MBWorld.org Forums - 1990 300ce Smog 2.0

Ok, happy news,... finally got my DD 1990 300ce M104.98 to pass the smog on the 9th try....(hurrah!..?)...the tags expired in Jan. '15, and I've been working on it and driving it ever since. You'll notice that the HC max parameter is dodgy. Maybe the valve seals? ..or the fuel distro/EHA. I think the new injectors helped as did the entire engine vacuum line system replacement, the new radiator, the new belt tensioner, and 4 new idle air hoses under the fuel distributor, as well as the EGR tube reaming. It still failed after all that and I had to take it to a mechanic, as I was told by my spouse that I am not a mechanic, which is true. She thinks getting pulled over by the cops with our son and his friends in the car is a bad idea....I went to Ken at K&W German Motors in Encino, ..bit of a hike from the Hollywood Hills but worth it. Super nice guy and very good prices. He made me change out the belt tensioner before he took the car in and he got me the Febi parts for a good price. After that he did a smoke test for vacuum leaks and tweaked the mixture to lean (44to52 duty cycle). The real fix was a new Magnaflo cat (#338008), a high flow unit that may get me past the next smog..........maybe.

I have been foolishly and enthusiastically rebuilding this car one part at a time and have a long list of new parts including the rebuilt transmission (2yrs.ago,Boulevard Auto) Anybody want to trade for something?...maybe a 190e 2.6?.....or a W202 >'98?
My car has 114k miles on it, runs like a panther and looks good too.......anybody?

After all this, I love how the smog form spits out "Congratulations!..your vehicle passed!....".....too f#*%ing funny.