Can an un-reset Service Indicator cause intermittent SES light? - Page 2 - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Jim Dolan · 20th April 2004, 21:37

Greg, I just got back from the dealer you last post cinched for me. I asked about you query, "can un-reset light cause intermittent SES to light." I a word No! They immediately ran a fault diagnostic and learned an O2 Sensor was at fault 109 times. There are four of them two before and two after the Cats. The 109 faults would not necessarily cause the SES light go off each time but did not elaborate. I'll just assume some of them were while the light was already lit. Mine went off and on about twenty times over the last two months or so.

Seems good now. I did ask him to check the service history for an O2 sensor that was replaced a couple of years ago and replace all four. There going to mail the invoice and I'll post to see what it says.

BTW, imagine if you got this light out of warranty and were not car smart and took the car to you average "foreign" car mechanic and he ran up a six hundred dollar bill replacing the cats and other stuff or worse replaced the sensor and charged the six hundred anyway. Not beyond real.

I think the chance of this at the dealer is less likely with so many hands in the pot.

greg · 20th April 2004, 22:02

Thanks, Jim -

I have an extended warranty on the car and it should cover this. I just wanted to cover all the bases before taking it in, because if the dealer doesn't find anything wrong, you're out the $132 "diagnostic" fee. (A rape, I'll admit.)

I have one lead to pursue - a friend who may be willing to read the codes out for me for free - I'll do that first if I can - then to the dealer for repair.

chunpng · 20th April 2004, 22:38

If the O2 sensors, CATs, or any emission-related components had caused the SES lights, these components are warranteed for 8 years or 80,000 miles by law. I'm at 52,800 miles, and my SES came on. Allison BMW replaced my driver's side CAT, and told me about the emission-component warranty.

Of course, if other stuff caused the SES, the post-warranty diagnostic/fix could be a pretty penny, and we'd not know it unless the dealer at least read the codes.

CP

Jim Dolan · 21st April 2004, 01:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by chunpng

If the O2 sensors, CATs, or any emission-related components had caused the SES lights, these components are warranteed for 8 years or 80,000 miles by law. I'm at 52,800 miles, and my SES came on. Allison BMW replaced my driver's side CAT, and told me about the emission-component warranty.

Of course, if other stuff caused the SES, the post-warranty diagnostic/fix could be a pretty penny, and we'd not know it unless the dealer at least read the codes.

CP

That's good to hear and I will remember that. Thanks. My trip today was no charge and very nice. My warranty is good till 7/31. I do have a lot of confidence in the engine and drive train. But will be looking for an extened to say.. 60,000. Aussie2u got one down here for $1,500 a few months ago. With my low miles that would suite me just fine.

Victor · 1st May 2004, 03:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by chunpng

If the O2 sensors, CATs, or any emission-related components had caused the SES lights, these components are warranteed for 8 years or 80,000 miles by law. I'm at 52,800 miles, and my SES came on. Allison BMW replaced my driver's side CAT, and told me about the emission-component warranty.

Of course, if other stuff caused the SES, the post-warranty diagnostic/fix could be a pretty penny, and we'd not know it unless the dealer at least read the codes.

CP

That is what I thought . . . read the warranty information again carefully. The only part covered up to 80K miles are the cats themselves. Everything else is on your own nickle once you are out of warranty.

I just bought a pre cat O2 sensor (one of the fault codes I'm trying to remedy). The other fault code is the idle control valve ($350 part) which I will install this week. I won't pass inspection until this SES light goes off permanently.

V-10 4 Me · 8th May 2004, 06:01

Greg did you ever find out what the codes were?