[RubberBandMan]

I've searched through the regional forum a bit, but I'm still not clear which modifications (exhaust, intake, etc.) that are generally smog safe here in California. I recently picked up a 2016 340i, so I've got a little bit of time before I have to deal with it, but I don't want to do anything that will potentially cause issues that will trigger a fail.

Can someone lend a hand with breaking down which parts are generally non-issues when it comes to smog? For instance, a full catback exhaust, such as AWE, is noted as "track only" on their website, but I know manufactures need to cover themselves with disclaimers. It looks like most all downpipes are a problem, but it's all a little mystifying to me.

Thanks for any tips!

[Gen13 F36]

Here we go again. Its california... all parts need to have carb OE # to be exempted. Axle back exhaust is ok but if you have a mid pipe replace the secondary catalytic converter (if your car has one) then means illegal.

So what a lot of people do if they keep the car pass 5 years old.. is to mod it...then put back the original stock when smog comes. OR pay someone off

[upsidedownfunnel]

Anything with an Executive Order (EO) has been validated to be legal to use in California. This can include tunes, full exhaust, turbos. If it's an emissions related component without an EO, it's illegal. You pretty much can't touch the catalytic converter. It's definitely possible to pass the smog test with a downpipe, though it's still illegal. You can upgrade to a Pure Stage 1 or 2 turbo as those look stock and would be virtually impossible to catch on a smog test.

Things like intercoolers, charge pipes, and intakes are fine to upgrade. The intake is really not worth changing though, unless you want a visual mod.

[jgoens]

Originally Posted by upsidedownfunnel

Anything with an Executive Order (EO) has been validated to be legal to use in California. This can include tunes, full exhaust, turbos. If it's an emissions related component without an EO, it's illegal. You pretty much can't touch the catalytic converter. It's definitely possible to pass the smog test with a downpipe, though it's still illegal. You can upgrade to a Pure Stage 1 or 2 turbo as those look stock and would be virtually impossible to catch on a smog test.

Things like intercoolers, charge pipes, and intakes are fine to upgrade. The intake is really not worth changing though, unless you want a visual mod.

How can you pass a smogtest with a catless DP? I have yet to see a fix that gets a pass.

[Gen13 F36]

Originally Posted by jgoens

How can you pass a smogtest with a catless DP? I have yet to see a fix that gets a pass.

He used the Benjamin.

[jh_f30]

To my knowledge, CARB certification and smog checks are two different things. I don't think smog shops are doing CARB inspections. That said, you can be "illegal" (non-CARB approved parts) and still pass a smog test.

I've heard stories about people getting snagged for a CARB inspection, but I've never seen it firsthand. IMO, if your car looks fairly stock, isn't shaking windows when you drive by, or isn't blowing black smoke, you should be fine.

That's said, catback is fine, won't throw codes. Same goes for FMIC. There have been a few users reporting codes from certain intakes, but really, the stock system is more than capable. CAIs don't really add much besides sound and engine bay decoration. And I assume an aftermarket catted dp MAY still pass smog as long as it doesn't throw any monitor codes.

[bimmer456]

The JB4 is CARB certified in CA for the B58. The intake is not. MPPSK is also street legal.

[MONSTAR]

A lot of muffler shops will charge $200 - $300 to pass your smog test....just saying.

[yoon_209]

Originally Posted by jgoens

How can you pass a smogtest with a catless DP? I have yet to see a fix that gets a pass.

Originally Posted by MONSTAR

A lot of muffler shops will charge $200 - $300 to pass your smog test....just saying.

California just implemented a new law starting 1/1/2019 that exempts our cars for another two years!!!!!!

California AB1274!

[Gen13 F36]

Originally Posted by yoon_209

California just implemented a new law starting 1/1/2019 that exempts our cars for another two years!!!!!!

California AB1274!

There you go... mod that shit up. You got 8 yrs now...is it.

[jh_f30]

Originally Posted by yoon_209

California just implemented a new law starting 1/1/2019 that exempts our cars for another two years!!!!!!

California AB1274!

I didn't know about this! So theoretically, I should be fine until 2021 on my 2013? Does that apply even if I purchased the car in 2017? I was rearin up to get it smogged this year (hoping the dpfix module worked...didn't want to have to reinstall my car if it was avoidable).

[yoon_209]

Originally Posted by jh_f30

I didn't know about this! So theoretically, I should be fine until 2021 on my 2013? Does that apply even if I purchased the car in 2017? I was rearin up to get it smogged this year (hoping the dpfix module worked...didn't want to have to reinstall my car if it was avoidable).

that was my initial worry to that this year will be the start of my biennial smog check cause the of the downpipe.

based on the new law i think we are good until 2021!

[MONSTAR]

Originally Posted by yoon_209

that was my initial worry to that this year will be the start of my biennial smog check cause the of the downpipe.

based on the new law i think we are good until 2021!

daaaang is that what it is? I received my registration paperwork a couple weeks ago (my due date is 1-30-19) and I noticed I didnt have a requirement to get smogged (2013 car). I was curious as to why.....this is awesome!!

Probably wont even have the car anymore in 2021 lol

[yoon_209]

Originally Posted by MONSTAR

daaaang is that what it is? I received my registration paperwork a couple weeks ago (my due date is 1-30-19) and I noticed I didnt have a requirement to get smogged (2013 car). I was curious as to why.....this is awesome!!

Probably wont even have the car anymore in 2021 lol

2019 has started out pretty good!!

[jgoens]

Originally Posted by yoon_209

California just implemented a new law starting 1/1/2019 that exempts our cars for another two years!!!!!!

California AB1274!

Yeah, I saw that. Great news--as I thought I had to do the DP swap this year.

[cefiro8701]

alot of DINAN stuff, including a turbo upgrade is CARB exempt. LOL

[dvaz]

You won't have to deal with smog till 2024..... sooooo i wouldn't worry about it.

[RubberBandMan]

Originally Posted by jh_f30

To my knowledge, CARB certification and smog checks are two different things. I don't think smog shops are doing CARB inspections. That said, you can be "illegal" (non-CARB approved parts) and still pass a smog test.

I've heard stories about people getting snagged for a CARB inspection, but I've never seen it firsthand. IMO, if your car looks fairly stock, isn't shaking windows when you drive by, or isn't blowing black smoke, you should be fine.

That's said, catback is fine, won't throw codes. Same goes for FMIC. There have been a few users reporting codes from certain intakes, but really, the stock system is more than capable. CAIs don't really add much besides sound and engine bay decoration. And I assume an aftermarket catted dp MAY still pass smog as long as it doesn't throw any monitor codes.

Thanks. This is what I was mostly getting hung up on - carb eo vs. passing smog. I'm not really concerned about legality, just want to prep myself for smooth sailing down the road when dealing with smog. Based on the info on some of the other posts, looks like AB 1274 ensures I won't have to worry about it for a while!

[RubberBandMan]

Originally Posted by yoon_209

California just implemented a new law starting 1/1/2019 that exempts our cars for another two years!!!!!!

California AB1274!

This is huge, and I had no idea until seeing your post. Thanks for spreading the good news!