CA: Check Engine Light for Smog Check Inspection Manual

[m3pat2]

I don't have a digi cam at work.

Here's what I have:

'88 M3 white catalyst sticker on driverside fender inside the engine bay lower right hand corner has only the number "2121906". No where does it say "Exempt" or "Executive order".

'89 M3 Black catalyst sticker on the driverside shock tower. Same thing, lower right hand corner has only the number "2121906". No where does it say "Exempt" or "Executive order".

I can take pictures this weekend of both cars. How do I save pictures to the gallery? Do I have to get permission?

[wookie1976]

It should have a number begining with EO or something of the sort. This should be near some small block lettering saying OBDII Exempt. If I remember right, its on the lower left side of the sticker under the valve clearance specifications.

Thanks for checking!

[Reelizmpro]

Originally posted by wookie1976
It should have a number begining with EO or something of the sort. This should be near some small block lettering saying OBDII Exempt. If I remember right, its on the lower left side of the sticker under the valve clearance specifications.

Thanks for checking!

It'll say "OBD Exempt" in the corner if you have the right sticker. I don't recall seeing a number next to it.

[ColinM]

Yeah, it says "OBD exempt" in the lower left corner. Then there's some text saying that is comforms to US EPA and California ARB regulations applicable to that model year new motor vehicles. In the very bottom right corner I have the numbers 2 121 906 and then in the next "cell' of the sticker I have the letter "A."
The way these numbers are off to the side, it doesn't make it clear whether they're some kind of ARB number or what.

[Reelizmpro]

Ok, just got back from smogging the M3. Didn't pass this time...had to go back to the stock chip. Once I did though NO's went way down by 200 and HC's dropped slightly then it passed. I think my Cats are on their way out. Just glad I have 2 more years before I have to worry about it =].

Since I was there I told them about the M3 CEL issue. They pulled out the Mitchell1 Emission Control Application Guide book 2004 Edition and found an exception for the M3 noted in the book. Shows all BMW 88-90 cars have a Malfunction Indicator Light then superscript 2 - a quick glance at the bottom of the list shows superscript 2 ---"Except M3 models" so this book is correct. I wonder if smog techs are paying attention to the little superscripts. I got a copy of it but have to scan it.

[NickB]

Wow, I had to deal with this just today actually! Even the service rep at the local bmw dealer said it has a check engine light! Well i looked and mine does have the OBD exempt sticker. So if i understand correctly all i should have to do is point that out to the smog tech to avoid this issue?

[cactusjacks1]

Correct - have the smog tech refer to his manual on the E30M3.