97 328is emissions problems

Thebestofsteve2

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Nov 2, 2005, 6:33:26 PM11/2/05

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I just bought a 97 328is with 100k miles. Before I can register it, I
need to pass emmissions. The first time I went for a test, it failed. I
got it diagnosed and got an estimate. They said that I needed 2 new 02
sessors in bank 1. They also recommended that I run some sort of
cleaner through the cat to get rid of the carbon, i believe.
I replaced the sensors and cleaned the carbon. Had a retest, but the
computer aborted. They said I needed to drive it more for the computer
to reset. I drove it for another week. At least once a day from hot to
cold, about 10 miles each time.
Now- I have 20 drive cycles. Went to have a retest at a different
garage. The computer aborted again.
I have one mechanic telling me to replace the cat
I have another mechanic telling me to drive the car more because I need
to flush out the cleaner I put through the cat.
Does anyone have an opinion?
Thanks!!

Malt_Hound

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Nov 3, 2005, 9:33:35 AM11/3/05

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What does "the computer aborted" mean? The "computer" does not abort.
It either passes the emissions test or fails. If it fails they will
tell you which parameters are failing.

Also, 10 miles is not far enough to fully warm up the cat. Just because
the engine coolant temperature reaches normal does not mean the engine
(and especially the cats) is fully up to temp. Take it for a nice long
drive for at least an hour or longer. Wring it out a few times (after
it comes up to temp). Get the rpms up above 4000 for a while.

--
-Fred W

Dotcom Computers Ltd

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Nov 3, 2005, 12:53:08 PM11/3/05

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In news:WsKdnYd81fxcgvfe...@adelphia.com,
Malt_Hound" <""Malt_Hound\"@*spam-me not*yahoo.com <""Malt_Hound\"@*spam-me
not*yahoo.com"> typed:

My 93 525i is the same - good hour run, over 4000rpm after the engine has
heated up, just watch out for the speed cameras :) and the whole exhaust/cat
systems are then up to temp. This is with 280,000 Miles on the clock.

Sailed thru the MOT last month.

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JB

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Nov 4, 2005, 6:56:50 AM11/4/05

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"Dotcom Computers Ltd" <invalid@invalid..invalid> wrote in message
news:c_ednTp0xLb...@pipex.net...

Ditto my E34 520i M50 with over 357,000miles.

> Sailed thru the MOT last month.

Mine too. It's nice when the tester asks "is this mileage right?"

JB

Malt_Hound

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Nov 4, 2005, 10:01:43 AM11/4/05

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Yeah. That's when you tell him, "No, the odometer was on the blink for
a couple of hundred thousand miles, so the actual's quite a bit higher!"
;-)

--
-Fred W

Thebestofsteve2

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Nov 4, 2005, 11:43:47 PM11/4/05

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Thanks Guys,
Car passed emmissions today. I put 250 highway miles on her which did
the trick.

Steve