Freeze frame Data help to determine Cat status

[2012TN128i]

Hello everyone, I have been getting a 29f5 code on my 2012 128i. I have replaced all of the O2 sensors but I was wondering if someone could help me decipher my freeze-frame data. I have read that sometimes this code can be related to the thermostat or water pump so I was wondering if someone could tell me if I definitely need new cats or if it could possibly be something else before I spread that money thank you so much.

Engine speed 2240 rpm
Air mass calculated 184.48 mg/hub
Intake air temp 9 degrees C
Engine temp 98.25 degrees C
Frequency 3
Logistics counter 40
SAE diag code p0430
Mileage 254928km
1st At
Engine speed 1504.00rpm
Air mass calculated 265.87
Intake air temp 14.25 degrees C
Engine temp 94.5 degrees C
Mileage 255144km
Last At:
Engine speed 1664rpm
Air Mass Calculated 206.18
Intake air temp 21 degrees C
Engine temp 102 degrees C
Mileage 255264

The last time I started driving and the CEL came on I had only been driving for like 15mins.
Can you tell from these numbers if my cats are needing replacement or if it looks like a temp problem?

[mkeiser]

You'd want to be looking at lambda values pre cat and post cat to determine anything. Codes is pointing towards cat tho.

Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2)

Voltage condition:
Electrical system voltage above 10 V

Other conditions:
- Engine on
- Speed between 28 and 109 km/h
- Lambda closed-loop mixture control and trim control ON
- Engine rpm between 1500 and 3000 rpm
none

The fault is recognized when the catalyst diagnosis value rises above 0.92.

- If diagnostic fault codes related to the oxygen sensor are logged, then a secondary fault is present
- Visual inspection of catalyst for mechanical damage
- Check exhaust system for leaks
- If the fault is continuously present or has multiple log entries respond by replacing the catalytic converter

[2012TN128i]

Thanks for the info! 2 questions:

I do not notice any performance issues at all. Is it ok to drive it?

Also, if cats indeed are bad, would you recommend going catless?

[mkeiser]

Originally Posted by 2012TN128i

Thanks for the info! 2 questions:

I do not notice any performance issues at all. Is it ok to drive it?

Also, if cats indeed are bad, would you recommend going catless?

I would personally be hesitant to drive it, but if it's truly no performance issues, no misfires, etc. then you're probably okay... More troubleshooting is needed with the o2 sensors IMO, make sure you replaced with Genuine BMW or Bosch, and then monitor live values.

catless is a personal decision. do you mind the additional noise/smell? do you live in an area with smog tests? do you mind having check engine light illuminated or spending $500+ on a tune?

[2012TN128i]

I used Denso sensors could that be my problem? No misfires at all! I even tried that German made catalytic foam after the upstream sensors. But code returns usually within a drive or 2. But I am driving about 70 miles each way. I believe the car had a valve cover leak before i bought it. I noticed oil in the 4th spark plug hole and that coil was damaged. I replaced valve cover and gasket, Also, replaced all coils and plugs. It also had a leaking oil filter gasket. Not sure if either of these could have contributed to the clogging of the bank 2 cat?

I am not interested in a constant CEL though and don’t really wanna tune so I guess replacing with cats again may have to be my option. I just don’t want to cause any damage driving with a clogged cat. Thanks so much for your advice!

[mkeiser]

Originally Posted by 2012TN128i

I used Denso sensors could that be my problem? No misfires at all! I even tried that German made catalytic foam after the upstream sensors. But code returns usually within a drive or 2. But I am driving about 70 miles each way. I believe the car had a valve cover leak before i bought it. I noticed oil in the 4th spark plug hole and that coil was damaged. I replaced valve cover and gasket, Also, replaced all coils and plugs. It also had a leaking oil filter gasket. Not sure if either of these could have contributed to the clogging of the bank 2 cat?

I am not interested in a constant CEL though and don’t really wanna tune so I guess replacing with cats again may have to be my option. I just don’t want to cause any damage driving with a clogged cat. Thanks so much for your advice!

Denso sensors could be the issue, but again, more troubleshooting needed.

Not sure if those cat cleaners really do anything...

[2012TN128i]

I have a launch creator elite 2.0 I’m new to all of this but I believe it can do live data like that. Do I do this while driving or can I do it while parked?

[mkeiser]

Originally Posted by 2012TN128i

I have a launch creator elite 2.0 I’m new to all of this but I believe it can do live data like that. Do I do this while driving or can I do it while parked?

i'm not familiar with that so i'm not sure. INPA is a computer software specific for BMW's and then there are a lot of scanners out there with BMW specific loaded softwares that can monitor/test/etc.

you'd want to be monitoring o2 sensor (lambda) values. this article explains it much better and deeper than I could ever do https://bimmerprofs.com/management-lambda-probes/

but you have to think that if one of the bank 2 o2 sensors is giving a value out of expected range (usually the post cat), then the car might think that is indicating the cat is not performing as it should when it is actually the o2 sensor giving a faulty value.

or the o2 sensor is doing it's job and the cat is indeed clogged/bad. hard to say... i would personally rather deal with a bad o2 sensor than a bad cat

[2012TN128i]

Ok I apologize I couldn’t figure out how to export the graphs.

[2012TN128i]

I let it idle for a while then a couple times before rev’d the motor up to 3k rpm and held it at the end for a few seconds. Top graph is bank 2 (error code bank) bottom row is bank 1. I see obvious difference but have no idea what it means. The bank 2 post cat is erratic at times. From what I see it looks like my bank 2 cat is bad and the bank 1 is on its way? This car has over 151k miles is this normal?