I have a 2008 3.0si with ~192,000 miles. I've always envisioned driving this car for as long as possible but have put over $7,000 into the car in the last 8,000 miles. The most recent repair replaced the VANOS solenoids and the CEL came on while driving home from the shop. After a quick stop at my indy to run the codes they said I am getting an emissions fault, catalytic efficiency on bank 1 and 2. First course of action they recommend is to change the oxygen sensors, and if that does not clear it then to replace the cats. The cost to replace the sensors is ~$1,500 and the cats another ~$3,100.

While I never thought I would even consider getting rid of the car I'm worried I'm beginning to throw good money after bad at this point. I have taken meticulous care of the car otherwise, changed oil every 7,500 miles and washed every week or two since day 1. I've included my maintenance history below.

All this said, here are the options I'm considering
1. Do nothing and trade in (CEL may not matter since they will auction it anyway?)
2. Do the sensors and see if it clears. If so keep.
3. Do the sensors and see if it clears. If so sell/trade immediately.
4. Do the sensors and if it does NOT clear, replace the cats and keep.
5. Do the sensors and if it does NOT clear, replace the cats and sell/trade.

I'm willing to spend the ~$4,600 if, based on all my other recent repairs, it's worth it. I know "worth it" will be different for everyone.

Curious at the communities thoughts and opinions. Thanks for reading!

monto


191,776 VANOS solenoids, crankshaft sensor, hood cables and latches, oil,
191,025 water pump, expansion tank, left headlight bulb, rear right brake light bulb
186,980 Disa valve x2
184,079 oil, air filter
179,485 oil, emergency brake cable
174,497 oil
169,226 front brakes, rear brakes, brake fluid
168,227 oil, air filter, brake fluid
164,576 oil, air filter
157,975 spark plugs, ignition coils
155,682 oil, transfer case fluid
154,360 Front left and right wheel bearings
153,595 EMF parking switch, right inner tail light, air filter, AC compressor
150,743 oil
143,139 oil, alignment, thrust arms, hood latch
136,740 brake fluid, inner rear tail light
136,407 oil
128,852 oil
120,599 Cylinder head cover
120,139 oil, radiator, valve cover gasket, valve tronic motor seal, eccentric shaft seal, oil filter housing gasket, oil cooler gasket
114,653 oil
109,926 front brakes, rear brakes
104,618 oil, tire rotation
102,496 Coolant reservoir
96,882 oil, brake fluid, new transmission (BMW covered 50%)
89,213 oil, air filter, water pump, spark plugs
82,200 oil
75,959 Fuel delivery unit recall, air filter
75,199 oil
67,777 oil, alignment, tire rotation
60,551 oil, air filter
58,763 Front brakes
54,251 oil
49,856 Rear brakes
46,456 Tires
45,600 oil, air filter, brake fluid
37,882 oil
29,685 oil, air filter
22,858 oil
14,919 oil
7,457 oil