Failed inspection - United Bimmer Community

**Dudesky** · 05-09-2007, 05:39 PM

I wasn't expecting this when I went thru state inspection today:

Jeeez . . I don't even know where to start. I got 45 days to fix it, or get it fixed. In between that, I got the clutch replacement that I have to do. I don't hate the car, I just hate all the issues and annoyances I've been having lately with it. But I'm gettin to the point where I may just throw the towel in sooner than I'd planned

**94bmw325i** · 05-09-2007, 05:45 PM

Did you rev it up a little before you took it in?

I had to do that when my 325 was slightly off with the sniffer pipe test.

**stevo** · 05-09-2007, 05:52 PM

thats a bitch, those emissions tests get tougher as your car gets older, maybe your ride just needs a good service to get her through.

**Numark318i** · 05-09-2007, 05:56 PM

seafoam it.

then borrow someones new 325 engine, swap it in for the test.

done

**3050rpm** · 05-09-2007, 07:47 PM

Back in March mine failed by 5 ppm on the hydrocarbons, I think it was. There weren't any telltale signs, no check light coming on, but the car hadn't been running quite right, and fuel economy was off. Took it to my mechanic, ran the diagnostics, turns out it was the O2 sensor, last time replaced maybe three or four years ago. New one put in, ran the car around a bit to get all the parts and electronics acquainted with one another, and pass the reinspection easily. Car runs more smoothly now, too, and the fuel economy is back up there.

**mullethunter3** · 05-09-2007, 07:52 PM

Chrys, go to your local AutoZone and pick up a can of something called "Emissions Pass" or something like that. It's in the fuel additive section. I've heard people swear by it. That way, you can put this new issue on hold for a while.

nick_318is · 05-09-2007, 07:57 PM

Dsky, have a look at this http://www.e30tech.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=35636 I haven't done it but it seems to work, but usuall disclaimers apply, do at your own risk.

**Dudesky** · 05-09-2007, 08:40 PM

^^^I've heard of (crazy) people doing that

Problem is, that stuff burns hotter than gas, which causes the NOx emissions to increase, and that is exactly what I failed

3050rpm- it most definitely isn't my O2 sensor, since I've replaced it 6 times in the last 3mos! I was having a major air/fuel mixture issue, and I wasted 5 sensors before finally tracking the problem down to a bad fuel pressure regulator.

Amanda- I just read about that Pass Emissions stuff on um . . another forum

It certainly can't hurt, so I'll give it a try, along with a SeaFoam cleaning, new plugs, air filter, and coolant change. That's my plan, if anyone has anything else to add, I'm all ears . .

The good part (if you can call it that) is that there is a cap here in NJ on how much you spend on repairs- $450 maximum on parts and/or labor, beyond that and you get passed with a waiver

**xsperf** · 05-09-2007, 10:14 PM

wow, thats cool, only 450, but still, in NY(which is supposed tobe second toughest, right behind california) if your car is OBDI, like my buddy says, the idiot light goes on and you can get away with anything, no need for as smog test or anything, u can come in with ur airbag light on and it will pass(they dont have to turn the key)

did you check your cat. converter?

**RSF5** · 05-09-2007, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xsperf

did you check your cat. converter?

yeah, how hold are you cats? Original?

**Dudesky** · 05-10-2007, 05:55 AM

Have no idea how old they are, could be original. They look good from the outside, beyond that, who knows. But if they need replacement, it ain't gonna happen because that'll be way more than $450

**3050rpm** · 05-10-2007, 07:53 AM

Yikes, six O2 sensors in three months

!!?? I'm not the sharpest pencil in the desk drawer when it comes to stuff like this, but it seems that something else is (terribly) wrong other than the fuel pressure regulator, to my thinking that would cause driveability problems, not emissions problems. My next crude guess would be the catalytic converter, unless there are some less involved things to consider, such as vacuum leaks, mass airflow sensor, associated electronic emissions sensors and regulators...

**celsdogg** · 05-10-2007, 08:17 AM

what? did i hear E39. . . ???

**Dudesky** · 05-10-2007, 09:38 AM

^^^Probably not anymore. My current plan is to wait till I switch careers in another year and a half or so, then get something new. I've been leaning towards a 335i, which will probably end up being an '08. Unless I come upon a CPO E39 M5, which may or may not be possible by then. In the meantime, I gotta try to keep the E36 going . .

**mullethunter3** · 05-10-2007, 12:16 PM

gl and tell us how it goes!