Centre console getting hot.. E36 Compact

[Jhonno]

My centre console around the gearlever and back towards the handbrake has started getting hot when driving along.. I've checked under the car after parking up from a 65mph dual carriageway stint and there is a lot of heat collected under the car around the gearbox and I guess cat. The car was making a hot exhaust 'ting' sound as it was sat.. The box was also hot to touch (which I guess is normal?)

I am thinking maybe my cat is fooked? The other thought was the box being low on oil, but it's not making any noise or anything..

Any thoughts?

[Rav335uk]

Check the oil in the g/box first Dan, then the cat.
If it's boll oxed inside it'll be restricting flow, add up off extra heat.