California Smog Check Fail
I am the proud owner of a manual 525i 1993 with 222000 miles. Recently I moved to California. I took my car for a smog inspection and it failed. There are 3 tests that take place at 15 and 25 mph: Hydrocarbon ppm, NOx, and CO. I passed NOx and CO no problem, but I failed the Hydrocarbon (HC) ppm at 15 mph severely and barely failed at 25 mph. At 15 mph (2nd gear) the limit is 83 HC ppm; I got about 220 HC ppm. At 25 mph (3rd gear) the limit is 50; I got about 54 HC ppm.
About a year ago, I replaced the O2 sensor after receiving that fault code,rebuilt the VANOS, and replace the spark plugs. The car has the stock computer chip and only sees mobil 1, everything that has been replaced is a Pelican part product or OEM and still has great performance overall (30 mpg highway!). To me it sounds like an issue in the fuel injection system (running too rich). I believe the cat, though it may be old is still doing it's job.
Can anyone please confirm or advise on my current situation?
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