I hate California smog laws

[bdi_fc]

Needless to say, the car didn't pass the referee inspection so that I can sell it.

Anyway, the guy says OBDI has two O2 sensors. Did I miss something? My OBDI harness only has one O2 sensor plug.

He also gave me a hard time about the OBDII exhaust manifold since I left the airpump tubing on it.

Ultimately, I don't have the software, smaller injectors, or a smaller HFM that would make this thing pass even the sniff test. High NO, Ok CO, High HC. Any suggestions?

I'm probably going to put this thing on ebay to sell it out of state. Anyone know someone interested?

-Nick

On a side note, does anyone know if the new diesels (MY 2007+) are going to be subject to smog?

[SchnellerVert]

Your car can't be sold if it doesn't pass inspection? There is no sold as is clause? One more reason not to move to California.

[bdi_fc]

Your car can't be sold if it doesn't pass inspection? There is no sold as is clause? One more reason not to move to California.

Unfortunately, you're right:

When a used vehicle is sold in California, the seller is legally responsible for making sure that the vehicle's emission (smog) control equipment complies with state requirements. There is no provision in the law allowing a seller to sell a vehicle "as is." The buyer must submit the certificate of compliance (smog certificate) to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when transferring registration of the vehicle. Without the smog certificate, the transfer of ownership cannot be completed.

[bdi_fc]

On the bright side, a new BMW with a torquey diesel motor is exempt for now:

Are any cars exempt?

Vehicles with two-cycle engines, engines under 50 cubic inch displacement and vehicles powered by diesel fuel or electricity are exempt. As of January 1, 1998, all 1973 and older model year vehicles will not be required to get a smog inspection under any circumstances.

[FredK]

crap!

As far as I know, there is only one sensor on OBD-I cars. I think some Japanese cars had an optional pre and post cat O2 sensor, but this was NOT required by law.

What midpipe are you using? The guy might be taking issue if you are only monitoring half a bank of cylinders (either front or back) with the OBD-II midpipe.

[bdi_fc]

crap!

As far as I know, there is only one sensor on OBD-I cars. I think some Japanese cars had an optional pre and post cat O2 sensor, but this was NOT required by law.

What midpipe are you using? The guy might be taking issue if you are only monitoring half a bank of cylinders (either front or back) with the OBD-II midpipe.

I'm using the OBDII headers, which have two ports. One is plugged and the other has the sensor.

His issue wasn't regarding function at all. Instead he was more concerned about what his diagram says and how many O2 sensors it says it should have.

[MR 325]

Even though you technically "have to" make the car Smog legal to sell it here, you really don't. The person buying it should know what's up with it. Shit dude, if you want an illegal Smog, let me know. :)

[BimmerToad]

The location of your O2 sensor is probably throwing him off. If you had a single sensor at a Y-pipe junction, then he would probably have no problem. You've got too much of the OBDII stuff still on the engine which is probably throwing him off. Try going to another ref if you can, or have him look up an OBDI harness.

[reelizmpro]

That's the problem with swapped cars in CA. It's a big hassle making your swapped car 100% correct with all of the applicable emissions control, computer, etc. They don't like when you cut corners and it can get expensive. AFAIK, OBD1 only used 1 O2 sensor too. It was the later OBD2 cars that had 2 wasn't it? Some refs are really picky about swapped cars. eBay is probably your best bet.

[bdi_fc]

Even though you technically "have to" make the car Smog legal to sell it here, you really don't. The person buying it should know what's up with it. Shit dude, if you want an illegal Smog, let me know. :)

At this point, I'm pretty sure the smog police have all the info on the car, so they'd know it has to be forwarded to another referee.

The location of your O2 sensor is probably throwing him off. If you had a single sensor at a Y-pipe junction, then he would probably have no problem. You've got too much of the OBDII stuff still on the engine which is probably throwing him off. Try going to another ref if you can, or have him look up an OBDI harness.

Maybe. I'd still need to switch the headers though, since he saw the plugs. Another ref might work, but I'm afraid the system has been updated with his comments. Moreover, he did look at an OBDI harness. He even showed me his little reference guide that had 3.0 95 M3 at the top. His reference is just wrong, though.

That's the problem with swapped cars in CA. It's a big hassle making your swapped car 100% correct with all of the applicable emissions control, computer, etc. They don't like when you cut corners and it can get expensive. AFAIK, OBD1 only used 1 O2 sensor too. It was the later OBD2 cars that had 2 wasn't it? Some refs are really picky about swapped cars. eBay is probably your best bet.

OBD2 cars have like 4 sensors, two pre, two post cat. ebay it is.

[Jean]

Did you bring anything with you on paper to show him that what you've done is legit ?

[MR 325]

If you want to borrow stock ECU, injectors, MAF, and S50 manifolds let me know.

[bdi_fc]

If you want to borrow stock ECU, injectors, MAF, and S50 manifolds let me know.

Stock ECU for an S50?
What size injectors should I use?
And the MAF is the 3.0?

The other problem is that he didn't like the intake. And we all know how easy it is to fab up an intake box. :roll:

[bdi_fc]

If you want to borrow stock ECU, injectors, MAF, and S50 manifolds let me know.

btw, thanks for the offer.

[bostonbmw]

unplug an injector

unplug one of your injectors and it will lean out the ratio of exhaust gases and you should pass. It will be running on 5 cycl the 6th will be acting as an air pump helping to dilute your exhaust gases to give the appearance that its running cleaner than it really is. Cheers Brian