Hi,
I'm a new BMW M3 owner and today my check engine light came on. Does anyone know what the check engine light means?I have a BMW M3 1997 with 74k miles.

Thanks
pelos

Although I am a new guy in town, I can tell you that only code reader will help you with this much information in your post.

The CEL usually means that you tripped some OBD II limit and the system is telling you that. First of all the number one reason for the CEL to trip is a loose gap cap. If you have not done so I would suggest making sure you tighten it. If this was the case it will clear itself in pretty short order. You can go to Auto Zone as well and ask then to read the fault. If you are new to BMWs then you need to establish a connection with either a good independent mechanic or a good dealer or a friend that can work with you and knows somethign about the car.
Hope this helps,

Having any drivability problems?

That Peake FCX/R5 I have has proven to be worth the money I spent on it.
Recently CEL has come on twice the last week in a left turn. (HFM fault 29)

Car stumbled like it was in limp mode. Today same thing... hard left on the street even in the same spot as last week and CEL illuminates.
Read the code again when i got home and same code #.
Pulled connector to HFM and realized the zip tie used to tie off the throttle temp sensor in airbox in order to run CAI, was not permitting the connector to lock bc it had slid to the end when I was checking to see what type of connector I had when looking into 3.5 inch last weekend. (yes, I have that sensor zipped to the connector body since the tubing is so short and not able to find another spot.)

Haven't driven since I got home and it was fine after the stumbling to enable me to get back on the fwy at normal speed. So I'm hoping that this was the root of the problem.
Without that reader I would have been lost just chasing around trying to find a cause.

Other than the gas cap, can you think of anything else it could be? i just tried the gas cap and that didn't seem to work.

I do have a trusty mechanic who has worked on my peugeot in the past.

thanks
pelos



The CEL usually means that you tripped some OBD II limit and the system is telling you that. First of all the number one reason for the CEL to trip is a loose gap cap. If you have not done so I would suggest making sure you tighten it. If this was the case it will clear itself in pretty short order. You can go to Auto Zone as well and ask then to read the fault. If you are new to BMWs then you need to establish a connection with either a good independent mechanic or a good dealer or a friend that can work with you and knows somethign about the car.
Hope this helps,

Even though the check engine light is on, the car is operating normally. it's not doing anything weird. I just put 350 miles on it with the light on.

pelos

Having any drivability problems?

That Peake FCX/R5 I have has proven to be worth the money I spent on it.
Recently CEL has come on twice the last week in a left turn. (HFM fault 29)

Car stumbled like it was in limp mode. Today same thing... hard left on the street even in the same spot as last week and CEL illuminates.
Read the code again when i got home and same code #.
Pulled connector to HFM and realized the zip tie used to tie off the throttle temp sensor in airbox in order to run CAI, was not permitting the connector to lock bc it had slid to the end when I was checking to see what type of connector I had when looking into 3.5 inch last weekend. (yes, I have that sensor zipped to the connector body since the tubing is so short and not able to find another spot.)

Haven't driven since I got home and it was fine after the stumbling to enable me to get back on the fwy at normal speed. So I'm hoping that this was the root of the problem.
Without that reader I would have been lost just chasing around trying to find a cause.

If the gas cap was loose and you just tightened it, the light won't go off right away. My wife's Chevy Trailblazer rode with the light on for almost 100 miles after we tightened the gas cap.

You should find out what the code is. Somebody on this board keeps saying that one of the Auto Parts stores will scan your codes for free, but I have never tried (I am OBD I anyway) Driving it around could cause problems under certain conditions. For example, if your code says the O2 sensor is bad, you can drive it for a while, but you are putting your very expensive catalytic converters at risk.

I know what you mean, I was out of town so had to drive it. i'm thinking about getting one of the diagnostic softwares out there. Any suggestions?



If the gas cap was loose and you just tightened it, the light won't go off right away. My wife's Chevy Trailblazer rode with the light on for almost 100 miles after we tightened the gas cap.

