Downpipes and Emissions

[RX-BMW]

Hey guys,
I have AR Catless downpipes for my N54. Also have COBB AP stage 2+ installed.
Took car to local autoshop last week and failed emissions. They said that
1. The computer was recently 'reset' and is not ready for testing
2. They saw that I had no Cats

Looks like my two options are go back to stock and pass emissions (due in 9 days) and sell the AR pipes
or
Go back to stock and pass emissions then reinstall the catless DP.
I really figures having the AP installed would allow me to pass state emissions.

I could also take the car to a small town south of where I live where they are more lenient, but I hear once a car has failed emissions the problem needs to be fixed with proof.

Anyone have any other ideas?

Thanks for all your help

[TeinBMW]

Well why would you do your emission test without taking the downpipe off. Everyone here knows that man. You'll guarantee a fail if you have catless downpipe. Always and I means always put your car back to stock when taking it to bmw or when your doing emissions man.

My 2 cents are take the dp off, uninstall cobb and take it in and once u pass reinstall it.

[miro2296]

Originally Posted by TeinBMW

My 2 cents are take the dp off, uninstall cobb and take it in and once u pass reinstall it.

+1

[RX-BMW]

That's what I was thinking. I contacted a small local shop to see if they can do the swap to stock and then back to AR without breaking the bank.

Would this have been avoided with the downpipe fix from BMS?

[ErvGotti]

There's a lot of misconceptions when it comes to emissions testing and DP's. First of all there's two kinds on emissions testing and depending on what test your state does will affect your fix.

1. The first test is through the OBD2 port called a readiness test, which is what it sounds like the OP's state does. The misconception is that with a tune ie Cobb, JB4, ect you will pass this test. This is wrong. All these tunes do is suppress the codes but they do not leave the ECU in a "ready or pass" state.

To fix this you will need to run a DP fix from Burger Tuning or such. This will allow you to pass the readiness test with catless DP's.

2. The second is is the sniffer test. This is where they hold a sniffer at the end of the tailpipes and take a reading. The only way to pass this test is to have cats that are working. The DP fix won't do diddly squat for this test, though most states do not use this test.

In short OP if they do not use the sniffer test all you need a DP fix and go to another shop that doesn't know you have catless DP's and you'll be good.

[Colt]

I think the ECU can't be reset for a week straight...

[TeinBMW]

Just put your car back to stock. Invest in some ramps and tools and learn to do it on your own. Yes it'll suck the first or second time but you'll save a ton of money!

Just a heads up man. Never take your car in anywhere someone is gonna inspect it and look at it. You'll get notes on your account and it's hard to change that perception later. Once a shop or bmw sees your car is modded they'll flag yoir account and next time you go in and your cars back to stock, they'll still know.

I've got some mods on my car and it's a pain in the butt to put it back to stock but man, it pays off bro.

[RX-BMW]

To Angerman's point. ONce it's back to stock and I uninstall COBB i'll probably have to drive around for a week until the ECU is 'test ready?'

[135ivert]

Originally Posted by RX-BMW

Hey guys,
I have AR Catless downpipes for my N54. Also have COBB AP stage 2+ installed.
Took car to local autoshop last week and failed emissions. They said that
1. The computer was recently 'reset' and is not ready for testing
2. They saw that I had no Cats

What happened to your secondary midpipe cats? Did they even do the sniff test?

[Miko226]

ohh the joys of living in non emissions testing states.... Cats? What are Cats??

[TeinBMW]

Originally Posted by Miko226

ohh the joys of living in non emissions testing states.... Cats? What are Cats??

Lol lucky you!

[RX-BMW]

Yeah this sucks about Missouri

[TeinBMW]

Everyone is in the same boat when we install catless downpipes. You will guarantee fail.

It's better to be safe than sorry so always becareful man

[Miko226]

Im originally from california where they are obviously strict about it but living in florida has its advantages for its Tuners

[RX-BMW]

K now a silly question. Can one of the two downpipes be replaced and pass emissions?

[Miko226]

I thought there were ways to beat / cheat emissions testing?

[TeinBMW]

Not sure if u can change on of the dps. You might aswell take them both off if your already down there.

You can probably cheat the test if they only do the obd test and u have the bms dp fix. You may want to ask someone. I'm not to sure myself.

[RX-BMW]

Took my car to a chain oil change place and they passed my emissions today, catless downpipes and all. Guess my ECU was ready this time. .

[Metalbeast]

Originally Posted by Miko226

ohh the joys of living in non emissions testing states.... Cats? What are Cats??

I would like to know where to find a list of states that require these testings, just in case I ever get stationed in one, or when they are needed to be done, since I have yet to get one.

[Cozy]

Reinstall N54 mids. Problem solved?

[Reapur]

Here in Ontario Canada they recently switched From the tail sniffer and dyno test to a simple obd readiness check. I have cobb installed with AR catless and the car passed the scan. I didn't do anything special to prepare.

You're allowed to fail one readiness check and they will still pass the car. There is no visual inspection either.

[RX-BMW]

^Yup that's how it happened for me. Failed one readiness and then it was a breeze