What's EML and why does it flicker every now and then?

[ilikemybike]

When putting in new odometer gears, I replaced a few indicator bulbs. I noticed an "EML" indicator next to the high beam light. It's never come on before so I thought nothing of it. Every now and then it'll flicker for a split second while driving around. What the hell is this?

Yes...I searched for it but all the eml threads relate to e30s and up.

[option00002]

I know it to mean Electronic Throttle Management. Perhaps BMW was dabbling with it in the late 80s.

[oldskool]

It's your EMeriL light. If it stays lit you have to immediately run home and make soup.

[alijonny]

BAM!

[FastFiver]

If your EML light is on, you have no ABS. EML is traction control, but E28's don't have it, so it's limited to ABS on our cars.

[MisterFixit]

Are you sure it doesn't mean 'Go home, check your EMAIL' ?

[Justin_FL]

I'm thinking the ABS light bulb (which is loose and not part of the cluster) might be plugged into the EML socket. That's the only thing I can think of, since there should be no bulbs populating that hole on the instrument cluster. Does both the EML light turn on when you turn the key to the run position and "Anti-Lock" not illuminate?

If your EML light is on, you have no ABS. EML is traction control, but E28's don't have it, so it's limited to ABS on our cars.

The light is really for electronic (drive-by-wire) throttle. I don't know why a car with traction control would illuminate EML when there is a separate ABS warning lamp. If the E32/E34 are like the later cars, there is a lamp for the traction control system to indicate operation or fault.

I know it to mean Electronic Throttle Management. Perhaps BMW was dabbling with it in the late 80s.

Yes, BMW debuted it on E32 V12s in Europe, IIRC. I also remember a 1988 or 1989 Top Gear (or maybe another UK car show) clip seen on the web were Tiff Needell gives one 535i a frisk around in the damp to illustrate the traction control system. Drive-by-wire throttle isn't so new