[DavS1]

So today I started the car (after a week, although I did let it idle for a few minutes late last night) took it to the end if the street and a picture of the engine flashed up on the display () followed by a 'bong'.

So before continuing I checked the owners manual and it showed the picture along with "if image is red stop engine and contact BMW service" "If yellow power will be reduced, car is safe to drive but contact BMW service ASAP" or something to that effect, car had been idling whilst I checked as everything sounded fine, so turned it off, then back on and the light had gone and everything back to normal?.

Anyone any idea why this happened? I'm pretty sure the car is fine and has full power

[Yeltzer]

I had the same symbol come up a few weeks ago. Got BMW Emergency Service out, they couldn't find anything wrong and the symbol went away. Took into the stealers for a check but the EMS hadn't recorded any faults. Been fine ever since. Think you should probably be ok.... could have been a dodgy sensor which threw a hissy fit but not behaving again.

Take it in for a check at your local garage for full peace of mind would be my advice - FOC too.

[xenon]

Happened to me yesterday and two weeks before, ironically in exactly the same place on the M40. I blame aliens or the government - all evidence points to some kind of conspiracy and we should be told.

I just rebooted on the hard shoulder and all was well again.

[neil@JuicedUpTuning]

Originally Posted by DavS1

So today I started the car (after a week, although I did let it idle for a few minutes late last night) took it to the end if the street and a picture of the engine flashed up on the display () followed by a 'bong'.

So before continuing I checked the owners manual and it showed the picture along with "if image is red stop engine and contact BMW service" "If yellow power will be reduced, car is safe to drive but contact BMW service ASAP" or something to that effect, car had been idling whilst I checked as everything sounded fine, so turned it off, then back on and the light had gone and everything back to normal?.

Anyone any idea why this happened? I'm pretty sure the car is fine and has full power

Need a code reader like the BT or new BMS CT tool to know what code was triggered causing the Check Engine Light.

If the cause was still presentthe CEL would remain on

Alternative take it to a garage to read code

[bakili]

This symbol used to come all the time on my e46 touring. It happened always on motorway on long journeys. Diagnostic would not show any codes, i was suggested to replace MAF sensor, and it fixed the problem.

[DavS1]

Ah, so i'm not the only one Thanks guys i'll get it checked but as said I doubt it will have recorded any faults

[zltm089]

I hate that light!....not good news if on a 335i....not sure about 325i tho...

[m1bjr]

Originally Posted by neil@JuicedUpTuning

Need a code reader like the BT or new BMS CT tool to know what code was triggered causing the Check Engine Light.

If the cause was still presentthe CEL would remain on

Alternative take it to a garage to read code

Not quite.

If its emission based, as this probably is, then there is often no permanent log anyhow.
It may just be a failed CAT efficiency cycle, and as most find it will reset itself.
Often happens when started from cold repeatedly. I have had this once too. No log.

[neil@JuicedUpTuning]

Originally Posted by m1bjr

Not quite.

If its emission based, as this probably is, then there is often no permanent log anyhow.
It may just be a failed CAT efficiency cycle, and as most find it will reset itself.
Often happens when started from cold repeatedly. I have had this once too. No log.

Probably is not good enough is it? Too many people post what they think is wrong without knowing any detail (Is the OP Tuned or Stock for example?). We are all here to help each other but can add to confusion for the OP

Your correct in that not all CELs log the event but you have to start looking for the facts. Correct diagnostic procedures need to be carried out.

The OP posted asking what could be the problem based on a CEL Engine Light. The CEL is a visual and audio warning telling the driver there is a problem. The CEL can match to many issues.

So checking for ECU logged diagnostic codes is a good start. So if there is a code, and the OP can read and post it, we can all help better

Here's a link to some of the codes and there explanation...

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=264464
http://www.n54tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3930

[Burton]

Good link for future reference, thanks