My buddy has a 1995 E420 that can't pass emissions. There is no CEL. Where do I start?

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1995 E420 152k
1991 300D 2.5 348116 daily driver
1992 300E 2.6 196k-work in progress(head gasket)
2002 BMW 745Li 93k

Turn the key to the "ON" position and see if the check engine light comes on as a bulb test, possibly the bulb is inoperative.

It would help to know why it doesn't pass, what part of the emmisions test is too high?

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I'll do the bulb test and grab the paperwork from my buddy in the morning. Will report back.

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1995 E420 152k
1991 300D 2.5 348116 daily driver
1992 300E 2.6 196k-work in progress(head gasket)
2002 BMW 745Li 93k

So did this vehicle got tested with a gas analysis? If so the catylitc converter would be the issue!!!

It sure did.

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1995 E420 152k
1991 300D 2.5 348116 daily driver
1992 300E 2.6 196k-work in progress(head gasket)
2002 BMW 745Li 93k

Well then the issue is most likely to be the catalytic converter!! Of there are no actuall issues with the way the engine runs!! I suggest before you go ahead and change the catalytic converter check yay the engine is correct running order!

Well the engine was running fine yesterday, but yet it was a little sluggish going uphill.

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1995 E420 152k
1991 300D 2.5 348116 daily driver
1992 300E 2.6 196k-work in progress(head gasket)
2002 BMW 745Li 93k

When you say sluggish what do you exactly mean? Is this a diesel or a petrol engine? Look for exhaust leaks before the catalytic converter! But I would say that your catalytic converter is the issue.

Petrol. I hadn't driven it. She stated that it had lost it's pep.

__________________
1995 E420 152k
1991 300D 2.5 348116 daily driver
1992 300E 2.6 196k-work in progress(head gasket)
2002 BMW 745Li 93k

Look for Exhuast leaks!! Look under the car at all the exhaust pipping If there are any leaks. If there are leaks there will be black carbon marks around the leak.
Let us know how you go with that

Will do.

__________________
1995 E420 152k
1991 300D 2.5 348116 daily driver
1992 300E 2.6 196k-work in progress(head gasket)
2002 BMW 745Li 93k

I've had a number of E420s fail emissions test over the years, and it was always cured by a bottle of "Guaranteed to Pass", following the directions, followed by new spark plugs and a warm engine for the test. I've never heard of an E420 catalytic converter failure. But in any case post your test results in the morning.

Also try reading the emission fault codes on the 8 pin connector in the engine compartment - no tools required.

Guaranteed to Pass.???????

__________________
1995 E420 152k
1991 300D 2.5 348116 daily driver
1992 300E 2.6 196k-work in progress(head gasket)
2002 BMW 745Li 93k

Just about any place that sells auto parts - $7-8 as I recall.

Thanks.

__________________
1995 E420 152k
1991 300D 2.5 348116 daily driver
1992 300E 2.6 196k-work in progress(head gasket)
2002 BMW 745Li 93k