Engine Management Warning Light

S

strugglinauthor

Member
Yesterday a yellow engine management warning light (not flashing) popped up. A quick look in the manual says to take it to the dealer and have it checked out. Having looked online it indicates that these can sometimes be false alarms/anomalies and I'm wondering if this is the case as the car feels and sounds the same.

Obviously I'll get the definitive answer when I get it plugged in, but does anyone know what these sorts of warnings 'typically' are? If the answer is 'could be lots of things' then I'll see what Mr BMW says.

Ta.
 
It could be anything so you need the codes read.

A local garage or independent should be able to read cheaper than BMW.
If you have recovery they should be able to do the same for free.
You can buy a cable for about £30 which allows you to read the same as BMW.
You can get apps and generic code readers for a bit less.

If you buy your own you'll save a lot compared to paying £40-60 a time to have them read.
Or perhaps a local forum friend for beer tokens.

Many options, you've picked the most expensive to start with ;)
 
Scooba_Steve said:
It could be anything so you need the codes read.

A local garage or independent should be able to read cheaper than BMW.
If you have recovery they should be able to do the same for free.
You can buy a cable for about £30 which allows you to read the same as BMW.
You can get apps and generic code readers for a bit less.

If you buy your own you'll save a lot compared to paying £40-60 a time to have them read.
Or perhaps a local forum friend for beer tokens.

Many options, you've picked the most expensive to start with ;)
Click to expand...

Thanks for that and yes, I'll be taking mine to a local independent. I had no idea that I could read the codes myself: I assume this is the kind of thing you're talking about? http://www.cable-shack.co.uk/

Are the results the software gives you intuitive? If not then I might find myself going to a garage anyway just to interpret the findings!
 
Interpretation is what this place is for. You only need experience and options when it's something that doesn't have a direct cause.

VANOS solenoid error in my case was pretty easy to figure out - replace the sensor.
Fuel trim issues etc. can be a bit more difficult - which is where google and this place are good to start.

If you use it once it will pay for itself - worst case you pay someone to fix it anyway if you're not handy.

Choice is yours but I'd not be without one.
 
Mine came on about 3 years ago, rough running, slight loss of power, took to independent same day, a split air intake rubber hose. Fixed the next day all good. Best of luck on an easy cheap fix.
 
csm180 said:
Mine came on about 3 years ago, rough running, slight loss of power, took to independent same day, a split air intake rubber hose. Fixed the next day all good. Best of luck on an easy cheap fix.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info. I did call BMW assist and had I suffered loss of power or the warning was red, then they would have attended. Booked in at my local independent on Monday. Fingers crossed. :?
 
hi guys..

help wanted please

Had fault code po420 on my 2006 2.0l sport and been unable to rid myself of it.
had o2 sensors front and rear changed ...code returned
new coils /plugs fitted ,ran smoother but code returned..
had manifold cat changed...400 mls ... yep code returned..
cant see any visible leaks anywhere..
read somewhere that it could be a chain tensioner or pump at rear of the block leaking..
seems to come on at low revs rather than at high revs,if that gives a clue to anyone :x out there..
engine runs smooth and within exhaust emissions limits for model..
any thoughts?
 
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