Quick question on code scanning

[Piper1]

So my check engine light came on two days ago. There is a local auto parts store that does free scans and when they plugged in couldn't find a code thrown. My question is i don't remember them cranking it over, just was put in either the one or two position. Every other car Ive had scanned I've had it cranked over. Before taking it in to the dealer for them to scan does the motor need to be running when scanned to find the code if there is one?

 

[mr nurburgring]

no. the code should be stored in the memory, so long as you have the ignition on you should be able to read the codes.

 

[wantanM]

no. the code should be stored in the memory, so long as you have the ignition on you should be able to read the codes.

+1
to my knowledge

 

[Piper1]

great thanks for the info will just have to take it in to them then to have it scanned. I searched here and replys on code scanning were that the generic scanners might not pick up what scanners bmw runs with. Hopefully it's nothing major, happened on one of the colder first snow days we've had around this year