Unofficialbmw.com

Bob E · Joined: 12 Jun 2001 Posts: 1

My 'check engine light' has been going on and off for the last 5000 miles. This light is meant to show a problem with the emissions system. A vacuum break in the fuel system is usually the culprit, which is why BMW recommends to check the gas cap. It 'may' go off in a few days, but mine appears to be lit more than not. When I take mine in for it's 30000 mile service, we'll see what BMW says then. In the mean time, the joke 'what does a $3500 Chevy Chevette and a $35000 BMW have in common? - The check engine light' applies.

julen · Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2001 8:31 am Post subject: Service Engine Soon Light

quote:
Originally posted by GreenBMW:
For more than a month, this light has been ON with my brand new BMW 330i. It is NOT blinking (which would mean a more serious problem), it is on continuously. The car only has 2400 miles on it.

I called the dealer a month ago (when I had only 900 miles on it). He said to check the gas cap and make sure it is tight. He said it will go away in a couple of days. It has been a month.

My boss has a 325i. She has about 8000+ miles on it. The same light has been on for about a month. Her dealer (NOT the same one as mine) said her light would disappear within a couple of days.

What is the deal with this light? Does the light have to be reset? Is it possible that my gas cap may be broken (and I didn't notice it being broken)?

I have not talked to the dealer since last month considering I didn't notice any other problem with the car. My boss didn't notice any other problem with her car, either. It is inconvenient to take the car to the shop for a minor problem.

Thanks for your assistance.

smmoody · Joined: 22 Sep 2000 Posts: 28 Location: Raleigh,NC,US

check engine lights are most commonly the gas cap, 9 of 10 are gas cap related, I have worked with BMW (at a dealer) for about 5 years now. However, check the cap, if in 2-3 days it does not go out, then that is more than likely not the problem. There is a thermostat recall on most 99-00 early 01 cars that may also be the problem. If you are not noticing any driveability problems I would not be too concerned over it. Check first thing in the AM and see how long the car takes to warm up usually 2-5 miles, should be about normal and temp gauge should be at 1/2 way.If it takes too long, more than likely thermostat problem. espically with winter coming up. If I can help let me know. Matt

gqphoneman · Guest

Matt, where are you from?