After reading about the carbon buildup issue I was thinking about installing a BSH oil catch can on my wife’s ’08 R55 S. What I haven’t been able to find is whether or not an oil catch can will trigger a fail in California’s strict smog test. Has anyone on here passed smog with an oil catch can in Caliifornia?
I want to be sure before I buy one as I've had my SVT F-150 Lightning failed for not having a CARB sticker on my Volant CAI. I'm worried about this being a red flag on the smog inspection.
Thanks - I'm ready to pull the trigger one one but I don't want a $200 paper weight like my Volant turned out to be.
You might try calling BSH and asking them if their OCC is CARB exempt. I know NM Engineering works to try and have all of their products CARB exempt. They also have recently added their own OCC (somewhat expensive) and it may have the exempt, but it's not clear in checking their website. So if you are interested in that product, you may need to give them a call as well. What ever you do, try to catch those PCV fumes. The walnut blast treatment is the preferred repair because the head doesn't need to be removed. But can be expensive @ around $600.00
The first thing I did was call BSH a couple of hours ago and left a message on their voice mail - they haven't called me back yet and that's why I am asking on here. I have also searched on a few MINI forums for the answer with no luck. Hopefully either someone on her or BSH can answer this question.
I installed the catch can myself and it was a simple install. I would just uninstall before the smog test that's 5 years down the road. BTW, you must plug the rear PVC to get the benefits of the catch can.
I had to bring my '08 MINI in for a smog check after I bought it - paid for by the dealer, so that means I will have to pass the smog check again in two years. If it's not that big a deal I could install one and uninstall it every two years, but it would be a lot nicer if I didn't have to.