Service Engine Soon indicator

[mike031]

New to the site so apologies if this has been covered.
Purchased a 2000 528i about a month ago. Last week the Service Engine Soon indicator lit up. Stayed lit until today when it all of a sudden went back out. I did nothing different with the vehicle (no gas changes, tightening of gas cap, etc).

Any thoughts on why this would go out on it's own and should I keep my current appt. with my local BMW dealer to have it checked?

Thanks!

 

[Big Daddy]

They turn off automatically however the system retains the error code and you should followup to see what the fault was. For example I have a 97 Chev. pickup that never has any problems, however if you drive at freeway speeds for more that 10 miles the "Service Engine Soon" lamp lights up. This happened the first time more than 10 years ago and the code was transmission slipped. Serviced the transmission and for the last nine years I get the same code under the same conditions, transmission slipped. I have over 155k on her now with the original transmission. I wait about three days and the light goes out.

 

[mike031]

Thanks for the advice!
Do you think it'safe to wait until my next oil change to have them check this (~2700 miles away) or is this something I should get checked ASAP?

 

[Big Daddy]

Is the car running any different, any changes in engine tempatures, or any thing else that seems not "normal" with the car? If all seems ok you may be able to wait, or for peace of mind you could have the code read, maybe your service guy could do this quickly so you will know and they can plan for the "repair" if needed when you go in for your oil service.

 

[mike031]

Nothing different at all with the car. Thinking I will take it in anyway, as they are about 2 weeks out at BMW here.

Thanks again!

 

[Tom D]

SES light

Got the same problem with my 2003 530i. Light comes on, I read the code with my code reader and several days later the light does not come on. I have been told by an auto tech that this means the onboard computer has seen 3 successful test runs and the fault is no longer present. The code is stored in a historical format, it is a history code. They suggested that the car be taken to a qualified technician for the final diagnosis. It is the same code that reappears for me each time. Hope this helps.

 

[RBrooks01]

I have the 5 series and my light came on and stayed on. I would recommend getting it checked because there is an issue with torque coverters that will drive light on. I did not drive long enough for it to go back out. Just a thought.

 

[mike031]

Thanks everyone. Took it in and even tho the light went out, the car did need a new air injection hose and thermostat...left over problems from previous owner I suppose (I've only had the car for about a month).
Man, don't dealerships really perform the 100+ point inspections they say they do??

 

[Big Daddy]

Man, don't dealerships really perform the 100+ point inspections they say they do??

No, unless you want to pay them...

 

[CosmosBlack]

Thanks everyone. Took it in and even tho the light
Man, don't dealerships really perform the 100+ point inspections they say they do??

Oh Yes...sure they do. Armed with a pen and clipboard, they check all the boxes on the list.

 

[JLMPI]

Funny you mention this. The "Check Engine Soon" light in my 2002 530i came on. I took it to the dealer and they did some repairs for $990.00. A few days later, the light came on again. I took the car back and I was told it was the torque converter. I have seen several posts regarding this problem at about the same mileage my car has, which is 88,000 plus miles. The service advisor also mentioned the bulletin on this issue, but no recall. I wonder if something can be done about this. Seems to me this model's torque converter is programmed to fail at above 88,000 miles.

 

[rufryder]

Funny you mention this. The "Check Engine Soon" light in my 2002 530i came on. I took it to the dealer and they did some repairs for $990.00. A few days later, the light came on again. I took the car back and I was told it was the torque converter. I have seen several posts regarding this problem at about the same mileage my car has, which is 88,000 plus miles. The service advisor also mentioned the bulletin on this issue, but no recall. I wonder if something can be done about this. Seems to me this model's torque converter is programmed to fail at above 88,000 miles.

I hope I don't see this coming when I'm about to reach that mileage!