You should find out what the code is. Somebody on this board keeps saying that one of the Auto Parts stores will scan your codes for free, but I have never tried (I am OBD I anyway) Driving it around could cause problems under certain conditions. For example, if your code says the O2 sensor is bad, you can drive it for a while, but you are putting your very expensive catalytic converters at risk.

Go to Auto Zone and they can read your CEL as they have an OBD II reader.
aThey can't read OBD I but you have an OBD II so go get it read and see what it says. Let us know what they find out.

CEL is basicaly a warning system that monitor you emissions.if your car is not running properly your emissions will be off, or your sensors are acting up. In any case if your car is 1996 or newer you have an OBDII system. This plug is under your dash by the hood release lever(in most cases).You can lend an OBDII scanner from Auto Zone(You will need a credit card for a deposit of $180,fully refundable) The scanners are extremely easy to use.You will get the codes from the scanner along with some generic description. This codes could mean different issues for different brand of cars. For a more accurate and BMW specific description of the codes you get go to www.iequu.com/obd_def.asp They also sell scanners.
One of the common problems are you oxigen sensors, most 6 cyl BMW have 4 of them, 2 right at the exhaust manifolds and 2 after your catalitic converter. I beleive they are all the same item,(cost about $100 each).BMW recommend replacement at 100K miles.I read the owners manuel.
I hope this help :redspot

i have an auto zone right down the street. i will try to have it done this weekend.
pelos

Go to Auto Zone and they can read your CEL as they have an OBD II reader.
aThey can't read OBD I but you have an OBD II so go get it read and see what it says. Let us know what they find out.

Yes, this does help. I appreciate the help to you and everyone on this forum.
If it turns out to be one of the sensors, is changing it something i could do, or is it better left to a mechanic?

pelos

CEL is basicaly a warning system that monitor you emissions.if your car is not running properly your emissions will be off, or your sensors are acting up. In any case if your car is 1996 or newer you have an OBDII system. This plug is under your dash by the hood release lever(in most cases).You can lend an OBDII scanner from Auto Zone(You will need a credit card for a deposit of $180,fully refundable) The scanners are extremely easy to use.You will get the codes from the scanner along with some generic description. This codes could mean different issues for different brand of cars. For a more accurate and BMW specific description of the codes you get go to www.iequu.com/obd_def.asp They also sell scanners.
One of the common problems are you oxigen sensors, most 6 cyl BMW have 4 of them, 2 right at the exhaust manifolds and 2 after your catalitic converter. I beleive they are all the same item,(cost about $100 each).BMW recommend replacement at 100K miles.I read the owners manuel.
I hope this help :redspot

I don't think Autozone does that anymore in CA.

pelos


Go to Auto Zone and they can read your CEL as they have an OBD II reader.
aThey can't read OBD I but you have an OBD II so go get it read and see what it says. Let us know what they find out.

I live in southern CA and I always borrow the OBD II sacanner from Auto Zone.and replacing your oxigen sensors is a very simple but they are pricey.
I would make sure first. My local BMW shop(The Taylor Co) scans my cars for $89. They tell me they only replace the sensors when they break not as a maintenance item. If you want to learn more about OBD codes visit http://www.flatratetech.com/pub34.htm.

I'm definatly not a mechanic, but if i have to change the oxygen sensor i would like to do it myself.



I live in southern CA and I always borrow the OBD II sacanner from Auto Zone.and replacing your oxigen sensors is a very simple but they are pricey.
I would make sure first. My local BMW shop(The Taylor Co) scans my cars for $89. They tell me they only replace the sensors when they break not as a maintenance item. If you want to learn more about OBD codes visit http://www.flatratetech.com/pub34.htm.

it turns out to be code P 455 which is the evaporative emission control system pressure sensor leak detected ( gross leak) Does anyone know anything about this sensor?

thanks
pelos