How to Prevent BMW X3 Catalytic Converter Theft
Worried about catalytic converter theft for the BMW X3? Here’s what you need to know about X3 cat theft—and how to prevent it.
Written by Tiffany Leung
Reviewed by Amy Bobinger
BMW X3 owners can rest easy as their vehicles aren’t a priority for catalytic converter thieves—all thanks to the relatively hidden location of the part. However, the X3 catalytic converter can still be stolen, so owners should still be cautious. Protect your vehicle by parking in well-lit or secure areas or etching your VIN onto the catalytic converter.
The catalytic converter theft rate has been rising, and we don’t blame you if you’re worried about your X3’s cat getting stolen. We’ve created this guide to equip you with effective strategies that help prevent catalytic converter theft. Also, find out what you need to do if yours was (unfortunately) stolen, how much the
car repairs
will cost, and the type of car insurance
you need to cover the replacement cost. Is it easy to steal the catalytic converter from a BMW X3?
Fortunately, no. The catalytic converter on the BMW X3 is relatively harder to steal compared to other cars. This is thanks to the X3’s single three-way cat being tucked against the engine where it’s out of sight. It can still be stolen by determined thieves, but most would rather go for easier targets that yield better returns.
For example, some of the most appealing catalytic converters are the ones that are located near the exhaust pipe, such as the
Honda CR-V
. Since the CR-V’s catalytic converter is close to the edge of the vehicle, thieves can easily get under the SUV without having to jack it up and cut the part out.Top BMW X3 years that catalytic converter thieves target
Good news for BMW X3 owners—thieves aren’t particularly interested in stealing the X3 cat. There is currently no data regarding the BMW X3 years that get targeted the most often!
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Why are BMW X3 catalytic converters stolen?
Catalytic converters are part of a vehicle’s exhaust system. It uses a fine honeycomb made of precious metals, including rhodium, platinum, and palladium, to neutralize harmful pollutants before being emitted. The value of these precious metals has skyrocketed in recent years, making them a lucrative target for thieves.
Just how much are these metals in your X3’s converter worth nowadays? Below are the numbers as of January 2023:
- Rhodium: $13,250 per ounce
- Palladium: $1,776 per ounce
- Platinum: $1,074 per ounce
While catalytic converters will contain less than an ounce of each metal, theft is still at an all-time high. One big factor here is that most catalytic converters are a low-effort target—especially in full-size SUVs and trucks. A thief can easily get under a truck, quickly cut the catalytic converter out, and sell it on the black market for a handsome profit.
BMW catalytic converter replacement cost
Having your catalytic converter stolen is problematic considering the money you’ll have to spend to replace the part. It costs between $1,818 and $1,913 to replace a BMW X3 catalytic converter, depending on the type of replacement you get. Opting for an aftermarket catalytic converter will help reduce the costs slightly, but it will still be costly, as the replacement often requires specialized labor.
How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a BMW X3
While the BMW X3 isn’t a major target, it’s always better to take extra precautions to protect your catalytic converter. Below are some strategies to help you lower the risk of theft.
Park in a secure area
Always opt to park your X3 in a secure garage or well-lit area with video surveillance. If you aren’t able to park your SUV in the garage, you can also consider motion sensor lights to deter thieves. You can also limit access to your X3 cat by parking against a solid wall.
The goal is to make it difficult for potential thieves to approach your vehicle without being seen!
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversPut your VIN on the catalytic converter
A great way to foil a thief’s plan is to etch your X3’s VIN onto the catalytic converter. Parts that have been etched cannot be sold on the black market, so this will likely deter theft.
Getting your X3 cat etched is simple. You can either go to catalytic converter etching events held by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) or get your X3 cat tagged at a muffler shop.
Invest in comprehensive insurance
While comprehensive insurance won't protect your X3 cat from theft, it will protect your wallet if you ever need a replacement for a stolen catalytic converter.
Having
comprehensive insurance
means you can submit a claim for catalytic converter theft and your provider will cover the costs rather than your bank account. You’ll just have to pay your deductible, which should still be far less than the cost of paying for the repair out-of-pocket.What to do if your BMW X3’s catalytic converter is stolen
If you ever have the misfortune of getting your BMW X3’s catalytic converter stolen, the first thing you need to do is contact the authorities. They may be able to pull security footage from the surrounding areas and help to catch the thief.
Even if the thief isn’t found, a police report will be filed, which is essential for the next step—contacting your insurance provider. You should be able to file a theft claim if your policy includes comprehensive coverage. It can take some time, but it’s worth the effort since the replacement will cost over a thousand dollars!
You can then work with your insurance company to schedule the repairs and replacement with a mechanic. Depending on your policy, you may have to pay a deductible before your provider pays for the remaining balance.
Unfortunately, even If you don’t have comprehensive coverage on your policy, your catalytic converter still needs replacing, and you’ll have to pay out of pocket. There’s a chance you can save on some of the costs if you find a mechanic willing to use aftermarket parts.
Can you drive a BMW X3 without a catalytic converter?
While you can still drive your BMW X3 sans catalytic converter without hurting your engine, you can’t avoid getting the part replaced.
An X3 without its catalytic converter will fail any emissions testing. If you live in an area that requires a passed test for registration renewal, the replacement must be done before the testing deadline passes.
Even if an emissions test isn’t required, not having a catalytic converter result in increased road noise and rough acceleration—not exactly the most pleasant ride. Harmful gasses will also be emitted into the atmosphere! It’s better for everyone if you get it taken care of as quickly as possible.
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