Smog for stage 2 M3 / California

hkalavi · 05-13-2021, 03:41 PM

Hi all,

I have a stage 2 M3 with BM3, cat less downpipes, live in SF bay area

All work was done at sonic motorsport in San Jose which is now gone.

Any recommendations on where to get a smog- anyone "know a guy..."

Many thanks in advance

N1rve · 05-13-2021, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hkalavi

Hi all,

I have a stage 2 M3 with BM3, cat less downpipes, live in SF bay area

All work was done at sonic motorsport in San Jose which is now gone.

Any recommendations on where to get a smog- anyone "know a guy..."

Many thanks in advance

Nope, don't know anyone like that Officer. Nothing illegal going on here.

jpy1980 · 05-13-2021, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n1rve

nope, don't know anyone like that officer. Nothing illegal going on here.

hahahahhaha

hellokitty · 05-15-2021, 12:54 AM

I wouldn't do a special smog anymore, especially nowadays in CA. Uninstall the flash, go back to stock, get emissions ready and get it passed normally.

The BAR has caught on to these illegal techniques and has datamined all OBD2 data from every OBD2 smog taken. Any inconsistency in the smog data for your particular vehicle will send you to the state referee on the spot for a "light" OBD2 inspection where they plug your car in and validate your DME programming to make sure it is consistent with the stock programming and not modified. Even uninstalling your flash and relocking your DME may not save you from getting sent to the referee. I had to get my car reflashed at the dealer before it will pass.

Ask me how I know…

hkalavi · 05-15-2021, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N1rve

Nope, don't know anyone like that Officer. Nothing illegal going on here.

omg soo funny... thanks for derailing a serious question a member had with your idiotic comment...

RugbyBro · 05-15-2021, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hkalavi

omg soo funny... thanks for derailing a serious question a member had with your idiotic comment...

Damn... that’s exactly what a cop would say

hkalavi · 05-15-2021, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RugbyBro

Damn... that’s exactly what a cop would say

well what do you know, another idiot who thinks he's so witty...

N1rve · 05-15-2021, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RugbyBro

Damn... that’s exactly what a cop would say

FriedPiston · 05-15-2021, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellokitty

I wouldn't do a special smog anymore, especially nowadays in CA. Uninstall the flash, go back to stock, get emissions ready and get it passed normally.

The BAR has caught on to these illegal techniques and has datamined all OBD2 data from every OBD2 smog taken. Any inconsistency in the smog data for your particular vehicle will send you to the state referee on the spot for a "light" OBD2 inspection where they plug your car in and validate your DME programming to make sure it is consistent with the stock programming and not modified. Even uninstalling your flash and relocking your DME may not save you from getting sent to the referee. I had to get my car reflashed at the dealer before it will pass.

Ask me how I know…

It seems wild that the California DMV/B.A.R. would have access to countless proprietary data from private vehicle manufacturers. Not to mention most of the advanced level data are stored on an encrypted section of the DME. Did you happen to check your vehicle's smog readiness state prior to getting flagged?

Not saying this was your case, but many assume that simply accumulating hundreds of miles would automatically complete the readiness cycle following a DME reset. Some items on the readiness checklist actually require certain driving conditions in order to reach completion.

hellokitty · 05-16-2021, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FriedPiston

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellokitty

I wouldn't do a special smog anymore, especially nowadays in CA. Uninstall the flash, go back to stock, get emissions ready and get it passed normally.

The BAR has caught on to these illegal techniques and has datamined all OBD2 data from every OBD2 smog taken. Any inconsistency in the smog data for your particular vehicle will send you to the state referee on the spot for a "light" OBD2 inspection where they plug your car in and validate your DME programming to make sure it is consistent with the stock programming and not modified. Even uninstalling your flash and relocking your DME may not save you from getting sent to the referee. I had to get my car reflashed at the dealer before it will pass.

Ask me how I know…

It seems wild that the California DMV/B.A.R. would have access to countless proprietary data from private vehicle manufacturers. Not to mention most of the advanced level data are stored on an encrypted section of the DME. Did you happen to check your vehicle's smog readiness state prior to getting flagged?

Not saying this was your case, but many assume that simply accumulating hundreds of miles would automatically complete the readiness cycle following a DME reset. Some items on the readiness checklist actually require certain driving conditions in order to reach completion.

Yes I did the drive cycle countless times with my OBD2 scanner plugged in. Everything was ready.

They log and save all of the car data and tie it back to your car as well as similar vehicles. If something falls outside of the standard deviation, you will get flagged at the smog shop. They can compare your latest smog result with your past smog data and if it is different by a big margin, you get flagged.

CT_M3 · 05-16-2021, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellokitty

Yes I did the drive cycle countless times with my OBD2 scanner plugged in. Everything was ready.

