BMW 318i, Runs like crap. I think a clogged cat?

[Blitanicle99]

eres the run down.

My neighbors 318i, its a 94 or 95. Already had the engine replaced once. Its got 243k on it and it complete shit shape.



He asked me to do a tune up, he knows I work on cars constantly. (Work on a Time attack Team with a fully built Evo)

What I did, the basics.

1. Seafoam --- Smoked like hell.
2. New plugs --- Old plugs had 100k on them
3. New Air filter --- Completely disgusting
4. New IAC, and check of any hoses bad and general look over.


Ive checked the plugs, plug wires, vaccum lines, everything. Car runs like crap. It idles decent, but seems like its missing. All plug wires are sparking, plugs are new.


Almost seems like the exhaust is clogged? Maybe the cat is clogged to hell?

Has no power out of the hole, barely gets up a hill. However once it gets up to speed, it holds speed fine.



I'm not overwhelmed but I need to figure out what's wrong with this guys car. He doesn't have a ton of cash to spend. My bet is on a clogged cat. Or maybe a clogged EGR? Can I just disable the damn thing and by pass it?




Comments and suggestions, extremely appreciated. Real good guy, just a neighbor needing help. __________________

[slostang]

yeah sounds like a cat with a hair ball.

[Blitanicle99]

yeah sounds like a cat with a hair ball.

Yeah, that's my diagnosis but I'm trying to be sure before he spends more money on my opinion. Ya know?

[Echonova]

I'm not a BMW guy but, can't you remove the cat and just run an open header (just long enough to verify)... Wouldn't recommend doing this at night while the neighbors are sleeping though.

[Blitanicle99]

I'm not a BMW guy but, can't you remove the cat and just run an open header (just long enough to verify)... Wouldn't recommend doing this at night while the neighbors are sleeping though.

Yeah, I'm thinking of doing that tomorrow to confirm the clogged exhaust.

Even in neutral it has no power down low. Its strange.

[slostang]

Yeah, that's my diagnosis but I'm trying to be sure before he spends more money on my opinion. Ya know?

indeed.