I've searched google and the boards, but I can't find out what year catalytic converters became required? I looked under my 79 and it doesn't look like I have one

I was told cars in 76 had them. Mine sure doesnt.

All I know is that on bimmerparts.com they have a cat for an 80 320i, but none for 77-79 ... hmmm

My dad says it was in 75 - 76

For e21 80 was the first year for a catalyst. Thermal reactors were used prior.

Cris

Thanks Cris ... I wonder if I'm going to have an issue with inspections because I don't have a cat?

I doubt it. Older cars get a break I'm pretty sure :)

Thanks Cris ... I wonder if I'm going to have an issue with inspections because I don't have a cat?
You might have a thermal reactor built into your maniflold.

You cant get marked for not having one because the sticker on the door jamb specifically says NO CAT. This means the car doesnt need/have one. You have the EGR/thermal reastor on the manifold so not cat is needed.

And all E21's had cats from 80-83, and Im sure that was the first years for BMW to do this...

Excellent ... and speaking of EGR, how is it that I reset that service light?

Follow the speedo cable on the driver side engine bay/ underneath, you will see the cable run into a small box, on the underside of this box is a reset button, push it in and the light will stay off for another 25k miles. you can do it from the top and follow the cable if your stretch armstrong, or you can get underneath and get a view of what your doing...

There were different way mfgs met the smog laws, BMW was able to meet the requirements without cats until '80. Other mfgs went to them sooner. There was no law that said "after XXXX date all cars will have cats". The govt just set polution limits and the mfgs met them any way they could.

ken