So i was able to get this car for next to nothing from a former classmate who abandoned it in the DMV parking lot for the city to take when it wouldn't start.

I got it home and cleared that up. (fault with the security interlock related to a break in attempt).

Now im on a quest to get the thing to pass california smog. All i know is that it didnt pass, she lost the paperwork form the test station...I had a brief conversation with her previous mechanic, and he said he had jumped something related to the mass airflow sensor, but it made the results worse.

its a 95 E320 M104 w124 wagon. Its not showing any engine codes or CEL, but could that be due to not driving it for long enough, ive had it for a month or two and only ran it to move it for street cleaning, If i remember correctly from an older w124 you have to drive it for about 20mins to get the codes?



Experts: Where should i start? Looks like a common issue is EGR tube blockage? wouldn't i be getting a code? Can i test this with a hand vacuum pump?

Other weird things: When i first start the car up and give it a little gas to get out of the parking space the engine will sputter and stall, once it warms up its not as bad.


I live in the Bay Area and smog tests for this car seem to be expensive, around $100 a pop. So id like to try some easy/cheap things before i send it it in for the first test.