Join the community and post your question. Use our Ask-A-Tech for free now! ASE experts standing by.

Forum > Failed Smog Test > Question

2005 BMW X5 Smog Repairs Cost More Than Car Is Worth

The BMW dealer told me that the cost to repair my BMW X5's smog check issues is $12k. That's more than my car is worth. I have a 2005 BMW X5 4.4. Besides the smog test issue, the car is in excellent condition. It only has 119k miles on it, very low for a 9 year old car. Is there any type of exemption I can request or something else I can do? HELP please :)

Answer:

Our first recommendation would be to circumvent the BMW dealer; visit a STAR smog test & repair center who is familiar with BMWs. The repairs are more than likely going to cost way below the dealers quote. Make no mention of the dealer's repair price. Just pay for a diagnosis; should be 2 hours of labor, and see what repairs they come up with. honestly, $12,000 sounds way to high for smog check repairs, assuming you don't need a new engine, or complete exhaust system (BMW catalytic converters are expensive)... but with 119,000, unless your BMW was running terribly for a long period of time, the CATs should not need replacement. Bottom line, get a second opinion. Next... if your second opinion turns up the same results, consider applying for the State's Consumer Assistance Program. They will pay up to $500.00 for repairs, and then after that if your BMW still needs repairs to pass (and you can not afford them) you can be issued a one time 2 year smog check waiver from the Bureau of Automotive Repairs. www.smogtips.com/consumer_assistance.cfm posted by SmogTips Support

Related questions and answers you might find useful:

How Do I Get a Smog Check Waiver? by Margaret

Do I Need a Smog Check This Year? by Joy

Mini Cooper DMV Registration Due in 5 Day Won't Pass Smog by anne

2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo with K&N Air Filter by David

1995 BMW M3 Gross Polluter High HC & NO @ 15MPH by Jared

View SmogTips.com in: Desktop / Mobile