The check engine light, also known as the Engine Management Light (EML), is a dashboard warning sign for BMWs. It will turn on if more serious problems are found in the components or systems of your car that interact with the engine and the exhaust systems that link to it.
The main computer in your BMW, also referred to as the ECU or Engine Control Unit, is directly connected to the engine management light. The check engine light and an error code will turn on if the ECU notices a problem in one of the aforementioned systems. This can be used to appropriately identify the issue and fix it.
Depending on how serious the problem is, a driver must decide how to react right away to the EML. If the vehicle still seems to be in good working order, reduce your speed and head straight for a shop that specializes in repairs. However, pull over and request a rescue truck to tow you to a repair facility if the EML flashes red or if your automobile no longer feels safe.
In This Article...
(together with recommendations)
We apologise for the eight-month break in Project E46 M3 updates, but despite having a problem during the previous year that we kept quiet about, the car is currently functioning great. A new performance item has even been dyno tested, and several stylish exterior and interior changes have been made, but we’ll have more to say about that soon. We’ll talk about the aforementioned problem we resolved today.
If your BMW E46 hasn’t yet displayed the yellow “EML” indicator, it won’t be long. Its name, Elektronische Motorleistungsregelung, can refer to a wide range of “electronic engine power control” problems, most of which are connected to the drive-by-wire technology.
Ah, I see. the delightful EML light. In the instance of Project M3, when this light would turn on, the vehicle would immediately turn off and would not start again. As if we had a dead ECU, the engine would start to run but there would be no fuel or ignition. Not enjoyable if you’re unsure of what to do.
Yes, that is the low windshield fluid indication, which is empty (due to an error I made when installing a splitter I’ll soon be discussing with you). Yes, the airbag light is also on there, which has appeared on each of the five M3s I’ve owned. I just don’t care about it anymore since I’m so accustomed to seeing it.
Throttle Position Sensors (TPS) are the most frequent component to fail in the EML circuit, and the #1 TPS, which is located just above the air filter, is the one you want to have a problem. Simply put, replacing it is the simplest.
Before the AEM Infinity EMS installation, soon after we swapped our Corsa exhaust and VAC Motorsport pulleys, I first experienced the EML light turning on. It was first perplexing because after replacing TPS #1, the car ran smoothly, only for the light to return a week or two later.
Be careful not to strip the weak-sauce Phillips screws when replacing the TPS. Later, I changed them out for these Allen-head, socket-head cap screws with a size of M4 0.7 x 25mm.
Sadly, after a few weeks the EML light would occasionally turn on and the car would stall once more. I had hoped the latest AEM Infinity installation in Part 6 would resolve this, but sadly, nothing changed. But after that, it continued to drive well for several months. So strange so far.
I didn’t figure it out, or so I thought, until my wife and I drove from Kansas City to St. Louis in November 2013 to watch Argentina play Bosnia/Herzegovina in a FIFA soccer friendly (oh cow there are a lot of Bosnians in St. Louis!). At first, I had assumed that we were permanently stranded by the side of the road and that our weekend was over. Fortunately, we both discovered—well, she did, and she wants my readers to know about—that removing fuse #29 and reinstalling it with the key off turned off the EML light. (I just recently noticed that removing TPS #1 and plugging it back in would accomplish the same feat.) This method would be effective, but only for around 20 minutes.
My EML light is on, why?
An EML induced by the oxygen sensor may indicate that the engine is operating too richly or too leanly, or it may be the result of a sensor malfunction. The engine control unit (ECU) may need to be reprogrammed, calibrated, or, in certain cases, the oxygen sensor may need to be replaced in order to fix this issue.
If the oxygen sensor determines your automobile is running on fuel that is either too rich or too lean, your engine management light can illuminate. The sensor itself could have a problem as well. Reprogramming/recalibrating the engine control unit can fix this (ECU). You can get this done for you by your mechanic.
A check engine light usually signals that there is a problem with your car, although nothing seems to be wrong. Even something as easy as forgetting to tighten your gas cap might cause a problem; in fact, this is the most frequent cause of check engine lights in the first place.
What does the EML symbol on a BMW mean?
When you least expect it, it usually happens as you’re driving along without a care in the world when all of a sudden the orange engine logo on your dashboard illuminates. It is what? That is the engine management light, which alerts you to a potential issue that might be occurring under the hood.
Here, we outline the next measures you should take to turn off the engine management light and perhaps save costly auto damage.
My BMW EML light is on, why?
This sign represents a DME or DDE issue (ECU – engine control unit). Known as an EML warning light, this is. Electronic Motor Load regulation is referred to by the abbreviation EML. Keep in mind that you will see this lamp if your ECU identifies any issue with the engine’s operation.
How can you turn a BMW’s EML light back on?
