Maryland State Emissions test failure-any suggestions?

1986 BMW325e 178,000 miles:
First test: FAILED NOx [actual=3.4829(gpm)cutpoint=2.8000(gpm)].
So I changed oil and oil filter,spark plugs and air filter. Ran a full
tank of gas with a bottle of Guaranteed to Pass and put a bottle of
Heet in tank before retest with Chevron 87 octane gas. I ran the car
for over 1/2 hour before retest to get it hot.

Retest results: FAILED NOx [actual dropped to 3.0586(gpm)]AND
FAILED HC [actual=2.0497(gpm)cutpoint=1.8000(gpm)]

My car does burn and leak oil but it starts right up, idles smoothly
and drives great. There is no visable smoke to speak of. My O2 sensor
has been replaced and has +/- 45,000 miles on it. My catalytic
converter was replaced within the past year, but with an inexpensive
universal replacement not with a BMW replacemnt.

I've searched these groups for hours and tried to follow the advice
gleaned but now my head is spinning. I don't want to spend $$$ to have
my engine rebuilt or do other drastic costly measures but I also don't
want to pollute the air.

BTW 2 years ago when my car was last tested my emission #s were
excellent,way under the standards and I only drive +/- 6,000 miles/yr.

Have you checked for vacuum leaks and the EGR valve?

wrote:
> Have you checked for vacuum leaks and the EGR valve?

my car is not equipped with an EGR valve and I have no idea nor proper
equipment to check for vacuum leaks. Thanks for the suggestions.

If the cost of repair exceeds a certain amount, you can get a waver. Check
with your local emissions inspection station for more information on the steps
you need to take for that.

I believe in MD it's only if it's need based...HOWEVER, if you have a
receipt showing a mechanic did $400.01 or more in emissions related work and
it still fails, then you can get a waiver.
Richard
"James C. Reeves" > wrote in message
...
> If the cost of repair exceeds a certain amount, you can get a waver.
Check
> with your local emissions inspection station for more information on the
steps
> you need to take for that.
>
>

On Wed, 8 Dec 2004, James C. Reeves wrote:

> If the cost of repair exceeds a certain amount, you can get a waver.

....IF you can demonstrate financial hardship, which is going to be rather
difficult to do when the vehicle in question is a BMW.

"Daniel J. Stern" > writes:
> On Wed, 8 Dec 2004, James C. Reeves wrote:
>
>> If the cost of repair exceeds a certain amount, you can get a waver.
>
> ...IF you can demonstrate financial hardship, which is going to be rather
> difficult to do when the vehicle in question is a BMW.

Oh, come on. The OP's car is a 1986 BMW 325e! They go for less than a
grand these days.

--
Ignasi.
(using SPAM trap e-mail address)

On Wed, 8 Dec 2004, Ignasi Palou-Rivera wrote:

> Oh, come on. The OP's car is a 1986 BMW 325e! They go for less than a
> grand these days.

Goooood! Then the OP has plenty of money left to fix the damned thing
right.

Hey Daniel, why are you getting so nasty? I posted a question hoping
that you guys/gals with this type of knowledge could help me as I have
helped others in my area of expertise. Don't get so upset with me ok?

"Daniel J. Stern" > wrote in message
.umich.edu...

> On Wed, 8 Dec 2004, James C. Reeves wrote:
>
> > If the cost of repair exceeds a certain amount, you can get a waver.
>
> ...IF you can demonstrate financial hardship, which is going to be rather
> difficult to do when the vehicle in question is a BMW.

No, if you can prove that you made an attempt to have the vehicle repaired
and the costs are $400 or above than Maryland will issue you a waiver, so I
have been told. It's asinine that one would even believe that the emissions
test has clean air as its goal instead of generating revenue for the state.
It is just more bull**** to fleece the public.


Rita