Hi Guys,

today for the first time, my engine light went on and i was wondering what the dealer do or check when the engine light is on?

thanks

William!

they will hook it up to the DIS machine (data information system)...which is a BMW proprietary system that will identify the sensor(s) that set a fault code and what was going on at the time the fault was registered. Although there are other readers that well tell you which sensor registered a fault...the BMW DIS system gets VERY detailed and gives information other code readers can't.

Here's a pic of a BMW DIS system:
http://www.bmw-m.net/Gallery/images/Bmwdis.jpg

Below is an example of how much info can be retrieved when your car registers a fault and is then hooked up to the BMW DIS machines. Things like time, speed, date, gear etc is all recorded and can be retrieved to help determine or discount what a problem could be:
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/739000-739999/739005_106_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/739000-739999/739005_107_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/739000-739999/739005_108_full.jpg

they will hook it up to the DIS machine (data information system)...which is a BMW proprietary system that will identify the sensor(s) that set a fault code and what was going on at the time the fault was registered. Although there are other readers that well tell you which sensor registered a fault...the BMW DIS system gets VERY detailed and gives information other code readers can't.

Here's a pic of a BMW DIS system:
http://www.bmw-m.net/Gallery/images/Bmwdis.jpg


Q,

Love it - is that baby in your garage? :->

J/K

i want a DIS. Is that the thing that changes car preferences like DRL?

i want a DIS. Is that the thing that changes car preferences like DRL?

I think they're $15K or more - not for the faint of heart...

I think they're $15K or more - not for the faint of heart...

$15K or more? ... Maybe you could just trade-in your E38 for one.

Q,

Love it - is that baby in your garage? :->

J/K

I WISH! :lol

And someone asked is this the machine that programs the DRLs etc...yep. But if you don't hav 15k...every-now-and-then you'll run across a used (portable) MoDic machine for less (MoDic = mobile diagnostic computer)

MoDic 3
http://www.bmw3s.ru/text/statii/modic3.jpg

MoDic 4
http://www.bmw3s.ru/text/statii/modic4.jpg

Thanks for the explanation... so basically, the light is on because something is wrong.. how wrong? can i still drive the car or i have to bring it to the dealer asap?

Thanks

William!

My check engine light came on yesterday for the first time as well while i was on highway.Car ran fine.I dont know what it could be.Ihoping for the best but prepared for the worse.I think it has something to do with my cats,i just replaced them a few weeks ago.

Usually that light has to do with the emissions system. It is probably not drop dead get it to the mechanic right this second urgent, but you shouldn't wait too long because if it is something like a bad O2 sensor, running too long with it can damage your cat.

But today i took the car for a drive and the engine light was off. I used the car a couple of times yesterday and still off. Does this mean anything? I took an appointment with the dealer to make it check and repair other things still under the warranty!

William!

But today i took the car for a drive and the engine light was off. Does this mean anything?

Ya, it means that the check engine light will just come back on again later.

Most things associated with the check engine light are not severe issues. The most expensive thing will be either a new MAF or a pair of pre-cat O2 sensors ($200 - $300). And those parts don't require a mechanic. I mean, a 5-year-old girl could replace a MAF sensor. The O2 sensors are under the car, but just buy those Rhino drive-up ramps for $30 and slide your butt under there and crank off those O2's with a crescent wrench. 10 minutes tops.

Try not to drive the car, though. If a sensor is bad, then you will be slowly damaging other parts of the exhaust system until it's fixed.

But today i took the car for a drive and the engine light was off. I used the car a couple of times yesterday and still off. Does this mean anything? I took an appointment with the dealer to make it check and repair other things still under the warranty!

William!


First, the CEL (check engine light) & SES (service engine soon) warning lights are the same...the CEL light was changed to the SES light in later models. (just an FYI for those that may run across this post in the archives)

When this light comes on...just as it's stated in your owners manual...it is an emissions related fault that has been set. For example, a fuel cap not replaced properly can set a code...if the owner replaces or screws the cap back on properly...the SES or CEL will eventually go out after the CHECK CONTROL SYSTEM goes thru a few start/restarts and notes that the problem no longer exists. BUT, if the problem returns...the system will track it and the light will illuminate if it meets the criteria for a warning.

