x5 50i catalytic converter replacement options

[witz323]

I have a 2011 X5 50i w/ 144,000 miles and yesterday the check engine light went on. Took it to my mechanic to read code and it came up O2 sensor left bank. He reset code and said if it comes on again very soon it's most likely a bad sensor, however i drive it for an extended period of time and then comes back on it is likely a worn out cat.

My question is what have people done to replace cats? Do you just purchase new ones and install them, or are there cat bypass pipe options? Just wondering what all my options are.

In case anyone is wondering I've owned the car for 6 years, bought with just under 50,000 miles. Plan on keeping it until there is a catastrophic failure.

[Sophisticated Redneck]

Originally Posted by witz323

I have a 2011 X5 50i w/ 144,000 miles and yesterday the check engine light went on. Took it to my mechanic to read code and it came up O2 sensor left bank. He reset code and said if it comes on again very soon it's most likely a bad sensor, however i drive it for an extended period of time and then comes back on it is likely a worn out cat.

My question is what have people done to replace cats? Do you just purchase new ones and install them, or are there cat bypass pipe options? Just wondering what all my options are.

In case anyone is wondering I've owned the car for 6 years, bought with just under 50,000 miles. Plan on keeping it until there is a catastrophic failure.

Most likely is your O2 sensor with that many miles, if it does turn out to be your cat, then would recommend finding low mileage one on eBay as they are crazy expensive new. If you want more performance, Downpipes are an easy and cheaper option, passing emissions with them is another story however

[witz323]

Thanks for the reply. Check engine light came on 24 hours later after driving about 40 miles, so I'm thinking it's the oxygen sensor. Car does not have to pass emissions where I live.