 » Site Navigation | | | | » Recent Threads | 1999 M3 Swap 09-07-2023 10:10 PM 05-02-2024 08:18 PM 6 Replies, 351,317 Views | |  |  |  |  04-15-2013, 04:08 AM | #1 | | Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Fremont, CA Posts: 148 |  Issue with Catalytic Converter/California CARB Regulations
I took Trixie to be smogged. I got a notice saying it had to be a STAR-certified station, which I think means they do a more thorough inspection. I didn't expect any issues, but the inspector found that the aftermarket catalytic converter that the previous owner had installed three years ago (by a shop in California) was not CARB-certified for BMW. It turned out to be the correct part for a VW/Audi! I found the receipt for the repair so I know which shop did it. Do you think there's any chance I can get the original shop to fix it? I don't have the money for a new cat. __________________
Trixie
Alpine White 1996 BMW 318ti Sport |  |  | | 04-15-2013, 04:28 AM | #2 | | Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: norcal - 94590 Posts: 3,186 |
I would absolutely go back to the shop who installed it and raise a ruckus... If they installed the wrong part, they need to fix it. I am sure they will resist, but stand your ground... __________________ James 95 active w/leather interior and sport interior conversion, Vaders, full M-Tech exterior conversion. Now m50 swapped* Eibach sway bars, D2 Coilovers, Depo's w/AE's, blacked-out sides and grills, LeatherZ console and door armrests, 1 series starter button mod, and custom finished Style 5's <--- in this color! Named "Roddy":  *M50 6 cyl. swap with fan delete, S50 cams and chip, AFE stage 2 intake, M3 clutch and 11.5 lb Fidanza flywheel, 3.15LSD, battery relocated to rear and complete custom exhaust. Sweet!  97 318ti sport, Alaska Blue, Contours, coilovers, Dove Vaders and custom black/grey interior named "Max" 95 318ti Active in Cosmos, S50 swap in progress... named "Pit" SUPPORT 318ti.org! CLICK THE LINK ABOVE! Hosting a forum like this is not free. 318ti.org is one of the best BMW forums on the web because it is member supported, not vendor supported. The cost to become a Supporter is a nominal $10.00... A YEAR! DO IT! NOW! | | | | | 04-15-2013, 04:42 AM | #3 | | Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 1,464 |
I'm pretty certain that it isn't legal for a shop to install an aftermarket converter when that converter isn't specific to the make/model of car. You might want to bring that to their attention if they tell you to go pound sand. This FAQ sheet from CARB might be helpful... __________________ 
1995 318ti Base - Cosmosschwarz/Sandgrau R.I.P.
1997 318ti Active - Alpinweiß III/Sandgrau
2013 328i Coupe - Le Mans Blau | | | | | 04-18-2013, 06:30 AM | #4 | | Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Fremont, CA Posts: 148 |
Damn! Lee's Complete Auto Care in San Martin is out of business!
Since I can't collect from them, I'm going to have to get one installed myself. Motorspeed West in Santa Clara said they could do it for about $425 out the door. __________________
Trixie
Alpine White 1996 BMW 318ti Sport | | | | |
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