LOL...'elder' whoops..
Yes those are rather tight for 'elder' vehicles - seems those of us 'over the pond' need to meet 'real' regulations
although I'm particularly pleased with the loop hole I've discovered
I think the reason for the BET is to keep throughput to a maximum. As you can imagine, if the test station simply uses one set of limits for all cars they only need to gather the required information (VIN, Model etc) and follow the painful flow diagrams upon failure - which I image is probably only 10-15% of cars, if that.
That's the only reason I can see - turnaround. The BET testing had me wondering for a while, why on earth do two tests, but it does make some kind of sense when you think about the 'environment' typical garages work in.
In the UK we don't typically have specific test stations for emission checks but testing is carried out annually at regular garages upon our MoT (annual check for car roadworthyness).
Best thing is that I now have a reasonable if not 'more than average' understanding of UK emissions testing AND that my car scores a perfect 50% Lambda too...
I've saved GBP1500 (not having to purchase a new Cat) so it's off to buy all those 'nice' things I've been waiting for all winter - watch out MB, here I come...
