My vehicle failed a smog check for Modified Software. Now what?
So we recently ran into this with a 2015 BMW X5 M. According to the VIR: Overall Test Results: MODIFIED SOFTWARE (MODIFIED SW OBDII).
Although we complete thousands of inspections, this was the first time we encountered this particular failure type (as of January 2023). This same vehicle passed three years prior. Our customer purchased this BMW out-of-state and required a California smog check to complete the initial registration in 2020.
Our customer swore that he did not modify the OEM BMW software. So, if the vehicle had the same software as before, why is the vehicle now failing in 2023?
The answer is that the State of California changed the testing parameters of the BAR-OIS Smog Check Inspection by adding a modified software check. So for this BMW to pass a smog check in California, the software will need to be restored to an OEM-approved or CARB-approved software configuration.
Modified Software Standards (per BAR)
On July 19, 2021, a modified software check was added to the BAR-OIS Smog Check inspection. Software approved through a California Air Resources Board (CARB) Executive Order should not cause a vehicle to fail for modified software.
Vehicles identified with illegally modified software will fail the Smog Check inspection. The vehicle inspection report will show Modified Software for the overall inspection result. Once the vehicle is restored to an OEM-approved or CARB-approved software configuration, the vehicle may be retested at any licensed Smog Check station, unless otherwise directed by BAR to a Referee or STAR station. Consumers seeking to dispute inspection results may contact the Smog Check Referee by calling (800) 622-7733.