Car wont pass California emissions

[eddiejmccoven]

Bought a 2000 BMW 328i when I lived in Washington. Moved back to California only to find out the car won't pass California emissions test. The catalytic converters are either not working or not rated for California. I called a specialist in the area and they said it would be $1,750 to replace both converters with parts pulled off of a retired 2006 bimmer from a nearby wrecking yard, 7 hours labor. This is the lowest offer I have gotten so far. I really dont have the knowledge to fix this myself. Second, California won't give me a title or allow me to sell it until it passes smog. They've placed a registration hold on the vehicle. Any thoughts?

[MarcoZandrini]

The first thing is have the engine computer (ECU) scanned for codes. Then post the codes in this thread.

Who and how diagnosed the cats as being bad? Was it a CARB certified emissions testing shop?

[All2kool]

The first thing is have the engine computer (ECU) scanned for codes. Then post the codes in this thread.

He made no mention of the SES light being on. First thing I would check is if the Catalytic Converter(s) is even present. Then I would find another mechanic that will replace if needed for less than $400, because those mechanics do exist.

[jlbsam]

I have recently bought a 1990 Buick Reatta that had a cat converter that wasn't legal for CA. Took it to Dualtone on Mission Bay Dr. and they put a new one in for $345. they also put in a new cat on my 81 633, that was a couple of years ago. Talk to Gary.

[MarcoZandrini]

The SES/CEL light doesn't have to be on for codes to be present. The SES/CEL light is on only when the code is emissions related.

[Pyropete82]

So, I just under went this bs process at STAR certified shop myself. Our cars are on a shut down list for sure. The emission levels are almost ridiculous low, but this issue is conspiracy theory and another topic. There are a few things you should absolutely check, fix, replace, before going:
1. Air filter
2. Any modified under hood CAI whether CARB certified or not can fail you, so replace all bolt on mods with stock
3. Valve cover gasket replacement
4. Spark plugs
5. Oil and oil filter
6. Injectors (maybe)
7. If you have the SAP installed, then replace the vacuum lines
8. Use a blue tooth scanner to seek out stored codes, clear those
9. Drive cycle the car so your readiness sensors flip on across the board
10. Any catalytic converter changes are obvious, jack the car up and check

Hate to say this but CA has really screwed any euro car owners because they have given tons of discretion for passing smog to the technicians at these stations. The visual fail is a joke; this is another way CA is taking cars off the road that pass emissions just fine.