They log and save all of the car data and tie it back to your car as well as similar vehicles. If something falls outside of the standard deviation, you will get flagged at the smog shop. They can compare your latest smog result with your past smog data and if it is different by a big margin, you get flagged.

I remember your review on the tune. So are you saying that you had to have the dealer reflash it to stock to pass a basic smog test?

Are you still running your tune then?

hellokitty · 05-16-2021, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CT_M3

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellokitty

Yes I did the drive cycle countless times with my OBD2 scanner plugged in. Everything was ready.

They log and save all of the car data and tie it back to your car as well as similar vehicles. If something falls outside of the standard deviation, you will get flagged at the smog shop. They can compare your latest smog result with your past smog data and if it is different by a big margin, you get flagged.

I remember your review on the tune. So are you saying that you had to have the dealer reflash it to stock to pass a basic smog test?

Are you still running your tune then?

This happened on my N54. I'm still running BM3 on my S55.

CT_M3 · 05-16-2021, 03:44 PM

With that in mind, has anyone encountered issues with the S55 and a tune?

I'm a little surprised based on what I'm hearing that CA can detect differences in the stock flash file, unless its calibration issues like what FriedPiston mentioned.

Unless you are running catless with full bolt ons, my understanding is that smog should be an easy pass with just a tune.

FriedPiston · 05-16-2021, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CT_M3

With that in mind, has anyone encountered issues with the S55 and a tune?

I'm a little surprised based on what I'm hearing that CA can detect differences in the stock flash file, unless its calibration issues like what FriedPiston mentioned.

Unless you are running catless with full bolt ons, my understanding is that smog should be an easy pass with just a tune.

My S55 passed CA smog in 2019. DME has had both MHD and BM3 flash. Flashed back to factory tune and locked DME. Car passed with flying colors.

FWIW, it was the vehicle's first ever CA smog test. I'm assuming OBD test just checks for smog readiness without any references to previous NOx levels like the old sniff test for 1999 and older vehicles.

hellokitty · 05-16-2021, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FriedPiston

Quote:

Originally Posted by CT_M3

With that in mind, has anyone encountered issues with the S55 and a tune?

I'm a little surprised based on what I'm hearing that CA can detect differences in the stock flash file, unless its calibration issues like what FriedPiston mentioned.

Unless you are running catless with full bolt ons, my understanding is that smog should be an easy pass with just a tune.

My S55 passed CA smog in 2019. DME has had both MHD and BM3 flash. Flashed back to factory tune and locked DME. Car passed with flying colors.

Was this the car's first ever smog check?

FriedPiston · 05-16-2021, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellokitty

Was this the car's first ever smog check?

Yes, sir. I also know of many tuned N54s who were able to pass a traditional test using an O2 sensor spacer aka DP fix.

Edit: here's more information on what the OBD check entails -- https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/fac...ems-fact-sheet

hellokitty · 05-16-2021, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FriedPiston

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellokitty

Was this the car's first ever smog check?

Yes, sir. I also know of many tuned N54s who were able to pass a traditional test using an O2 sensor spacer aka DP fix.

Edit: here's more information on what the OBD check entails -- https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/fac...ems-fact-sheet

So be careful on your next smog check. That's how I got dinged. My first smog check was done using an older version of MHD. My second one was flashed with a newer OEM software file via MHD flash back to stock. Smog 2 didn't line up with smog 1 based on my vehicle history, which caused me to be flagged. The first one will pass, subsequent ones are the issue.

FriedPiston · 05-16-2021, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellokitty

So be careful on your next smog check. That's how I got dinged. My first smog check was done using an older version of MHD. My second one was flashed with a newer OEM software file via MHD flash back to stock. Smog 2 didn't line up with smog 1 based on my vehicle history, which caused me to be flagged. The first one will pass, subsequent ones are the issue.

This sounds exactly like your situation:

https://www.asktheref.org/Services/M...iness-Concerns

hellokitty · 05-16-2021, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FriedPiston

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellokitty

So be careful on your next smog check. That's how I got dinged. My first smog check was done using an older version of MHD. My second one was flashed with a newer OEM software file via MHD flash back to stock. Smog 2 didn't line up with smog 1 based on my vehicle history, which caused me to be flagged. The first one will pass, subsequent ones are the issue.

This sounds exactly like your situation:

https://www.asktheref.org/Services/M...iness-Concerns

Yup, there it is!

Boostd4 · 05-20-2021, 04:40 PM

From my conversations with the BM3 support team, the way they back up the factory ROM is similar to Cobb where it is an actual copy of your DME rather than a "factory style" reflash. This should present the correct CVN and Calibration ID during smog. But, making sure the drive cycles are all complete is the other piece of the puzzle.

