m103 Is the catalytic converter catalyzing?

[dlssmith]

My 87 260e like most 103s I suppose, has a what I've seen described as a pre-cat set up ahead of the oxygen sensor, then the actual converter and a couple of mufflers.

Question: since I live in a state without emissions testing, I don't know what if anything that 26 year old catalytic converter is doing. Does it even need to be there if the 02 sensor is ahead of it?

Mine has some holes in it and needs replaced and am trying to work out a good solution and hopefully an inexpensive one...

Thanks.