check engine light .....

[fsteyer]

came on. The manual says it's emission related.
I tried to read the code following the pedal pressing method. All I got is the "check engine" light to blink, but no code displayed. I assume the code should display next to the light?

Thanks for any suggestions .........

[Mendozart]

The check engine light blinking is the code. After initial blinks, if it blinks once/twice/once/twice, this would be code 1212, just an example. Go to www.bmwe34.net and it explains it and will give you the code definitions.

[fsteyer]

well call me stupid! ... I thought it actually shows the code in numbers .... like my Dodge RAM does. Anyway the code is 1221 which is the O2 sensor #1 ... do I have 2 of them ?

also ... I read up some more and found that in all likelihood it's just a service reminder since O2 sensors rarely go bad. If so, how can I shut off the check engine light? If the sensor were really bad the performance would suffer to the point of being noticeable, right?

One more ... will driving the car with a bad sensor damage it?

thanks again....

[632 Regal]

its not a service reminder.

reboot the computer and see if it repeats the error.

[BillionPa]

i think the M50 has only 1, $75 part

[fsteyer]

thanks ... how long can I drive without replacing it?

[HDhandyman]

thanks ... how long can I drive without replacing it?


Why don't you want to replace it? Not that it's any of my business, but it's only $75 bucks. If you can't afford to replace that, then you'll certainly run into more finacial debockles in the future. Besides, you'll get shittier fuel consumption rates with a bad sensor. Just a thought---:)

[ILoveMPower]

Replace it ASAP, it's a cheapen ;)

[fsteyer]

because I have to go on a trip Saturday (about 600 miles) and won't get the part before that. So will I be OK for that ?
thanks

[632 Regal]

the reboot will probably fix the error.
because I have to go on a trip Saturday (about 600 miles) and won't get the part before that. So will I be OK for that ?
thanks

[fsteyer]

the reboot did fix the error.
Thanks ...

[632 Regal]

much easier and cheaper. if it comes back after another reboot then you should look into replacing it.

the reboot did fix the error.
Thanks ...

[fsteyer]

I'll do that... thanks a lot.

[Larry Looney]

Question, How do you reboot the system? I have same check light. Thanks

[fsteyer]

I disconnected the battery for an hour. That also wipes out all on board computer and clock setting, etc. But you could also remove the EPROM from the computer. Do a search and you'll find instructions.

Take care ........