*If your oil light and check engine light are on, immediately pull your BMW over to the side of the road, your engine is overheating.
What is the Check Engine Light?
The check engine light is an alert on your dashboard between the Speedometer Gauge and RPM Gauge. See Pic Below.
What Does the Check Engine Light Mean?
The check engine light means your BMW has detected a problem with your engine. Do not panic, in most cases it is a simple fix.
Some of the TRIGGERS for the BMW Check Engine Light
- Gas cap is off or not on tight enough
- Bad fuel injector
- Gasket heads are blown
- Bad oxygen sensor
- Loose or cracked hoses
- Air Flow Sensor Error
- Wet or Worn Spark Plugs
- Malfunction with emissions control system
Where do I bring my BMW to Diagnose and Repair?
If your BMW is still under warranty, schedule an appointment with your local BMW Dealer. If your BMW is out of warranty, bring your BMW to a local independent BMW repair shop. The BMW dealerships typically charge $250.00 just to diagnose a check engine light and you may save money at an independent repair shop. You can use the link above to find a local independent BMW repair shop in the MechanicAdvisor directory. Before scheduling an appointment, make sure the shop has BMW diagnostic equipment. Some shops will complete a free diagnosis if you ask.
Be sure to schedule an appointment immediately so that if the problem is serious, you're not doing any lasting damage to your car.
Once your car is diagnosed you should find out the exact nature of the problem. Make sure the mechanic adequately explains it to you. He or she may also offer you some tips to avoid whatever caused the problem in the future.
