Why Did My BMW FAIL Smog So BAD?!

In today’s episode we are about to throw some tools at the wall… I got the 1984 BMW E30 318i down to the smog shop after getting it running pretty well over the last few videos… Well… It failed miserably… Maybe it needs a new catalytic converter? Maybe it needs more tuning up? I'm not too sure yet, maybe you all can give me some insight? In this episode we clean the Idle Control Valve, get it idling a little bit better, and then we pull the valve cover off, and finally adjust the valves. It got things to quiet down A LOT! So, at least we made some progress on the top end. Not sure where to go next to get the idle to clean up some more. I should probably get underneath and take a look at that cat.
If any of you have some insight or experience with this M10 engine, id love to know!
Im looking into a “Sonoran” Smog Check… Just to get this thing registered, then maybe we can sell it out of state…
Anywho… I hope you all enjoy!
If youd like to support the channel consider becoming a member!
/ @dayoffdiy
Or if Patreon is more your speed, we have one of those too!
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Tools Used:
Feeler Gauge Set
amzn.to/460mBSL
3/8 Torque Wrench
amzn.to/48kwD2P
Gasket Maker for Valve Cover
amzn.to/46mw8DJ
Die Grinder
amzn.to/3RjyCyb
Die Grinder/ Drill Wire Wheel Set
amzn.to/3Rqs6Wv
Red Scotch Brite
amzn.to/3EJOOBe
30MM Socket for the Crank Bolt
amzn.to/3PMIT52

[@ahmetsuer5781]

I finally bought a bmw e39 525i after 1 year of search I am a happy human being right now

[@DayOffDIY]

congratulations! a great chassis and a great engine, it should give you years of reliable use!

[@haroonzangana8489]

Love the mix of voice over in this one man. You’re editing is getting better every time. Keep up the great work

[@DayOffDIY]

Thank you! Mic cut out on me again but I had fun with it

[@phatcowboy76]

Catalytic converters don't filter. They burn. Unburnt fuel and carbon monoxide get burn with catalyst metals like platinum and rhodium. They have a chemical reaction with heat and oxygen and turn oxide gases into different benign forms. Like carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide get converted.

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks for the info and the correction! I don’t recall what I said in the video but I’m sure it wasn’t all accurate. So much to learn!

[@weswest8666]

Could try a gallon of parts cleaner in the gas (mixed with half a tank) to clean the fuel system it burns super clean too there are videos on KZbin of bmw guys doing it. Also methanol burns clean too which j think is found in HEET.

[@DayOffDIY]

very interesting ! good to know! Found the source of the clicking noise last night, the ignition control module! putting in a new one today so fingers crossed. Might have to give that a try as well, i think this fuel system could use some love. appreciate the tips wes!

[@fruitysixty6723]

Had similar issue on my E30 318i UK spec - Replaced distributor and all sorted

[@DayOffDIY]

interesting you say that! because just this morning i was hearing a higher pitch intermittent humming noise coming from the distributor, i think i might take it apart and pull it today, inspect, and reinstall. also looking into a complete dizzy replacement but it looks like used would be the best availability

[@johnboutsikos6049]

An mixture is adjusted at air flow meter 5mm allen tu

[@DayOffDIY]

I need to check that next... waiting on ignition module at the moment, found it making the clicking noise I was chasing...

[@deanirwin3645]

One more thing which I'm sure you know but will mention is that on the cat, the best way to check is to measure the inlet and outlet temps while the car is running so you'll need a pyromter or an infrared thermometer. If the OUTLET temp is the same or lower than the INLET temp, your cat is bad.. I'm just throwing all this out before completely watching the video though..LOL.. Keep pushing!

[@DayOffDIY]

great idea Dean! been meaning to pick up a infrared thermometer anyways for checking temps... so would be a good purchase no matter what!

[@DaSixSixOne]

Keep at it bro! Love your channel and thanks for letting us join you on your day off!

[@DayOffDIY]

Appreciate it big time my friend. Made some progress today, should have a new video out in the next day or two! I think I found the problem

[@Astra-rg8hx]

Dude, dont get disheartened..we have all been there. My E30, 325i idle used sit at 800 r.p.m. I know you would have checked the Bmw forums to check out if anyone else has experienced this problem before..

[@DayOffDIY]

I appreciate it, ive been digging around, did your idle sit higher in park and drop once it had load on it?

[@Astra-rg8hx]

Mines was a stick, even when I stuck into 1st gear the idle was at 800 r.p.m....I know you will find tge solution to the problem....

[@cdeprima1209]

You have to detune it esp. at idle to reduce emissions!

