Do M5s have a check engine light?

Specific conversations and info for the BMW E28 M5 and M535i.
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unslow
Posts: 268
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: DFW, TX

Post by unslow »

I posted this as part of a seperate post (see my instrument cluster post in Tech) but I'm afraid it might get buried so I'm reposting it here. Sorry if this is considered spam.

To make a long story short, I pulled my instrument cluster tonight. In doing so, I noticed that in the row of idiot lights, there is a spot for "Check Engine". In my car, there is no bulb behind it, just an empty hole. While I had everything out, I found an empty bulb socket that was mysteriously taped up in the rest of the loom. Possible attempt to get around an annual inspection???

I *think* I read somewhere that not all e28s (or maybe just not the M5?) had check engine lights but I could be wrong.

So my question is, does anyone know for sure if there is supposed to be a check engine light present?

Thanks-
unslow
Posts: 268
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: DFW, TX

Post by unslow »

I think I answered my own question. Checked the owner's manual and it makes no mention of the Check Engine light so I'm assuming I don't need to worry about it. Interesting that the factory appears to have everything in place for it but never bothered to use it. And since the M5 was towards the end of e28 production, you'd think that that model would have it if they intended to use it on the e28.

If anybody knows otherwise, please let me know.

Thanks.
Matt
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Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: Fargo

Post by Matt »

The M5 used motronic 1.0. I'm guessing check-engine only showed on Mot 1.3 cars, which would be sufficiently late 528e's, possibly the 535 ?
Kenny Blankenship
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Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: NNV

Post by Kenny Blankenship »

It does not have a check engine light. But as the California BAR (smog nazis) and they say it does. How do I know that? Because I tried to get a BAR sticker for the M7 and they wouldn't give it to me because of it. Their reference are incorrect, but CA BAR wont bend.
scottiesharpe
Posts: 187
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: San Jose CA
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Post by scottiesharpe »

CA bar also has incorrect timing references for the M106.

When I get my car smogged, I bring the factory manual.

Tell the tech to get Sacremento on the phone; you will fax the factory reference pages in German.

They will bend!!!
Kenny Blankenship
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Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: NNV

Post by Kenny Blankenship »

He already talked to Sacto...
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