How to Prevent BMW X1 Catalytic Converter Theft
Don’t be worried about BMW X1 catalytic converter theft—we’ve got all of the prevention methods you need!
Written by Jacqulyn Graber
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Your
BMW X1
’s catalytic converter is harder to steal when compared to other makes and models—but it’s certainly not impossible. To prevent theft, we recommend parking in secure areas, etching your VIN into the part itself, and even investing in a special shield to completely protect it. Thieves seek out catalytic converters because of the valuable materials they contain. And although BMWs aren’t specifically targeted, the cost of replacing this part is quite significant.
That’s why it’s essential to invest in the proper
car insurance
policy and take a few essential steps to protect your BMW as much as possible. Fortunately, we’ve collected all the details in our easy-to-read guide. Let’s get started!Is it easy to steal the catalytic converter from a BMW X1?
We have good news: BMW X1 catalytic converters are relatively difficult to steal compared to other vehicles. This is thanks to smart engineering; the catalytic converter is hidden carefully up against the engine, making accessing the part very difficult.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that theft is impossible—especially for criminals well-versed in German cars. Fortunately, there are some great steps you can take to protect yourself from becoming a victim. Read on.
Top BMW X1 years that catalytic converter thieves target
Because BMW’s catalytic converters are so well hidden, X1s aren’t specifically targeted by thieves in the same way that certain vehicles are.
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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+ driversWhy are BMW X1 catalytic converters stolen?
Catalytic converters are stolen because of how valuable they are.
Your cat works to filter our harmful emissions from your vehicle’s exhaust. Sounds uninteresting, except that it does so by passing the exhaust fumes through a fine honeycomb of precious metals like platinum, rhodium, and palladium.
The market value of these metals is quite expensive, meaning catalytic converters are quite attractive to criminals interested in selling the materials on the black market.
Take a look at the approximate worth of the precious metals in your BMW’s catalytic converter, as of January 2023:
- Platinum: $993 per ounce
- Palladium: $1,611 per ounce
- Rhodium: $12,250 per ounce
Of course, your BMW’s catalytic converter contains less than an ounce of each of these metals, but because the part is relatively easy to steal, criminals devise plans to steal as many cats as possible.
BMW catalytic converter replacement cost
Catalytic converter theft is a big concern largely because of just how expensive the part is to replace. BMW drivers can expect to pay around $1,100 to $2,700 for a new catalytic converter installation (including labor charges).
Opting for aftermarket parts is a good way to save a little bit of money, but because installation is rather complicated (thanks to that well-hidden cat), labor costs won’t be any less expensive.
How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a BMW X1
Purchasing a BMW is a great first step if you’re particularly concerned about catalytic converter theft. However, there are a few more ways you can further protect your vehicle.
Park in a secure area
If you have a garage at home, try your best to make space for your BMW. If this isn’t possible, consider outfitting your driveway with motion sensor lights, or another type of security system, to deter thieves from bothering your vehicle.
If you’re at work, school, or running errands around town, look for a well-lit parking lot or street, or—even better—a garage or ramp that’s monitored by employees and cameras. The harder it is for a thief to poke around your vehicle without being seen, the safer you are!
MORE: How to tell if a parking garage is liable for a stolen or damaged vehicle
Buy a catalytic converter shield
Catalytic converter shields are aluminum plates or cages that cover and protect the part. These anti-theft devices are relatively inexpensive and quite easy to install. Depending on the device you buy, it may already come with all the tools you need for installation. Otherwise, you can usually complete the job with a few simple tools you probably already have at home.
We recommend the
Cat Shield™ from MILLERCAT
or looking through the devices offered by Cat Security™
. Amazon also has a lot of great, affordable options—just be sure to check what’s in stock and compare it to your exact model to ensure proper fitment. Installing a cat shield won’t just offer you peace of mind, either—you could very likely save some money, too! Your insurance company might give you a discounted rate on your comprehensive insurance.
Put your VIN on the catalytic converter
If you etch your catalytic converter with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), it makes it much harder for thieves to sell it on the black market without getting caught, deterring them from doing it in the first place.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) holds regular catalytic converter labeling events, and a quick Google search will help you find upcoming events in your area. Otherwise, take your BMW to your nearby muffler shop for tagging.
Invest in comprehensive insurance
Comprehensive insurance
admittedly can’t stop thieves from taking your catalytic converter. However, it can help you cover the steep costs of replacing the part. If you choose not to purchase comprehensive insurance, you’ll be stuck covering the cost of replacement yourself. Thus, it’s a good idea to prepare for the worst with a
full-coverage insurance
policy, especially if your BMW X1 is a newer (more expensive) model. What to do if your BMW X1’s catalytic converter is stolen
If worse comes to worst and your catalytic converter is stolen, the first step is to contact the police. A law enforcement officer may be able to request security footage if your BMW was parked near any cameras in an attempt to catch the thief.
Even if tracking down the culprit is impossible, they’ll at least file a police report, which makes it easier to complete the next step—filing an insurance claim. Remember, to file a claim, your auto insurance policy must include comprehensive coverage (as we explained above).
Once your claim is approved, your insurance company will assist you in scheduling repairs with a mechanic and cover the cost of the replacement parts. If your plan includes a deductible, you’ll be responsible for paying it in full before your insurance will issue the remaining balance. (Most deductibles are much lower than the cost of replacing a cat.)
If you didn’t invest in comprehensive insurance, you’ll still need to replace the catalytic converter, you’ll just have to pay for it out of pocket. You can typically save a little bit of money by looking for a mechanic who uses aftermarket parts, as those tend to be cheaper.
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Can you drive a BMW X1 without a catalytic converter?
While you won’t damage your BMW X1 by driving it without a catalytic converter, there are a few reasons why it’s not feasible to shrug off the part.
In many states and localities, your vehicle must pass emissions testing (i.e., smog testing) to stay registered. Vehicles that lack catalytic converters automatically fail this testing, so it’s essential to replace the part before your next inspection, or else you won’t be able to legally drive your BMW anymore.
X1s without a catalytic converter are also noisier and have rougher acceleration, making them generally less desirable to drive. Plus, you’ll be negatively affecting our planet by emitting harmful gasses into the atmosphere!
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