[@johnboutsikos6049]

The idle control valve speed is set with an adapter and a fluke meter frequency setting .. those M10 motors are prone to heavy carbon deposits on intake valves affecting idle quality.. and valve adjustment is critical post decarb of intake .Also valves are adjusted cold only . Timing is set at 2000 rpm looking down on flywheel opening from top down when you se the steel ball you're set must use a timing light .

[@DayOffDIY]

great info. My flywheel doesnt have the traditional steel ball ive seen referenced in some of the manuals, it has a slightly different marking. However, i will be going back and retiming the car after I get this ignition module replaced, and I will be removing the nickel from the intake, and redoing this whole procedure again.

[@xxxxx2147]

To sort out idle issues you need a new full distributor unit new arm and cap will not cut it

[@DayOffDIY]

interesting! I drove it to the gym this morning and heard a higher pitch humming noise coming from below the dizzy cap, its intermittent, but i was going to pull it apart today. maybe sourcing a dizzy is my next move...

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

What is a dizzy 😵‍💫, the thing that makes me vomit? 😂 I wish that I knew more than the basics so that I could be of help to you my friend.

[@WiimanX2]

⁠@@mitchellbarnow1709slang for distributor

[@tweedjohnny8740]

I'm a wk late but I had to wait until I was having a up day. I really feel for you on the IRS! Things have a way of working them selves out when you step away and get a new perspective on things at least I've found that to be the best answer with my 40 years of auto ownership of about every muscle car you can think of. I know I've made some really poor decisions selling a rare piece when I was acting on the impulse of the moment. Alec I'm really happy that more people are getting behind you and supporting the channel. God bless you and be patient.

[@DayOffDIY]

Johnny! Comments from you are always a breath of fresh air. Thank you for the kind words. I found the source of the clicking noise, and ive had a lot of fantastic feedback from viewers on this one. This pre OBD2 diag stuff is so new to me lol. Should have a new part delivered here soon, and I also got an E46 in the shop with a bunch of work to be done, so more content coming soon! Hope all is well with you, talk soon! Cheers

[@georgebaloian8272]

Had a few of these old bummers, one needed injectors, air meter box and a catalytic converter. Good luck

[@DayOffDIY]

Appreciate it George! Sounds like all the expensive components needed for that one.

[@daineseboy78]

Also too. Make sure the thermostat is functioning properly if it thinks it’s cold it’ll idle higher

[@DayOffDIY]

I just put a fresh one in last episode. Not sure of the temp rating, but it’s brand new. Temp usually sits a decent amount under half, I need to check the exact temp. Good point

[@daineseboy78]

@@DayOffDIY definitely needs to sit at half way for it to be working properly

[@robsweekendgarage]

The ICV and cold start injectors can be problematic as well as leaky injectors on these cars from what I’ve read up trying to diag mine. Worn out distributors are also common - check for how much play is in the dist shaft.

[@DayOffDIY]

good notes Rob! Dude youve been working hard! youre putting me to shame with all the wrenching youre doing at your place! Good news, im shooting another video today and i think i found the clicking to be coming from the ignition control module. Got one ordered up and showing up tomorrow morning. Going to do some more work diagnosing and confirming but i think theres a light at the end of the tunnel!!!

[@robsweekendgarage]

@@DayOffDIY I’m sure that you’ll crack it. You great at methodically going thru issues and verifying - not just a parts slinger. Thanks I’ve been busy for sure. The weather has turned for the better and been motivating to get out there. Just shot a vid on a new project car - should be up soon!

[@cdeprima1209]

Disconnect vacuum advance at idle to reduce emissions, if it has that feature.

[@DayOffDIY]

no vcacuum lines I can D/C that i know of, however i think i found the clicking source! replacing the ignition control module today, video to follow soon! thanks for all the feed back!!!

[@mikedamen5572]

The numbers indicate it is running rich and/or incomplete combustion and/or inefficient cat. Could be leaky injectors. Set the timing to the factory specs. Valve adjust should help too.

[@mikedamen5572]

I am assuming you have a timing light. You can also check to see if the timing is changing with RPM so you know the advance is working in the distributor. If not, the distributor probably needs to be cleaned and lubed.

[@DayOffDIY]

correct! I have a timing light and attempted to time it 2 episodes ago, however with the idle intermittently surging it may be timed incorrectly. I found the source of the clicking last night, its the ignition module, so replacing today and then may retime it afterwards. hopefully itll clean up the idle, addressing the injectors would be a great idea too.

[@mikedamen5572]

@@DayOffDIY I was hoping you would find the source of that clicking and the unsteady idle.

[@mikedamen5572]

Love the before and after sound on the valve job. I did the same to my M20 and it sounds a lot better without all that tapping. I had a couple valves that required oversize eccentrics to get within specs.

