Oily Spark Plugs | Failed Emissions Inspection

[BMW_Hatchback]

Failed the idle test portion of my emissions inspection with a HC (ppm) reading of 1390 . State standards are 175.

HC (ppm) was 426 when I failed last summer in 2013, now with new O2 sensor, VC gasket, plugs, coil boots, and an oil change, my HC jumped to 1390.

I checked plugs 103 and found them dripping in oil, as well as some oil in the plug well. No strong visible trail of oil leaking down from the VC, not sure if it's coming up through the ring side.

I will probably start at the least expensive item which would be a new VC gasket and new plugs, but what else should I look into? Thanks for any help.

95 S50 with Turner Stage 3 kit

[BlackBMWs]

Could it also be a bad Cat? I failed similarly on both my M42 motors (318ic and 318ti) and I put in a California certified Magnaflow Cat and passed each time. Cost for me was <$205 plus a burrito and large Pepsi. (my welder dude likes burritos and Pepsi's)

Kept two of my cars legal and on the road.

[BMW_Hatchback]

Originally Posted by BlackBMWs

Could it also be a bad Cat? I failed similarly on both my M42 motors (318ic and 318ti) and I put in a California certified Magnaflow Cat and passed each time. Cost for me was <$205 plus a burrito and large Pepsi. (my welder dude likes burritos and Pepsi's)

Kept two of my cars legal and on the road.

I know there's no way I'd pass with plugs dripping in oil, not sure the condition of the cats though