Since you're taking the car back in for some warranty work...mention that the SES light did come on and if they hook it up to read the fault codes...you'll know which one set it and why it went off. (there may be a charge for this service, though)

(info on this warning light from your owners manual...a very good book to read) :)

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/739000-739999/739005_109_full.jpg

This is a common issue on this forum and each time it comes up, Qsilver7 answers it with some very cogent advice. I for instance, did not know that the Check Engine Light and Service Engine Soon (SES) were the same light, just on different models (I have an '01), and in fact on reading the forum this morning, had this very question.

Follow his advice: Read the owner's manual. If you don't have one, download it and then read it. It's all there, especially the most common issues (such as this one), and many are simple, easy do-it-yourself fixes.

The light will go out and come back on later....it is just an irritant. Fix the problem and the light will go out....it's usually not that serious, but the light will continue to glare at you if you don't.

Incidentally, the first question the stealerships will ask you when you say that the SES light is on, is: How is the car running? If it is running all right, there is no immediate need, but certainly get it fixed as soon as possible. If the car is not running well, they will schedule you immediately.

Thanks, Qsilver7.

jake

You're welcome Crewdog...and thanks for having my back! :D

...and btw Will99...if you have AutoZone in your area...they are known for reading your OBDII codes for free...so you may want to give them a try to see if they can retrieve which sensor set off the SES light. That way, when you go into the dealer, you'll be more informed and can direct them to a specific problem if need be. ;)

PS...you might want to know how to remove the OBD II cover first. Many folks rip the wood trim right off the cover...or fail to get the code reader attached because the secondary plastic cap is on the connector. Since I'm having difficulty with CarDomain's website today...I guess I've got to write it out instead of posting the image with the instructions.

The OBD II cover has a small hook underneath...reach toward the back and pull forward on this little "hook/tab thingy" as you lift upward...DON'T pull on the wood trim...it is glued to the front cover for the OBD II socket. Once the wood trim cover is off...there is another plastic protective cover that must be removed...once it is off, then the code reader can be attached. :)

EDIT: let's see if the image will work today :ponder

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/739000-739999/739005_110_full.jpg

When I registered my '01 740i in Nevada for the first time, I had to pass their smog test so I took it to one of the Smog Check locations close to where I got my insurance. The yahoo who ran the place took out his trusty screwdriver, inserted it underneath my OBD cover and promptly broke it.....PMO!!!!! I swore lustily (it wasn't pretty what I said, and I did penance for a week afterwards).

He offered to pay for it, which I told he he would have to do, and I wanted it in writing. I got a new one from BMW for $8 and change, and had them clip the wood trim back onto the plastic cover (how cheap!!), and then install it.
After install, I stuck my finger underneath the OBD cover and after some fiddling, got it to swing up and out...but it is a poor design and very fragile.

So, take care, and if it does break, take heart. BMW has 'em in stock and they are relatively cheap. Just make sure you don't throw away the wood trim as it will be very difficult to match.

jake

autozone checked mine and told me the problem for free? anyone else have them do this?

Thanks guys for the explanations.. very appreciated. Concerning the AutoZone, i don't think i ever saw one here in Montreal...

Now, to add to the problems and i don't know if it was related to the Engine Light on (that i have no more), now, the transmission is starting :eek:. The other day i was going around the city for fun for a couple of hours until i noticed that the RPM were always over 3 and sometimes 4. It's like the car didn't want to change or change at very HIGH RPM. Then, i turned off the car and back on and the problem was not there anymore but it did it to me a couple of times.

Is that a problem exclusively related to the transmission (Mecanic part) or is a computer related problem?

I took appointment with the dealer for next week and i hope that it's covered by the warranty! :rolleyes

Thanks guys for your input!

BUT I STILL LOOOOOOOOOOOVE this car!



William!