Engine management light and airbag light on

Benj · Post by **Benj** » Tue 17 Feb, 2009 11:44

The engine management light and airbag light are on but car runs fine appart from when its not warm and the revs drop when its ticking over and it nearly cuts out. What should i do? Dont say take it to bmw because i aint got an arm and a leg spare at the mo! The guy i bought it off said it come on before when he was hardly using it and said its just condensation in the exhaust? Any ideas?

Justin Time · Post by **Justin Time** » Tue 17 Feb, 2009 11:52

I'm under the impression that both of those indicators need resetting, either from a carsoft interface, or by hooking it up to a diag machine at a BMW dealership. Not what you wanted to hear, I know.

Plus I'd be extremely reluctant to use the Z with the EML light on. I wouldn't be using it until the matter is resolved and the source of the EML fault is found.

Benj · Post by **Benj** » Tue 17 Feb, 2009 11:56

they have been on over a month now

Jonttt · Post by **Jonttt** » Tue 17 Feb, 2009 12:26

Benj

The airbag light could be a fault with the seatbelt pre tensioners which is quite common.

However, the EML light could be serious and I would take it to a BMW indie who should be able to diagnose both problems.

The last thing you want to do is to continue using the car and do more damage.

Good luck

Justin Time · Post by **Justin Time** » Tue 17 Feb, 2009 12:29

Benj wrote:they have been on over a month now

Even more of a reason to get the EML light investigated!

They won't go out by themselves, and with the EML on you risk damage to engine components, worsening the repair bill at the end of the day. That is worst case scenario, yes, it could be something minor but what if it isn't?

Gazza · Post by **Gazza** » Tue 17 Feb, 2009 12:57

EML will come on with something as simple as O2 sensor failure. From your post about the engine idle I would suspect O2 sensor failure which will not damage the engine.

Jonttt · Post by **Jonttt** » Tue 17 Feb, 2009 13:16

Gary

Would you drive your pride and joy around with the EML light on or get it checked out ?

SpunkyM · Post by **SpunkyM** » Tue 17 Feb, 2009 13:38

Yep could be (possibly the lambda heaters), but no point in guessing really when a 3 min diagnostic will reveal all the codes.

I got a diagnostic kit of fleabay for about £40 which plugs into a laptop and there's loads of free software on the web.

Gazza · Post by **Gazza** » Tue 17 Feb, 2009 13:41

Mine was on recently and I did drive it around for a short time until it could be checked out

The EML light is not a warning of impending doom (or it would be coloured Red), it is an indication that something needs to be checked.

Of course, I don't recommend that the car is used more than required

.

Benj · Post by **Benj** » Tue 17 Feb, 2009 16:09

Thanks for the help guys. How much would bmw charge for a 3 minute on the diagnostic? I aint no brass. I got some 18" graphite grey oz's for it but need to sell them now they never reached the hub! Anyone interested?

Jonttt · Post by **Jonttt** » Tue 17 Feb, 2009 18:22

Benj

You would be better posting the wheels for sale on the stock exchange with a picture and copy of receipt to show how much you paid for them.

Deano1712 · Post by **Deano1712** » Tue 17 Feb, 2009 18:25

I have an airbag reset tool and dont live too far from you. PM me if you want me to reset it for you. I cant help with the EML though.

AntMan · Post by **AntMan** » Tue 17 Feb, 2009 19:06

Do all Zeds have a cel??? I don't appear to have one and my handbooks don't mention one at all in picture or writing.I have the relevant tell tales oil water, abs, airbags, seatbelts and ASC+T. Am i missing something i know the cars not got any problems as has been code read on a few occasions but never find any info on the light location

Justin Time · Post by **Justin Time** » Tue 17 Feb, 2009 19:08

A diag test at a dealer will be roughly £35-£50 dependent upon the dealership you go to. Independents may be chaeaper but they may also be unable to provide a full diagnosis.