[@DayOffDIY]

I found the source of the clicking! it was coming from the ignition module so im currently waiting on a used unit from ebay to show up. fingers crossed! Then i need to go through and retime it all

[@nbesheer]

I have two M10 E30s. Each had similar idle issues. One was solved with a rebuilt idle control unit from (Programa) and the other we just did the coin trick to get us by. Neither car had to be smogged though so I don't have any information like that.

[@DayOffDIY]

very interesting! this one has a nickel in the ICV already, drilled out to roughly 1/4 inch. i should pull it to see how things run. Also, found the source of the clicking noise last night, the ignition control module! replacing today so fingers crossed

[@squashmouth2128]

I had high hydrocarbon readings in my m60 v8 e34, I used seafoam intake cleaner and then ran the car hard after and it passed.

[@DayOffDIY]

Great idea, getting some seafoam into the intake and injectors would make a big difference I think. Perfect candidate for it. Great idea

[@squashmouth2128]

@@DayOffDIY I used the whole can up and drove the car.. few mins later a massive black cloud came from the exhaust and it was clean soon thereafter.

[@macgroober1396]

I had the same issue on a '91 Accord that I've since sold. Totally different car, but similar powertrain with similar componentry. I did everything on that car to tackle, to include a new ICV, adjusting valves, brand new exhaust (with cats), new distrubtor, new plugs, timing adjusted (with the same gun you have, etc. Possibly something with the ECU? I think you're onto something with that clicking noise.

[@DayOffDIY]

sounds like a real headache! So i found the source of the clicking noise shortly after posting this video, turns out to be coming from the ignition module! I have a used unit on the way so ill update when it arrives and I can test it . Then I need to retime the engine and go back through it. fingers crossed! Cheers and thanks for the comment friend

[@cdeprima1209]

You can run alcohol blend gas to reduce emissions, really!

[@DayOffDIY]

great idea!

[@lieutenantdan8170]

Wow you still have to smog a car that old Cali emissions are wild

[@DayOffDIY]

1975 and older is exempt. Crazy huh… can’t wait to move states 😂

[@whappy212]

Another banger🔥😎 and yess the taxes are always nice😂 3 months ago i got a letter saying i own them 7.8k€ too It was painfull to wire that money🙈

[@DayOffDIY]

Brutalllll!!! Such a kick in the pants… Good to see you again Tinus! Appreciate the support

[@whappy212]

@@DayOffDIY yeah it is brutal...but hey it is what it is.. En yess im always looking out for the next video😎😎

[@WiimanX2]

Can you look into rebuilding the dizzy or better to replace? Also if you could link your film equipment that would be great!

[@DayOffDIY]

Hey wiiman! Yeah I may have to look into a dizzy. Found the clicking today coming from the ignition module so need to tackle that first, should show up in the morning. What filming equipment are you interested in? I made a video on how I make KZbin videos, should be on my channel somewhere. I recently changed editing software to adobe premiere rush on my iPhone. Besides that, everything should be in that video

[@WiimanX2]

@@DayOffDIY Oh okay I’ll take a look. I was referring to stuff like your mic setup, camera, tripod, mounts etc

[@DayOffDIY]

Everything youre looking for should be in that video! :)

[@shahinyousefi9839]

seem like distributor definitely! a littel move back or front, will be ok

[@DayOffDIY]

timing feels spot on so far. Ended up replacing the distributor as well... Ill get an update out soon

[@grantschmidt8662]

I almost think you should not worry about the emissions and just sell out of state

[@DayOffDIY]

That’s honestly a good idea, I just wanted the opportunity to drive it legally on the street… I think I found the clicking source today. Ignition module on the firewall. Got a new one coming stay tuned!

[@luckgrip252]

Hm. Watched the whole video, 18minutes have gone by and no comment yet. What a bummer, wanted to read someone explaining the issues you're having with the E30.

[@DayOffDIY]

I appreciate the support! FruitySixty had a good recommendation that a repalcement distributor helped em fix theirs... ill be doing some more digging today!

[@luckgrip252]

@@DayOffDIY Aye! Good to hear that. Hopefully it'll fix the smog issue to pass inspection. Been loving your content, gone through all your videos 😄

[@johnboutsikos6049]

0.08 mm on intakes 0.10mm on exhaust

[@DayOffDIY]

ahh sounds like I went a little tight on the exhaust. No noise as of right now but ill have to go back in and adjust it.

[@gmanglenn1]

What about the ignition coil? This Is what produces the spark, right? How old is that coil?

[@DayOffDIY]

Haven’t looked into it much yet, could be original! Played around with the connections and no issues so far. I think I found the source of the clicking today. The ignition module… installing a new part tomorrow I’ll let you know if it works

[@deanirwin3645]

Even with the age of the car it still has to pass smog? Also, I think the valve noise is kinda normal.. I have the M20 and it ticks too. Valves have been adjusted a couple times in the past year.

