grrrr etest failed... some help where to start
 

So I had to get some ownership transfering done and the MTO says i have to redo etest..i did as told and it failed in one category

Curb Idle HC PPM 200 / 718 FAILED

40KM Limit / Reading Results
HC PPM 60 / 13 Passed
CO% 0.33 / 0.18 Passed
NO 0675 /19 Passed

Curb Idle Limit/ Reading Results
HC PPM 200/ 718 FAILED
CO% 1 /0.07 Passed


Anyone help with where to start?
searching tells me misfire, dirty injectors and unburnt gas

I sometimes get the feeling that the car smells a lot inside of gas. (could be just me reving too much learning to drive it but my dad mentioned the car smells quite a bit as well) Possible vaccum leak of some sort?

Any help for the clueless?

High HC at idle means it's running rich.

Does it idle properly? Any smoke?

I'd check the IAC for a start.

I agree that it seems to be running rich at idle.
How old are the O2 sensors and spark plugs?

If a car you just bought fails emissions, replace the spark plugs and O2 sensor before guessing. Buy an O2 from a 5.0 Mustang from Crappy Tire for 55 bucks (exact same Bosch sensor), crimp on the connector from your old one. If it still fails at that time, then start thinking.

i don't notice any smoke on idle.. and it seems to be running nice... it pretty much starts right up if i stall or first start of the day..

what is the IAC? as everyone knows already i don't know anything about anything...when it comes to cars

If it starts smoking then it's time to call a car priest. Change the spark plugs and O2 sensor.

Do the plugs, wires, o2 and check for vacuum leaks.

methyl hydrate in the gas.

anybody want to help me do something on the weekend lol...

methyl hydrate.. google tells me this is antifreeze... i just pour some into the gas tank.. is this going to cause harm? should i be worried that the car actually failed etest? i don't mind spending some money to "fix" whatever needs to be fixed since i've invested into this car already

thank again everyone!

Idle Air Control

Should be #5 I believe, the e30 guys can verify.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...13&fg=15&hl=33

^^ICV. Idle control valve. Probably not the cause for rich idle though. Rough yes. I would bet it's just the O2.

Gasline antifreeze, not just "antifreeze". Burns cleaner and hotter than gas, as it's alcohol IIRC. I'd probably try and fix what's broken first, methyl hydrate as a last resort.

Spark plugs, adjust your valves, O2 sensor to start with, don't forget a new air filter if it hasn't been done.

Just a though, if it's rich at idle but not off idle, could it be the TPS idle switch not connecting properly (ie/ car isn't going into the idle loop, dumping too much gas at idle?) With the car off, open your hood and move the throttle butterfly from closed to open, and then let it close again. Listen closely to see if you can hear a quiet click. If no click, it's not hitting the idle microswitch.

o2 sensor is new, spark plugs are new.. my dad smells gas fumes on the left side of the car.. any ideas?

Check the pcv valve
Red line
High grade fuel ;)
Hows the catilic
and yah =)

You know this because you were told so or because you've paid to have these things replaced?