’s a bit of mystery everything else you more or less can swap out thx everyone

Proper one from BMW? Often hear people on the forum saying that others only last a couple of years.

 

[Mike Fishwick]

I would have had a second MoT carried out by another test station, as you cannot trust some people.

I always had my 2.8 tested by the local BMW dealer, and every year the CO level doubled - exactly! I always thought that this was stretching coincidence a long way, and by the time we moved to France the next MoT would have doubtless been past the limit for CO, with probably a comment that I should buy a new car . . .

When I had the car tested to register it in France the CO level was zero, and after twenty years and 120,000 miles later it is still almost zero, after testing at two different stations, the French test requirements being more stringent that in the UK.

In France the test is carried out by appointment, and emissions are tested on arrival to ensure a hot cataytic converter, aided by a 12 mile run in third gear to get things really hot.

To exaggerate the CO level is not illegal, although of course understating it is. With no guarantee that the emissions have been tested on a hot converter, and often with no stated oil temperature the UK test is worthless, with a lot of cars failing for no good reason.

 

[Trevor /chedder]

Hi all, my 1998 Z3 1.9 (98S) just failed its MOT on emissions. The tester reckons it needs a new catalytic converter, possibly full exhaust.

To be honest, I think the current system might be a custom job, she’s a bit loud and sounds like I’m wringing her neck when driving not sweet sound . Visually the exhaust looks in good shape, but clearly not doing its job emissions-wise.

Looking for recommendations for someone who can sort a new CAT and exhaust, ideally around Gloucester or nearby. Just want her running right again without breaking the bank.

Any help appreciated cheers!

I had nightmares with my 1.9. My fix was a euro 3 cat, this is above spec and has seen me through 4 MOTs. I really did try everything , got. a post on here about it. The cat should be less than £300, check out eBay, . Don't bother with the Euro 2 ones

 

[Trevor /chedder]

I had nightmares with my 1.9. My fix was a euro 3 cat, this is above spec and has seen me through 4 MOTs. I really did try everything , got. a post on here about it. The cat should be less than £300, check out eBay, . Don't bother with the Euro 2 ones

I think this might be the fella.https://ebay.us/m/vdR0Mh