Need help about smog e39 528i

Hi all,

I'm a new member and I think I can find the best solution here.my 97 e39 528i failed 2 times in smog check.I have uploaded the pictures below,after the 1st trial I changed spark plugs Bosch 7402 and air filter.Also added the chemical called Guaranteed to Pass Smog test (CRC).There is no check engine light in panel so I thought there is nothing wrong with sensors,but after doing basic maintenance I got horrible results.My HC increased to 90 from 58.I think all the other values are reasonable but I have only problem with HC.

What do you think about this problem?o2 sensor,catalytic converter or bad injectors?

I heated the car before both tests also.The values are in the second post.

Hi Bugratu,
It's hard to help you when we can't see the image 'cuz it's HUGE.
It's 2433x1113 pixels (it should be 640x480 or at most 800x400).
Delete the picture you posted and post this one instead so we can read w/o having to scroll side to side.

Then read this thread on how to manage pictures for bimmerfest.
- How to post shrink modify edit annotate merge upload etc pictures for posting here

See also how far you are from other E39s here:
- Octane emissions smog test results

Does anyone have any idea?What may be the main problem?

Can anyone tell whether catalytic converter is ok or not?

Any update?

What was the end result of this failed smog test? what did you do to get the HC levels where they needed to be? I'm having a similar problem with my 97 528. I failed the first test because I reset the OB computer when I cleared the check engine light after replacing two bad sensors, and the smog machine could not read any codes because they were no longer there, so I needed to drive it for over a 100 miles. My HC during that "failed" test were at 50, just below the limit of 51. I came back after over 300 miles, and with a just cleaned (this morning) K&N air filter and my HC were at 58; FAILED. I'm wondering if it is the oil in the newly cleaned air filter, or do I need to replace the plugs. I sure hope I don't need to replace the coils. those suckers are $85 each.
Thanks, Mike

Maybe this image will help narrow down the problem.

i know this doesn't really help much on solving the problem but by any chance do you have a muffler delete on your 528i?

Another case of someone wanting help, but didn't care enough about us to feed back the solution.