Half Engine Warning Light

[Tonyh2]

Hi All,
Not sure if anyone can help.
I test drove a manual E89 35i sdrive today, but the EML came on ( Half engine - Yellow).
Put fuel in it and drove back and it went out??
Should I just walk away??

Thanks

[geordie_zed]

According to my handbook that means:

Full engine power is no longer available:
You can continue your journey, but moderate your speed and exercise due caution. Have the engine checked as soon as possible.

If it goes red then there is an engine malfunction and you should stop, switch off the car and call BMW Service ...

HTH.

[Peter-E36]

Hi All,
Not sure if anyone can help.
I test drove a manual E89 35i sdrive today, but the EML came on ( Half engine - Yellow).
Put fuel in it and drove back and it went out??
Should I just walk away??

Thanks

Could be various things really, I had that happen on my 335i (same N54 engine) and it turned out to be a vanos solenoid

[markalp]

Hi All,
Not sure if anyone can help.
I test drove a manual E89 35i sdrive today, but the EML came on ( Half engine - Yellow).
Put fuel in it and drove back and it went out??
Should I just walk away??

Thanks

Yes, if your having EML coming on during the test drive then walk, unless it comes woth a nice long warranty that covers everything.

[Tonyh2]

Thanks for the advise gents. I’m going to give it some serious thought.

[Peter-E36]

Thanks for the advise gents. I’m going to give it some serious thought.

My 2c... don’t walk away if it’s a nice car otherwise, especially if the price is right. Get it checked out by a trusted mechanic and get the codes read to find out what the issue is and if it’s something like the vamps solenoids its such an easy and relatively inexpensive fix (in my case one solenoid was faulty but I replaced both anyway parts were 260 Euro in total and fitted myself with the help of a friend)

Good luck

[paddy wright]

It’s a sign that you should stick with the E85!

[Tonyh2]

It’s a sign that you should stick with the E85!

Haha. I’ve had her for 6 years now and enjoyed every minute ( despite the 4 pot haters on the forum). I wasn’t looking but this thing just landed on me so to speak. It’s a different animal. It’s almost 9 years younger although similar mileage to my E85. Heart says buy it but head says don’t.

[Tonyh2]

Thanks for the advise gents. I’m going to give it some serious thought.

My 2c... don’t walk away if it’s a nice car otherwise, especially if the price is right. Get it checked out by a trusted mechanic and get the codes read to find out what the issue is and if it’s something like the vamps solenoids its such an easy and relatively inexpensive fix (in my case one solenoid was faulty but I replaced both anyway parts were 260 Euro in total and fitted myself with the help of a friend)

Good luck

Cheers Peter
I’ll definitely do as you suggest.
I will get a mechanic to look at it first before I make a decision.

[luffy]

I apologize for bringing up this old thread. I had a similar issue with my vehicle recently; I didn’t know what to do at first but when I hit up the internet, I came across an in-depth article that may be worth reading. Search for "BMW Check Engine Light Half vs Full Meaning on YOUCANIC" and you will see an article that goes over common causes and possible fixes. You can read about it yourself. I hope this information can assist someone else with a similar issue.

[Cymbaline]

This happened to me just after I hit an exceptionally large puddle which swamped the car. I drove on for a few miles home on reduced power and turned the engine off. Then restarted and all was fine and have no problem since. Just thought I would throw this in although prob wont help in your case.