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Mercedes E320 Emission Standards Higher?

What is going on? How can an older vehicle producer better emission results? I own a 1995 Mercedes E320 3.2 L. My car has California factory certification and has NEVER failed a smog check. This time it failed on high HC. My past test show the allowable HC @ 81 ppm @15 mph and 46@ 25. This time the limits were lower 57@ 15 and 32@25. I do not understand how they expect a older car to do better than it was designed to do?

Answer:

We completely understand your frustration. Please note California's emission cutscores for older vehicles are not set to standards of when the vehicle was new, however California continues to tighten emission cut scores in order to meet the California Air Resources Board emission reduction demands. Even when a vehicle is old (high mileage) if its emission systems are functioning properly it should be able to pass the California smog test. In rare circumstances where absolutely everything has been done to bring a vehicle up to emissions code and yet a failure still exists, the State's smog check referee's office may be able to assist. You may contact the Referee's Office by calling (800) 622-7733. posted by SmogTips Support

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