Emissions Issues Z3 1.9 1998

[Miffysmith]

Hi all

Looking for some advice, please.

(PS. i'm not a mechanic, so go easy on the terminology lol!)

Car is struggling to meet emissions requirements. I've changed the plugs, cleaned the air filter, and dosed the fuel with an injector cleaner... still, to no avail.

I believe the Cat is quite new, but need to check.

She splutters a little on tick-over, so could it be the leads to the plugs (are these high tension leads)?

If anyone could recommend any other areas that could be contributing, that would be much appreciated.

Thanks all

Jonathan

 

[t-tony]

Post a picture of the emissions fail certificate then we can see why it failed the test. Without that anyone is simply guessing Jonathan.

Tony.

 

[Andyboy]

The 'new cat' is a good place to start. The new aftermarket ones are generally garbage and just don't work. The problem with four cylinder E36 stuff is that the cat is too far away from the manifold and struggles to get hot enough. It's been suggested to wrap it in heat resistant exhaust wrap - that might help. The engine running perfectly, some cat cleaner and a proper 5000 rpm+ blast to get it as hot as possible is about as good as you can get. Post up a pic of the converter and we'll know what it is.

 

[Duncodin]

But before fiddling with the expensive stuff. Do what Tony said and post the emissions report.

 

[Ianmc]

The 'new cat' is a good place to start. The new aftermarket ones are generally garbage and just don't work.

This reflects my experience with the M44 engine also.

 

[Miffysmith]

Hi all, and thank you for the help, much appreciated.

As I know the mechanic, he kept persevering in order to get her under the limit, but as it was close and I don't want that stress again, I'd like to spend the next 12 months before MOT time again to get a more comfortable result.

The HC and Lambda values were ok, it was the Co2 that caused the worry.

Pic of the exhaust system, attached.

I'm being told to consider the following:

* HT Leads (never had to purchase these before... was not expecting to see the prices lol!... if anyone has any links to a quality option that will fit, much appreciated).

* Coil pack

* Cat

* Fuel filter

* Another flush with injector cleaner (in with the fuel)

* Change air filter

Thanks guys, appreciate your time and knowledge.

Jonathan

 

[t-tony]

Did you not receive a print out of the emission test result? You SHOULD be given one whether you know the tester or not. They can print one from the machine data base and a full picture of the test result (not just HC and Lambda are ok) will help anyone advise what to do.

Tony.

 

[Ianmc]

I'd like to spend the next 12 months before MOT time again to get a more comfortable result.

I found the only way to sort this properly was an OEM cat. Start saving!!!!

 

[Miffysmith]

Did you not receive a print out of the emission test result? You SHOULD be given one whether you know the tester or not. They can print one from the machine data base and a full picture of the test result (not just HC and Lambda are ok) will help anyone advise what to do.

Tony.

Hi Tony, as he managed to solve my problem, I didn't ask too many questions or ask for a copy of the report. She does less than <1k miles per annum, which probably doesn't help matters. Thanks, Jonathan

 

[Miffysmith]

Is there a weblink to a site I can obtain correct/ compatible part numbers for various bits and pieces?

 

[Miffysmith]

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/car-parts/catalyst-converter-10147/bmw/z3/z3-e36/5109-1-9

any comments?

 

[t-tony]

If I am correct these ship from Germany at fair prices.

Tony.

 

[Miffysmith]

If I am correct these ship from Germany at fair prices.

Tony.

Cheers. Would you have any advice on the 6 on offer... seems to be quite a range/ variance in price?

 

[Andyboy]

None of those are proper ones - consider that a scrap Z3 converter is worth £400 upwards. I'd look for an original BMW one made by Eberspaecher and pay £500. Or, just fit a cheap new one the week before the MOT.

Cat theft is rife though. There is a Z3 on a driveway near me under a tarpaulin and some scum chopped the cat off in the middle of the night. That's why I have a cheap crap one on mine and will only refit the original for the day of the MOT test.

Your car has a cheap aftermarket cat btw.

 

[t-tony]

Due to the age of Z3s the cat doesn’t have to be “type approved” which basically means the manufactures can make cheap crap which doesn’t (usually) last for more than 1 or if you’re lucky, 2 years.

Tony.

 

[Andyboy]

I've had decent luck with BM Catalysts - they've always passed the first MOT at least!

I can see this being a problem in the future tbh. My 1994 318Ti (M42) has an engine number from an early 1992 318iS on the V5 meaning it's exempt from cat testing if push comes to shove.

 

[Miffysmith]

None of those are proper ones - consider that a scrap Z3 converter is worth £400 upwards. I'd look for an original BMW one made by Eberspaecher and pay £500. Or, just fit a cheap new one the week before the MOT.

Cat theft is rife though. There is a Z3 on a driveway near me under a tarpaulin and some scum chopped the cat off in the middle of the night. That's why I have a cheap crap one on mine and will only refit the original for the day of the MOT test.

Your car has a cheap aftermarket cat btw.

Thank you Andyboy... beginning to get the sweats now lol! I'd heard of this going on (Cat theft)... no words

 

[Miffysmith]

Due to the age of Z3s the cat doesn’t have to be “type approved” which basically means the manufactures can make cheap crap which doesn’t (usually) last for more than 1 or if you’re lucky, 2 years.

Tony.

 

[Andyboy]

Thank you Andyboy... beginning to get the sweats now lol! I'd heard of this going on (Cat theft)... no words

A cat thief with half a brain* knows that the copy ones like yours are worth about 14p and a Twix.




*Yep - the flaw in that plan.

 

[Miffysmith]

A cat thief with half a brain* knows that the copy ones like yours are worth about 14p and a Twix.




*Yep - the flaw in that plan.

Ha ha... know what you mean Andyboy. My sweats though, are more when i think about the cost of a proper cat! Thing is, i could spend all that and the problem is something else!!! eek.