Check Engine lamp - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

plisken · 26th June 2004, 13:24

I've asked this question before "I think"...

the Check Engine lamp on the dash on my car does not illuminate.

1 Should it illuminate for a few seconds when the ingition is on, like the ABS and Air Bag lamps?

2 I've tried removing various sensor plugs under the bonnet, to try and get it to come on but it does not, is there any way to check it is functioning?

3 I've tried the method to read the codes, but it does not flash, should it, if there are no current faults?

My 94 525 was exactly the same, don't want to start pulling the dash apart to replace a bulb that may be ok!

IvanDias · 26th June 2004, 14:13

The check engine light does not light on mine either. Worth noting that I bought a spare cluster from another 3.6 M5 only a few Vin numbers away from mine, and that has no bulb installed.

It is a possibility that E34 M5 3.6 cars do not use one. I`m sure replies that follow in this thread will answer the query without having to remove the cluster to check for the physical presence of the bulb.

Does anyone have the light come on either on startup or on the test where everything lights up? Has anyone ever seen the light when the engine really needs checking?

Ivan.

kevinpayneuk · 26th June 2004, 14:48

If I have the correct light, "EML" in the middle of the 3.

It doesn't light up on my 1995 3.8. I am not completely sure about this but I think it only works on US Spec cars. I'll can't remember where I read about it.

Just looked at my owners handbook and it doesn't even refer to it.

IvanDias · 26th June 2004, 15:11

The "check engine" light on the E34 M5 is directly below the halfway mark on the fuel gauge. Look closely, the lights are a Seatbelt symbol, the Check Engine then the front and rear foglight lamps.

This picture of my spare cluster is a little dark, but notice the bottom right of the cluster, (it`s reversed as you`re looking at the back - did I need to explain that or is is just me who`s stupid?), the second light in is the Check Engine, and the bulb`s missing. This car didn`t have airbags, so the airbag light the opposite side of the cluster is also missing.

Ivan.

kevinpayneuk · 26th June 2004, 15:35

OK...I was looking in the wrong place (between the seat belt and oil lights). Just below the ///M

I just did the test and the only light I get under the water temp are the two brake warning one's, handbrake on and brake hydraulics. Strange because to the right of them are the ABS (where you describe the check to be) and then the airbag. These two aren't lit during the test but are earlier in the cycle so I guess that's ok.

Seems the 3.8 is different.

plisken · 26th June 2004, 22:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevinpayneuk

OK...I was looking in the wrong place (between the seat belt and oil lights). Just below the ///M

I just did the test and the only light I get under the water temp are the two brake warning one's, handbrake on and brake hydraulics. Strange because to the right of them are the ABS (where you describe the check to be) and then the airbag. These two aren't lit during the test but are earlier in the cycle so I guess that's ok.

Seems the 3.8 is different.

Just to clarify, mine is a 95 3.8 and all lights light during the test, including the Air Bag and the ABS but the Check Engine does not.

I remember one time, a couple of years ago, before I bought my 525, I looked at a 525sport and the check Engine lamp was illuminated, I walked away...

So I have seen one work, but wonder why of my 2 E34's neither of them worked.