E34 without O2 Sensor have 1221 Error Code

[redled]

My 1992 525i e34, US version M50 non-vanos engine have check engine light permanently while driving. The error code on its OBC is 1221 which is oxygen sensor. But this version is without O2 sensor and catalyst from the factory. What are the possibilities to have this error code and check engine light.

[Tiger]

Reset the DTC and see if it reappears.

[shogun]

a 1992 E34 US version without oxy sensor and without cat?
let me know the VIN and I will check that out.
So far I have only seen U.K. and Italian spec cars without cat, as that was an option in these countries in these days, but USA in 1992?
I thought almost all gasoline cars in USA were equipped with cats since around 1975?

[redled]

VIN- BF97758, in realoem there is O2 sensor and cat, but actually no. The entire exhaust system of the car is all original.

[shogun]

Nothing mentioned in the VIN decoder that the car came without cat originally ex factory. Normally in case of U.K. cars that is mentioned.

VIN WBAHD531XNBF97758
Type code HD53
Type 525I (USA)
E series E34 ()
Series 5
Type LIM
Steering LL
Doors 4
Engine M50
Displacement 2.50
Power 141
Drive HECK / rear
Transmission MECH
Colour ISLANDGRUEN METALLIC (273)
Upholstery (0409)
Prod.date 1991-12-16
S242A FAHRERAIRBAG MIT SERIENKRANZ(PUR) Steering wheel airbag
S288A LEICHTMETALLRAEDER BMW light alloy wheel, cross spoke 29
S428A WARNDREIECK Warning triangle and first aid kit
S458A SITZVERSTELLUNG ELEKTR.FAHRER/BEIF. Electr. front seat adjustment
S472A MITTELARMLEHNEN VORN FAHRER/BEIF. Armrest, front, driver/passenger
S640A AUTOTELEFONVORBEREITUNG Preparation f tel.installation universal
S686A ANTENNENDIVERSITY Antenna-Diversity
S694A CD-WECHSLER VORBEREITUNG Provisions for BMW 6 CD changer

[whiskychaser]

My Feb '92 525i M50 NV went to the breaker's a short time ago so feel free to use the VIN: GA11907. That certainly left the factory without a cat/O2 sensor and unlike yours, you can see they are not listed in realoem. I dont think ZA bothered with emissions until about 2005 :-) BMW probably used the same ECU with software differences for with/without CAT.

[redled]

My Feb '92 525i M50 NV went to the breaker's a short time ago so feel free to use the VIN: GA11907. That certainly left the factory without a cat/O2 sensor and unlike yours, you can see they are not listed in realoem. I dont think ZA bothered with emissions until about 2005 :-) BMW probably used the same ECU with software differences for with/without CAT.

Ill'd take a look on your VIN in realoem and that is exactlly what exhaust system installed in my car, parts# 18101728445.
Realoem give a wrong info on my VIN. By the way the car is US version shipped in the Philippines.

[whiskychaser]

Ill'd take a look on your VIN in realoem and that is exactlly what exhaust system installed in my car, parts# 18101728445.
Realoem give a wrong info on my VIN. By the way the car is US version shipped in the Philippines.

I doubt you have that actual part number as it is exclusive to S Africa. But nothing to say somebody didnt fit something very similar to your car. The issue though is that your ECU is expecting a signal from an O2 sensor and isnt getting one. The only way I can see the fault/CEL going away is if you fit a cat/O2 sensor or alter the software in the ECU

[shogun]

That was assembled in ZA. Not much data available in VIN decoder

VIN ZBAHD68090GA11907
Type code HD68
Type 525I (ZAF)
E series E34 ()
Series 5
Type LIM
Steering RL
Doors 4
Engine M50
Displacement 2.50
Power 141
Drive HECK
Transmission AUT
Colour ( *)
Upholstery ( *)
Prod.date 1992-02-18

[whiskychaser]

Yes, I contacted BMW ZA but they couldnt provide any more information than what you posted. It is a little poor when they didnt even record the colour of the car :-) The VIN plate said it was an AHL. BMW ZA had to contact Germany about that and confirmed it was similar to what the UK calls 'SE'. I have only seen HL it applied to a 6 series! Anyway, getting a bit OT.

Has the car had an ECU change or electrical issue recently?