Now, this is in reference to the scenario where you are uninstalling the tuning software and relocking the DME. Some people think that flashing a "stock" map on top of the tuning software will do the trick, this is definitely not the case.

ByeFelicia · 05-20-2021, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellokitty

I wouldn't do a special smog anymore, especially nowadays in CA. Uninstall the flash, go back to stock, get emissions ready and get it passed normally.

The BAR has caught on to these illegal techniques and has datamined all OBD2 data from every OBD2 smog taken. Any inconsistency in the smog data for your particular vehicle will send you to the state referee on the spot for a "light" OBD2 inspection where they plug your car in and validate your DME programming to make sure it is consistent with the stock programming and not modified. Even uninstalling your flash and relocking your DME may not save you from getting sent to the referee. I had to get my car reflashed at the dealer before it will pass.

Ask me how I know…

Well damn, ok.

Was planning on doing the stock route anyway :/ But you're saying even that is means for suspicion?

hellokitty · 05-20-2021, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ByeFelicia

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellokitty

I wouldn't do a special smog anymore, especially nowadays in CA. Uninstall the flash, go back to stock, get emissions ready and get it passed normally.

The BAR has caught on to these illegal techniques and has datamined all OBD2 data from every OBD2 smog taken. Any inconsistency in the smog data for your particular vehicle will send you to the state referee on the spot for a "light" OBD2 inspection where they plug your car in and validate your DME programming to make sure it is consistent with the stock programming and not modified. Even uninstalling your flash and relocking your DME may not save you from getting sent to the referee. I had to get my car reflashed at the dealer before it will pass.

Ask me how I know…

Well damn, ok.

Was planning on doing the stock route anyway :/ But you're saying even that is means for suspicion?

What you mean by stock? Flashing back to stock using your OEM backup flash plus locking your ecu is going back to stock.

Flashing a stock map is not stock.

Hopefully the difference between the two makes sense lol.

It is good that BM3 saves your actual DME backup. Is this done and uploaded to the cloud?

05-13-2021, 03:41 PM	#1
hkalavi Enlisted Member 10 Rep 30 Posts Drives: 2017 BMW M3 ZCP Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (0)	Smog for stage 2 M3 / California Hi all, I have a stage 2 M3 with BM3, cat less downpipes, live in SF bay area All work was done at sonic motorsport in San Jose which is now gone. Any recommendations on where to get a smog- anyone "know a guy..." Many thanks in advance
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05-15-2021, 12:54 AM	#4
hellokitty Brigadier General 2896 Rep 3,726 Posts Drives: '17 M3 ZCP DCT Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Southern California iTrader: (2)	I wouldn't do a special smog anymore, especially nowadays in CA. Uninstall the flash, go back to stock, get emissions ready and get it passed normally. The BAR has caught on to these illegal techniques and has datamined all OBD2 data from every OBD2 smog taken. Any inconsistency in the smog data for your particular vehicle will send you to the state referee on the spot for a "light" OBD2 inspection where they plug your car in and validate your DME programming to make sure it is consistent with the stock programming and not modified. Even uninstalling your flash and relocking your DME may not save you from getting sent to the referee. I had to get my car reflashed at the dealer before it will pass. Ask me how I know… __________________ 2017 F80 M3 ZCP / AA GESI DPs / Akrapovic Evo / BBS FI-R 19" / Bend Calibration ECUTEK Flex Fuel \| Bilstein B16 DDC + CS EDC / BMC Filters / BMS OCC / CSF HE / ESS CP / Nitto NT555R2 / PD Crank Hub / SPL Suspension / Uniden R7 / Wagner Top Mount IC 2021 Mini GP3 / BMC Filters / BM3 / Cary Jordan E30 / Wagner IC / Remus Race
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05-16-2021, 03:44 PM	#13
CT_M3 Lieutenant 1478 Rep 599 Posts Drives: F80 M3 DCT Competition Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0)	With that in mind, has anyone encountered issues with the S55 and a tune? I'm a little surprised based on what I'm hearing that CA can detect differences in the stock flash file, unless its calibration issues like what FriedPiston mentioned. Unless you are running catless with full bolt ons, my understanding is that smog should be an easy pass with just a tune.
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05-20-2021, 04:40 PM	#20
Boostd4 Private 26 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 2017 F80 ZCP Silverstone Join Date: May 2012 Location: North Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0)	From my conversations with the BM3 support team, the way they back up the factory ROM is similar to Cobb where it is an actual copy of your DME rather than a "factory style" reflash. This should present the correct CVN and Calibration ID during smog. But, making sure the drive cycles are all complete is the other piece of the puzzle. Now, this is in reference to the scenario where you are uninstalling the tuning software and relocking the DME. Some people think that flashing a "stock" map on top of the tuning software will do the trick, this is definitely not the case.
	Appreciate 0 Quote