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1994 740IL - catalytic converter bad?

For the last week, my 94 740IL has been making a rattling/clanging noise under the passenger seat, especially when accelerating from a stop up to around 40 mph. I got under the car this weekend and couldn't find anything out of the ordinary. Called the dealership this morning, and from my description they said it sounded like one or both of the catalytic converters were going bad. They then quoted a price of around $1,300 to repair (not sure if that is for one or both). Is it safe for me to drive it for the next week (until I can take it in to the shop)? What are the environmental regulations in the US regarding the converter and emissions standards?

Reply to
Cazzata Malanga!
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It is difficult to tell for sure, but odds are that there is trouble with a heat shield or two. It is entirely possible that the trouble is external to the CAT(s), which means you can possibly secure the heat shield with a hose clamp, or perhaps locate an empty screw hole and fill it with the appropriate screw.

The price quoted is most likely for one. You can get a CAT from other sources much cheaper than the dealer sells them for.

While smog rules require you to have a CAT, nobody is likely to notice until it comes time to renew the Registration AND a Smog Check is due at the same time.

Reply to
Jeff Strickland

It's a common problem on early e38 740s that the cat breaks up inside and rattles. Mine occasionally rattles but so far hasn't affected performance. You can get aftermarket cats for something like $350 but you may have stricter controls in some states.

Reply to
adder1969

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