I heard there is a new component to the california smog-check that tests if your car's gas tank is sealing correctly. (??) It's not the gas-cap check, it's something completely new that is causing OBD-I cars to fail that previously didn't.

I'm not exactly sure if that's even right. Anyone know any more info? I think it has to do with the gas tank's evaporative emissions....

Yah, it's an evap test. They put a fitting on your gas filler tube and pressurize it, then look for it to lose pressure indicating that there's a leak.

The guy didn't have an adapter that fit my E30 when I had it smogged 2 months ago, so I got to slide without doing the evap test.

I had no idea they were doing this already...It's been three weeks since I've gotten my smog check done... my car passed 1st try...thank god...

e36 the test in not applicable.Alot of euro cars cannot be tested.If you can find your charcoal cannister(under hood),and its got rubber lines coming out of it.It can be tested.

e36 the test in not applicable.Alot of euro cars cannot be tested.If you can find your charcoal cannister(under hood),and its got rubber lines coming out of it.It can be tested.

+1

I think all BMW OBD1 (3, 5, and 7 series) are exempted.

We had a 1995 M3 that failed smog and we were looking for leak. We had trouble with it and took the M3 to a smog place. They helped us with the car and found no looks but when we entered the VIN to the computer it said that the m3 is exempted from the EVAP test.

So looks like the M3 owner is going to get pissed at the smog guy that failed him.