Jump to content
  • When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Emissions Inspection


malagalaga

Recommended Posts

Hi all,

 

My '73 and I will be relocating to Denver in a few weeks for work. We're moving to Denver county and I'm a little nervous about the emissions inspection. My car burns a little oil and puffs smoke on decel. Should I be concerned? I do certainly care about the environment, but I'm not sure how stringent the test is. 

 

Thanks!

1973 BMW 2002 Sahara

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm in Denver county, and I've had to do the two-speed idle test every 5 years on my Collector-registered '76 in the past.  Maybe that's changed now?  I was told the older 75-76 cutoff rule that I previously fell on the wrong side of was now different too.

 

When I first came to Denver from NOLA, and finally got around to getting CO plates, my 02 failed the emissions test, and I had to have it re-tuned to pass. At the time they also had a visual/equipment inspection part of the test, and I was very nervous, as all that thermal-reactor crap had been long gone from my 02, and my engine bay even then didn't exactly look 'stock' ;-) But I passed on my second attempt on the puffer anyway, and the kid who did my visual luckily didn't have a clue what equipment to look for... 

 

I believe I also passed my most recent 5-year registration renewal by coming up clean emissions-wise by going through those drive-by AirCareColorado mobile emissions testing trucks several times leading up to my renewal date.  So I didn't have to take my car to a test center this go around. (yay!)

 

I know a couple folks with older cars who still recently had to do the two-speed (static, non-dyno) idle test. One failed their first attempt, not due to the sniffer, but due to his fuel tank/cap leak-test not passing.

 

BTW - The info posted on the DMV site linked above states:

"NOTE: While collector vehicles were previously exempt from emissions testing in the areas required, a law was passed into affect in August 2013 that now requires emissions inspections for vehicles registered as collector items. Please review the Collector Plate Regulations Change for more information."

 

So to me, I think malagalaga better be prepared for a two-speed static sniffer test when he registers his car here. No?

 

Tom

 

ps: Jim/Ben - when's the last time you both renewed your Collector's Car registrations?

Where we goin’? … I’ll drive…
There are some who call me... Tom too         v i s i o n a u t i k s.com   

Link to comment
Share on other sites

OK - maybe the info at the dmv.org site (which is not a CO official site) has some issues.  I went to our Air Care Colorado site and found this info on 'collector vehicles' and the 2013 rule changes:

 

http://www.aircarecolorado.com/index.php/consumer-information/collector-plates/

 

According to that -- the 75-76 cutoff still exists, and it explains why I still sadly have to do the emissions tests on my 76...  So it seems a 73 with Collector plates might be totally exempt emissions-wise.

 

However under "New Residents" it implies an emissions test is needed for all vehicles except new ones less than 3 years old?

 

"New Residents

If you are bringing a vehicle into the Denver-Boulder and North Front Range emissions program area from another state or from another part of Colorado, including from a basic emissions program area, you are required to obtain an emissions test and register your vehicle in your new county within 90 days of establishing residency. In addition, you may need a VIN verification.

THERE IS ONE EXCEPTION: 

  •  When a newer vehicle is brought into the program area and is less than three years old (from Manufacturer Statement of Origin) the vehicle does not require an emissions inspection at the time of registration. The vehicle will require an emissions inspection when it reaches its fourth model year."

So it still seems a bit confusing...  If it were me, I'd prep in case a test is required - or I'd call AirCare to explicitly confirm...

 

Tom

Edited by visionaut

Where we goin’? … I’ll drive…
There are some who call me... Tom too         v i s i o n a u t i k s.com   

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks all. Tom, I think I'll just call Air Care... seems like the safest bet. My car is generally fine, but it does burn and puff a little on decel. I wonder if the altitude will exacerbate that. I'll probably just drag the '02 up to Denver and evaluate when I get here. 

1973 BMW 2002 Sahara

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks all. Tom, I think I'll just call Air Care... seems like the safest bet. My car is generally fine, but it does burn and puff a little on decel. I wonder if the altitude will exacerbate that. I'll probably just drag the '02 up to Denver and evaluate when I get here. 

If it's just a little decel smoke, I don't think you'll have a problem - esp. if it runs nicely otherwise - but calling ahead is good anyway.  I don't think Denver altitude will affect any valve/ring by-pass significantly -- it just kills your oxygen, and thus power, by 10-15%.  That's why folks like turbos/superchargers up here. ;-P

Where we goin’? … I’ll drive…
There are some who call me... Tom too         v i s i o n a u t i k s.com   

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I renewed the registration in 2011.  The rules changed a few years ago and people had to get the registrations hurridly done to get under the new rules.  None affected me.  If the test is required, it's a one time thing, not every renewal.

Edited by jimk

A radiator shop is a good place to take a leak.

 

I have no idea what I'm doing but I know I'm really good at it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You will most definitely need to do some re-jetting.  Even if you don't need an emission test, you will be running very rich going from Dallas to Denver.  

 

You can also advance your timing quite a ways. 

 

Don't even THINK about CD's 32/36 prescription here.... you'll blow black smoke all day long. 

 

G

The '02er formerly known as Gary in Colorado.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • BMW Neue Klasse - a birth of a Sports Sedan

    BMW Neue Klasse - a birth of a Sports Sedan

    Unveiling of the Neue Klasse Unveiled in 1961, BMW 1500 sedan was a revolutionary concept at the outset of the '60s. No tail fins or chrome fountains. Instead, what you got was understated and elegant, in a modern sense, exciting to drive as nearly any sports car, and yet still comfortable for four.   The elegant little sedan was an instant sensation. In the 1500, BMW not only found the long-term solution to its dire business straits but, more importantly, created an entirely new
    History of the BMW 2002 and the 02 Series

    History of the BMW 2002 and the 02 Series

    In 1966, BMW was practically unknown in the US unless you were a touring motorcycle enthusiast or had seen an Isetta given away on a quiz show.  BMW’s sales in the US that year were just 1253 cars.  Then BMW 1600-2 came to America’s shores, tripling US sales to 4564 the following year, boosted by favorable articles in the Buff Books. Car and Driver called it “the best $2500 sedan anywhere.”  Road & Track’s road test was equally enthusiastic.  Then, BMW took a cue from American manufacturers,
    The BMW 2002 Production Run

    The BMW 2002 Production Run

    BMW 02 series are like the original Volkswagen Beetles in one way (besides both being German classic cars)—throughout their long production, they all essentially look alike—at least to the uninitiated:  small, boxy, rear-wheel drive, two-door sedan.  Aficionados know better.   Not only were there three other body styles—none, unfortunately, exported to the US—but there were some significant visual and mechanical changes over their eleven-year production run.   I’ve extracted t
  • Upcoming Events

  • Supporting Vendors

×
×
  • Create New...