Engine light is on

["Philip Alpatov" <palpatov@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi, Alex,

I've got what you have, an 1999 e46 323i with about the same milage. My
thoughts:

First, the inspection interval expiration does not cause the engine light to
go on. Engine light comes on when the same error code is registered with the
on-board computer during two consecutive drive cycles. If the fault does not
return within the fallowing three consecutive cycles, then the light will
clear. The code, however, would stay in your car computer'S memory for
another 40 cycles. I wouldn't worry about it if you do not have eny
drivability problems, but If you want to be on the safe side, ask your
mechanic to check the stored code. You may even do it for free with some of
the local auto stores now offering FREE OBD-2 diagnostics ( AutoZone the one
that comes to mind ). Keep in mind though that the "generic" code scanner
(as opposed to the BMW-proprietary) will likely retrieve only the OBD-2
mandated list of engine codes.

The inspection itself is a huge waste of money, IMHO. Very few things get
actually done to the car, while the value of the "check the level of this
whatchamacallit and operation of that thingamagic" items hinges on your
belief in the goodness of your local dealership. Mine (Austin BMW) is
somewhat wanting. Here is what _verifiably_ done at the dealership:

1) Change oil, oil filter (30 min with beer in one hand), air filter(10 min
WBIOH) and microfilter (2 min WBIOH)

and that's that. My advice: Do 1) by yourself and keep the 400. The
inspection light can be reset with the paperclip. Look through the archives
or email me for the details.


If that is what you decide to do, here are a few more things that I would
recommend(in the order of decreasing priority):

2) Check the thickness of your brake pads. Replacement is trivial
3) Check the drive belts. Replacement procedure is relatively simple.
4) If you haven't done it yet drain and replace the coolant (needs to be
done every four years). Easy.
5) if you haven't done it yet drain and replace the brake fluid (needs to be
done every two years).

enjoy the car another 70K.

Philip

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