[Simple5]

Was smogging the daily beater the other day and got to talking with the manager of the smog place. Told him my car was due for smog and asked if I could just do the sniffer only because as of right now all smog shops are still doing it instead of the OBD2 scan. I wanted to see if my Catted Pipes would pass smog.

He agreed to just the sniffer:

My mods:
JB4
Injen DCI (w/CARB Sticker)
Synapse BOV (need to remove)
RR Catted Downpipes (will need an 02 sim)
VRSF Intercooler

Brought the car in and sniffed it with everything in and tune set at Map 2 for shits and giggles. The car passed with flying colors but my numbers were slightly higher at 2500rpm but well within the pass margin.

So I need to yank my BOV and get a DP Fix and I should be good to go! Told him I had my cats in place and he said that the slightly higher numbers mean that my cats maybe going out. Didn't say I had catted downpipes though.. I wasn't lying... I said I was catted

[quasitime]

I was hoping that the ODB only testing would have begun, isn't that supposed to happen in 2013?

[Simple5]

Originally Posted by quasitime

I was hoping that the ODB only testing would have begun, isn't that supposed to happen in 2013?

That is what I thought but after calling around some places they told me they havent heard anything from up above yet... My smog is due in april but I can breathe a sigh of relief that all I have to do it buy an o2 sim and swap out my charge pipe rather than yanking my downpipes and then re-installing afterwards...

[Mahhvinn]

Originally Posted by quasitime

I was hoping that the ODB only testing would have begun, isn't that supposed to happen in 2013?

It's in effect but it's not a mandatory immediate change. Each region/county will slowly begin to change to the OBD2.

[BMWM.D.]

Originally Posted by Mahhvinn

It's in effect but it's not a mandatory immediate change. Each region/county will slowly begin to change to the OBD2.

Yeah, my understanding is that not all smog shops have equipment that can read later CAN cars. So a number of shops will need new testing equipment for the new OBD test procedure. I think this is why they are dragging their feet on it.

[roadkillrob]

If you have catted downpipes, why do you need O2 sims - I have AR catted with all the O2 sensors installed and it passes OBDII smog check no prob.

Do you really mean you have catless downpipes?

[BMWM.D.]

Originally Posted by roadkillrob

If you have catted downpipes, why do you need O2 sims - I have AR catted with all the O2 sensors installed and it passes OBDII smog check no prob.

Do you really mean you have catless downpipes?

I've used high-flow cats on other cars that still cause catalyst efficiency codes. I don't have experience with them on the N54, but whether it sets a fault or not really depends on how well the cats clean up the exhaust. Aftermarket high-flow cats definitely don't work as well as OEM in that respect.

[cvc 22349a]

Is a visual inspection performed? Considering a mid pipe but don't want to r/r just to pass smog.

[BMWM.D.]

Originally Posted by cvc 22349a

Is a visual inspection performed? Considering a mid pipe but don't want to r/r just to pass smog.

Usually it is just an under-hood visual inspection, and OBD2 test (to see if monitors are set) and the actual emissions "sniffer" part of the test. I don't think anyone would notice if you removed the secondary cats.

[BQTuning]

It all depends on what catts the manufacture is using. For example: cP-e went through like multiple catts suppliers till they got it right.

Also, it has been suggested that certain tunes ride the knock sensor which is bad for high flow catts causing them to go bad quickly.

We will know soon enough, I will be doing a voluntary test this coming September

[Simple5]

Originally Posted by roadkillrob

If you have catted downpipes, why do you need O2 sims - I have AR catted with all the O2 sensors installed and it passes OBDII smog check no prob.

Do you really mean you have catless downpipes?

with my catted pipes and on map 2 it still throws the cat code but obviously the cats can still do the job of passing the sniffer so I should be good to go. Would setting the tune to map 0 still throw the cat code?

[anonemouse]

Anyone know of any shop in NorCal doing the OBD test only? Preferably around San Jose but will travel if necessary.

I have to SMOG the car for April and I need a OBD test and not a tail sniffer test.

Thanks,

A.

[VNeBLOB42]

Originally Posted by Simple3

So I need to yank my BOV

Why do you have to yank your BOV?

[BMWM.D.]

Originally Posted by VNeBLOB42

Why do you have to yank your BOV?

I believe it will fail the visual inspection unless it carries a CARB number, just like an intake.

[Simple5]

Originally Posted by VNeBLOB42

Why do you have to yank your BOV?

It will fail visual. My intake is okay because of the CARB EO number however the BOV does not and it has already been deemed a fail if I leave it in..