[@DayOffDIY]

sadly here in CA yes... Pre 1974 is smog exempt for gasoline, pre 1994 is exempt for diesel. in my county smog is only required for transferring of title or (sale of vehicle)

[@DayOffDIY]

i was mistaken, it is 97 and older for diesel, and 75 and older for gasoline

[@stephenhennessy2420]

What do you think of 4 cylinder BMWs in general? Ive had a couple of 4 E46s and and a couple of F3Xs and an F11 (diesel) and had no issues, all 4 cylinders. I often hear people should avoid them.

[@DayOffDIY]

This is my first 4 cylinder engine! Never had much experience with any bmw 4 cylinders until the N20 came out, and I despise that engine. I’ve worked on the newer diesel varieties and they are decent, some mini Cooper 4 cylinders and not impressed. Overall I’m a fan of the concept, however I think bmw is best with a straight 6

[@brettnewman5230]

The valve adjustment will help. You should check the distributor definitely and the 02 sensor. I would hot soak the injectors with seafoam, drive it 30min and have it tested again. Good luck!

[@DayOffDIY]

Great idea on the seafoam! I ought to load those injectors up. I think I isolated the clicking to the injector module! Got a replacement on the way for the morning, fingers crossed… Also good notes on the dizzy and the o2 sensor

[@zildog]

There is a vacuum leak. It has to be.

[@DayOffDIY]

I smoked it and theres none that I can see, i did find the clicking noise, its coming from the ignition module so I have a used one on the way. fingers crossed

[@jonikuikka4147]

Greetings from Finland. I Love your content. But one question, do you ever eat anything besides tacos? 😁

[@DayOffDIY]

LOL hello! awesome to have a viewer in Finland! I do indeed, lots of other things besides tacos. my diet and apetite is quite broad, however i usually stop by the taco truck while im working in the garage, makes for an easy, quick, and cheap lunch. plus im a sucker for lime juice HAHAH

[@jaenlafertin2526]

Wow I did not know that the m10 had a cat in USA I’m from belguim and I don’t need one on my m10 and my e30 is a 86

[@DayOffDIY]

Yeah looks like it, I just got it up in the air and its in the middle of the exhaust near the transmission, doubt that its a resonator... looks to be welded in... CA has all the fun emissions equipment

[@lyndonharris9919]

I have the same car and the same problem

[@DayOffDIY]

such a headache... Ill find a solution soon!

[@Crotch_Goblin1]

IRS 46000USD,well man, you need to pay for that 100billion in ukraine 😂😁 Great video🎉

[@DayOffDIY]

lololol straight up! hopefully can get away with a first time abatement and get it waived.

[@DayOffDIY]

thanks for the support!

[@buster8295]

Mechanical fuel injection. Can we spell C-R-A-P?

[@DayOffDIY]

😂😂😂 I think I found the clicking noise today. Ignition timing module on the firewall… felt it clicking and heard it with a stethoscope. Hoping a new one will fix it. Fingers crossed

[@cdeprima1209]

If you run a business you can take deductions until you pay no taxes, really!

[@DayOffDIY]

yeah this was for 2021 before i started my business

[@gmanglenn1]

Get a Bosch ignition coil not a cheap Chinese crap

[@DayOffDIY]

I think this may be an original Bosch. I’ll take a look next time I’m out

[@Mommyhas2smokefirst]

🚗None-op & sell it for sure!🚙 the Stache looks better now that you’re not sick as a side note🍻 U got 3 tacos & a burrito😂😂😂 I was jealous of that part. Love them taco stands 🔥🔥 did u know this car was also in the movie hot chick? Same color and everything. I think none of us have really been as into this car as Brenda. Idk why🤷🏻‍♀️🍎. I am ready for you to sell it & get a new Brenda. 😁✌🏽Alec. You gave me a shout out!!!!! Thank youuuu!!!!!😆😆🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 Also I remember I had just bought my e46 & you had the solution to my problem plus you was so clean and a mechanic and that’s prob my fav part. Now it’s 8 months later and I’m not going nowhere 😂😂 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼

[@DayOffDIY]

Youre awesome Brandi! Appreciate the support. If someone offers me a good deal ill gladly sell it, but until then I gotta keep trying to itll be like accepting defeat! Yeah I eat there a few times a week LOL Its a great car, beautiful and unique, but its more of a long term project for someone who truly loves the E30 platform, Im a big fan but have plans to turn and burn project cars, so it may be too time consuming... we shall see! ill be sure to make some content on it and keep you filled in. Back to the garage I go