Can a tuned N51 pass smog test in California?

JingChai · 09-01-2018, 11:31 PM

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!

hassmaschine · 09-03-2018, 11:24 AM

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).

Phyrexia · 09-03-2018, 12:12 PM

What county are you in, OP?

JingChai · 09-03-2018, 04:07 PM

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.

Eagle1oh7 · 09-03-2018, 04:20 PM

Not without help.

Eagle1oh7 · 09-03-2018, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JingChai

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.

hassmaschine · 09-03-2018, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eagle1oh7

Not without help.

It depends if he has headers. But we dont have any idea because he gave no details..

JingChai · 09-03-2018, 04:46 PM

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.

nsjames · 09-03-2018, 08:25 PM

it sounds like you need to visit the CARB website and see the emissions testing rules.

JingChai · 09-04-2018, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nsjames

it sounds like you need to visit the CARB website and see the emissions testing rules.

Good idea, I'll do that!

Phyrexia · 09-04-2018, 01:54 PM

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.

nsjames · 09-04-2018, 03:07 PM

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.

Phyrexia · 09-04-2018, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nsjames

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.

mike-y · 09-12-2018, 10:15 PM

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.

09-01-2018, 11:31 PM	#1
JingChai Lieutenant 165 Rep 425 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 328i Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	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, 11:24 AM	#2
hassmaschine Major General 3989 Rep 7,212 Posts Drives: "NBO" 330i Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: earth iTrader: (0)	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, 12:12 PM	#3
Phyrexia Resident Pedant 511 Rep 795 Posts Drives: '15 335i 8AT Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Limbo iTrader: (1)	What county are you in, OP?
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09-03-2018, 04:07 PM	#4
JingChai Lieutenant 165 Rep 425 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 328i Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	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, 04:20 PM	#5
Eagle1oh7 Lieutenant Colonel 289 Rep 1,710 Posts Drives: '11 328i Sedan Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Chula Vista CA iTrader: (0)	Not without help. __________________ DONE: Seibon CF Hood, M3 Rep, MSport rear w/DD CF Diffuser, M3 Rep Skirts, Seibon CSL trunklid, Forgestar F14 18s w/Michelin PSS, Eisenmann catback, AA Headers, BPC Stage 2, Charcoal Delete+revMotor+AFE Drop In filter FUTURE MODS: LED headlights, CF rooftop, M3 Suspension Conversion, Dinan CAI Mod
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09-03-2018, 04:46 PM	#8
JingChai Lieutenant 165 Rep 425 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 328i Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	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, 08:25 PM	#9
nsjames Brigadier General 2466 Rep 4,328 Posts Drives: 08 328xi Touring Join Date: May 2017 Location: ohio iTrader: (0)	it sounds like you need to visit the CARB website and see the emissions testing rules.
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09-04-2018, 01:54 PM	#11
Phyrexia Resident Pedant 511 Rep 795 Posts Drives: '15 335i 8AT Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Limbo iTrader: (1)	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. __________________ '15 F30 335i 8AT Estoril II/Black (12.218 @ 114.94mph) MHD Stage 2+ 93 / XHP Stage 3 / M-Goodies / K&N Filter / ER CP / CSF IC / NGK 97506 / ER DP / Michelin A/S 3+
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09-04-2018, 03:07 PM	#12
nsjames Brigadier General 2466 Rep 4,328 Posts Drives: 08 328xi Touring Join Date: May 2017 Location: ohio iTrader: (0)	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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09-12-2018, 10:15 PM	#14
mike-y just another bmw douche bag 196 Rep 3,640 Posts Drives: 1.9L of fury Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (4)	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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