Diny

Ever since I got my car (roughly 2 weeks ago), I've been having issues with the SES light. I haven't invested in a scanner, but I'lll be doing that soon.

Anyways, the light comes on randomly, but I notice that it definitely comes on after I get gas (got gas twice so far). The cap on the m5 is different than on any other car i've seen, in which you can just keep on turning it clockwise as it clicks. The lid on the M5 goes up to a point after a click, and then it goes back about an inch or two (without becoming loose, mind you). Is this normal?

Anyways I got gas yesterday night and this morning SES light came on. I got to work and played around with the gas cap. Started the car a few times, and the light went away after the 2nd try. Now I get home and decide to play with the secret menu, and bing! SES comes on again. What gives?

Also, being that I have a garage, I noticed something a bit odd (for what I know): The car starts up and it revs to about 1000 rpm, then it drops to about 500, right to the threshold of stalling, and the engine has a bit of a cough, like when you're about to stall the engine (all I'm doing is keeping my foot on the clutch). Then the car seems to realize that it's about to stall and it goes back up to 600-700. Is this normal? Could this be the reason for the SES light and not the gas cap?

Thanks for your help

ard

Of the 200+ things that turn on an SES light, the gas cap IS ONLY ONE OF THEM!

Something else is going on- buy a PEAKE code reader and find out what specific faults are listed- we can diagnose and you can either DIY or find a shop. DO NOT pay to have your codes read- in one visit the peake will pay for itself

A

Diny

I figured it had to do something with the cap since it goes way every time i tighten the hell out of it

That said, I sure as hell wont take it to the dealer to get it checked. I'll scan them myself!

ultraman206

+1

PEAKE tool is THE starting point for SES light.

Diny

Well, the light just went away again and the engine doesnt do that weird thing anymore. Anyways, I'll sure as hell be getting a scanner.

Now, lets say that I plug it in and a buncha codes show up. How would I know which ones are old (stuff that has been fixed byt not reset)? Should I just reset everything and see what comes up from there?

Michael_s

Yes, reset them and see what comes back or else you cannot pinpoint the issue. Good luck.

__________________
2007 E60 M5 (6 Speed) Black Sapphire Metalic / Portland Brown
2002 E46 M3 / Carbon Black / SMG (track car - heavily modded)
2008 Chevy Avalanche (to tow the M3 to the track)

gsfent

Yes. Pull the old codes and then clear them. Then share what comes up.

Sometimes multiple codes come up, but experience here can narrow it down.
For example most VANO's codes ($$$) usually also throw a CPS(cam position sensor). The conventional wisdom is to replace the CPS because it is more likely to fail and costs only about $100.

On the gas cap, I got in the habit of clicking it twice. Never get SES, but that doesn't mean too much. Worth a try, costs nothing!

On the rough idle (only when cold?), could be O2 sensor on the way out, worn plugs or fading MAF's. Peake is your friend!
Regards,
Jerry

__________________
'01 Black/caramel
Dinan Stage3 suspension and CAI, SS jet coated headers, Evosport UD pulley kit, IATS, PC Gold 93, open brake ducts, Hamann front splitters, TEC cupholder, Euro tilt/slide armrest, 6k HID fogs, 6k super white low beams, V1/Stealth1, 2.65 diff w/40% lockup/2x dynamic, Rogue custom SSK and tranny mounts, ST 355 BBK (fronts), BP sway bar brackets, Bluetooth retrofit

Diny

oh man you guys are a hell of an assload of help! Surprisingly, I'd be very pissed about getting all this, but this is a hell of a nice car (upgraded from an 03 v6 Altima) so I don't mind putting up with some of these things in order to have such a nice car.

I'm looking at peake tools but I'm not sure which one to get. I'm torn between the R5/FCX II and the R5/FCX II-U. My M5 is a 2000 model, btw. The obvious choice would be the R5/FCX II, but I'm not 100% sure.

gsfent

I think it depends on configuration and location of OBD II port. On 01 and later is it above your left knee. I think 00 has it in the engine compartment.

Why not contact one of our board sponsors who sell them and get the right one? I got mine from Turner....
Regards,
Jerry

__________________
'01 Black/caramel
Dinan Stage3 suspension and CAI, SS jet coated headers, Evosport UD pulley kit, IATS, PC Gold 93, open brake ducts, Hamann front splitters, TEC cupholder, Euro tilt/slide armrest, 6k HID fogs, 6k super white low beams, V1/Stealth1, 2.65 diff w/40% lockup/2x dynamic, Rogue custom SSK and tranny mounts, ST 355 BBK (fronts), BP sway bar brackets, Bluetooth retrofit

jclyman

Call Peake Research ... they will tell you which one you need ... http://peakeresearch.com/

__________________
"The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance; it is the illusion of knowledge."

- Daniel Boorstin

QUICK M5 -- jclymaniii@earthlink.net

Diny

Mine has a port above my left knee. Where would I find it in the engine compartment? I also recall reading somewhere that it has 2 ports because the one like the one above my knee is required in the US, so BMW just threw it in there.