California Tuners, what's a no-no for smog?

[Sweeko]

Hey everyone. I recently purchased a N54 135i as my first project car. I would love to do some modifications as mine is completely stock at the moment. I was wondering if there are any obvious things that fail smog tests in California. Thanks in advance!

[JoeH128]

Non-OEM engine management software, unless specifically approved by California Air Resources Board, will cause a vehicle to fail a Smog Check inspection.

https://www.bar.ca.gov/modified-software

[Sweeko]

Originally Posted by JoeH128

Non-OEM engine management software, unless specifically approved by California Air Resources Board, will cause a vehicle to fail a Smog Check inspection.

https://www.bar.ca.gov/modified-software

So does this mean Tuned vehicles?

[JoeH128]

Changes to engine management software, whether implemented by chips, flash software or tuning modules, are generally illegal in California.

Here is one example of a power module for N54 engines: https://www.bimmerworld.com/Speed-Bu...4-35i-N54.html

The website for this product includes the following statement:
“Notice of Emissions Non-Compliance. This software was developed and tuned on vehicles that retained all emissions controls. It is intended for vehicles with stock and fully functional emissions equipment. However, it has not been submitted nor tested for approval in California. Therefore, it is not legal for installation or use in California on any pollution-controlled motor vehicle.”

The website (https://www.bar.ca.gov/modified-software) referenced in my previous reply states that manufacturers can request certification of their products for use in California. A link (https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/applications/...parts-database) on that page allows you to search for products that have received approval for use in California. The website allows you to search by device type. A search for device type “Electronic Control Unit/PROMs/ECU Programmer” would tell you if there are any approved products for the N54 engine.

[Esteban]

Dinan tunes are California (CARB) approved.

[Sweeko]

Originally Posted by JoeH128

Changes to engine management software, whether implemented by chips, flash software or tuning modules, are generally illegal in California.

Here is one example of a power module for N54 engines: https://www.bimmerworld.com/Speed-Bu...4-35i-N54.html

The website for this product includes the following statement:
“Notice of Emissions Non-Compliance. This software was developed and tuned on vehicles that retained all emissions controls. It is intended for vehicles with stock and fully functional emissions equipment. However, it has not been submitted nor tested for approval in California. Therefore, it is not legal for installation or use in California on any pollution-controlled motor vehicle.”

The website (https://www.bar.ca.gov/modified-software) referenced in my previous reply states that manufacturers can request certification of their products for use in California. A link (https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/applications/...arts-database) on that page allows you to search for products that have received approval for use in California. The website allows you to search by device type. A search for device type “Electronic Control Unit/PROMs/ECU Programmer” would tell you if there are any approved products for the N54 engine.

Thanks man appreciate this. I just bought an MHD tuner and license so everytime I smog I would have to flash back to stock then