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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Powertrain and Drivetrain Discussions > NA Engine (non-turbo) / Drivetrain / Exhaust Modifications > Can a tuned N51 pass smog test in California?



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      09-01-2018, 10:31 PM   #1
JingChai
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Can a tuned N51 pass smog test in California?

I was thinking of tuning my E90 328i with the N51 SULEV engine but wasn't quite sure what can pass smog and what can't.

if you live in California and tuned your N51, what's kind of mods can you do without having to redo everything each time you get smog checked?

Thanks!
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      09-03-2018, 10:24 AM   #2
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as long as all the emissions equipment is still there, I don't think it will make any difference. The only possibility is if they check the CVN, which will obviously be wrong - but I don't know if they actually do that or not (I've never heard of it happening, but I don't live in CA either).
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      09-03-2018, 11:12 AM   #3
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What county are you in, OP?
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      09-03-2018, 03:07 PM   #4
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I am in Santa Clara County.

The place that I went to last time was really easy. They just plugged into the OBD port and didn't even open the hood.
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      09-03-2018, 03:20 PM   #5
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Not without help.
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      09-03-2018, 03:21 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JingChai View Post
I was thinking of tuning my E90 328i with the N51 SULEV engine but wasn't quite sure what can pass smog and what can't.

if you live in California and tuned your N51, what's kind of mods can you do without having to redo everything each time you get smog checked?

Thanks!
I am fully catless and have the BPC tune. Jeef on the boards can help ou pass smog.
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      09-03-2018, 03:41 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Eagle1oh7 View Post
Not without help.
It depends if he has headers. But we dont have any idea because he gave no details..
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      09-03-2018, 03:46 PM   #8
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I haven't done anything to the engine yet. It's a completely stock N51.

Just want to make sure that I know what I can do/can't do before I start making any modifications.
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      09-03-2018, 07:25 PM   #9
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it sounds like you need to visit the CARB website and see the emissions testing rules.
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      09-04-2018, 12:50 AM   #10
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it sounds like you need to visit the CARB website and see the emissions testing rules.
Good idea, I'll do that!
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      09-04-2018, 12:54 PM   #11
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If they're just plugging into your OBD II port, they're just checking for emissions readiness, so you should be fine standard intake and tune mods. Headers and tune will not pass.
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      09-04-2018, 02:07 PM   #12
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CA will also do a visual inspection. Anything without a CARB EO# will cause failure.

but it's only things older than 99 (IIRC) that has to be put on rollers.
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      09-04-2018, 02:33 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nsjames View Post
CA will also do a visual inspection. Anything without a CARB EO# will cause failure.

but it's only things older than 99 (IIRC) that has to be put on rollers.
Depends on the county, IIRC.

Statewide you can get gigantic fines for non-CARB gear but as far as getting smogged, it varies.
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      09-12-2018, 09:15 PM   #14
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if it's just a tune, you'll be fine. My N52 has a 3stage IM and an AAtune and has had no problems passing smog for the last 6 years or so.
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