Turning the ignition on and off is an even easier approach to switch off the engine management light. The result of this method is the same as the previous one’s, except the battery is not disconnected.
What does EML in a car mean?
There is no particular malfunction indicated by the engine management light (EML). It can be warning you about a single problem or a number of them, usually connected to exhaust emissions. More serious than others are some.
The engine control unit, the vehicle’s primary computer, is linked to the light (ECU). It gathers data from sensors dispersed throughout the engine and exhaust system. The ECU will turn on the engine warning light if they send the incorrect data.
Drive the car to your neighborhood garage at a slower speed if it is still drivable and not making any visible noises. Depending on the issue, the car can decide for you by entering what is known as “limp home mode,” when its speed is virtually brought to a crawl. On a highway, carefully pull over, halt, and dial a breakdown assistance service. Continue reading to learn more about the typical reasons and how to determine what the light indicates.
Can I operate a BMW with the check engine light on?
A constant glow normally denotes something less serious, but a check engine light that flashes suggests your car’s engine is seriously damaged and needs quick repair. We strongly advise not operating your BMW while the check engine light is flashing and setting up BMW servicing right away.
How do I disable EML?
- In the upper right corner of the Gmail window, click the gear symbol.
- Select the “Settings” link.
- Under the Desktop Notifications area, select “Mail notifications off.”
- Select “Save”
Users of Outlook 2010, 2013, and 2016:
- Go to the File tab and select “Options”
- Go to Options and select “Mail”
- Remove a check mark from the box next to “Display a Desktop Alert” under “Message arrival.”
For Outlook’s earlier iterations:
- Click “Options” in the Tools menu.
- Click “E-mail Options” on the Preferences tab, followed by “Advanced E-mail Options.”
- Remove the check mark next to “Display a New Mail Desktop Alert” under “When new things arrive in my Inbox.”
Users of iPhone Mail.app:
- Select “Settings”
- Click “Notifications.”
- Toggle “Mail”
- Delete all of your alerts
Gmail users with iPhones:
Tap “Gmail”
Users of Gmail on Android:
- Launch the Gmail program.
- Select “Menu” from the top left menu.
- At the very bottom, select “Settings”
- After selecting an account, deselect “Notifications.”
What is E46’s limp mode?
In a nutshell, your BMW uses limp mode to safeguard your engine and transmission. When an ABS, or engine or transmission control unit, detects improper operation, a malfunction code is recorded in the device and used to gauge the severity of the problem. Your BMW will enter limp mode if the device determines the problem to be unsafe.
Your BMW is striving to make sure you can securely transport your car to a mechanic without endangering the engine, which is the most crucial component of your car. The ideal solution to get your automobile running like new will be determined by tests that skilled auto mechanics can perform to identify the cause of the limp mode and the fault code.
What might lead to EML?
There are numerous causes for your EML to activate. Below is a list of a few of the most typical.
1. An oxygen sensor issue
The EML may activate if the sensor determines that your car’s fuel is either too rich (too little air) or too lean (too much air).
Blockage in the diesel particulate filter
To lessen the amount of pollution produced by your engine, the diesel particulate filter (DPF) collects and holds exhaust soot.
The EML light may illuminate if there is a problem with it or the differential pressure sensor, which informs your car of the DPF’s condition.
Sensor for mass airflow 3.
The mass airflow sensor is used by the ECU to calculate how much fuel to add to the combustion chambers in relation to the amount of air entering the engine.
The EML may turn on if the air filter is broken, missing, or clogged.
(4) An ignition system error
If you drive a petrol vehicle, spark plug or coil issues could turn on the EML.
5. A dipstick for loose oil
If your car’s EML comes on immediately after you’ve checked the oil, the dipstick can be loose. Check to ensure if the dipstick was correctly reinserted before continuing, if not.
If your automobile is running short on oil, this is a major problem that has to be fixed right away. However, the EML rarely turns on as a result.
You should be made aware of this problem by the dashboard warning light for low oil, which typically has the shape of an oil can.
How can I reset the computer in my E46?
Your BMW E46 ECU can be reset in one of two ways: Your negative battery cable should be disconnected for 10 to 15 minutes before being reconnected. Both battery wires should be unplugged before letting them touch for 5 to 10 seconds. Recharge your battery
Is EML a failed MOT?
Yes, if your engine management light stays on after starting the engine, your car will fail its MOT. It is now categorized as a significant defect under the new MOT regulations.
Your EML could be on for a variety of reasons, some of which are more obvious than others. Have your car checked at a garage if your light is on all the time or flashing.
It may be an issue with the catalytic converter, the EGR valve, or the DPF filter if your car is a diesel if it is emitting more emissions than it should. Your Engine Management Light can come on if one of these is broken.
I hope this clarified the situation for you. You should read Engine Management Light (What You Need To Know) or schedule a MOT online if you want to learn more.