My "service engine soon" light came on and stayed on for a couple days.
I took it to Autozone and the it only showed a "dealer specific" code.

The car seems to be running fine and the light went away (it still lights during start-up so it didn't just burn out)

I scheduled an appointment at the dealer right away (this Friday) but I'm thinking of rescheduling to a more convent time which may be a while. Is this a good or bad idea? Could something be seriously wrong with the car?

 

lucky dog , you have dealer you can go to easily!!! I wouldn't worry too much, and get it there when you can.

 

Since the light went out I would not even worry much about the problem. If your car is no longer under warranty, I would not even take it to the dealer. I would instead take it to a local independent Mini mechanic.
You might be able to get a local mini club member to scan the code for you using a Mini specific scan tool such as the Peake R5 EMX tool.
http://new.minimania.com/web/Item/NME4020/InvDetail.cfm

 

Yeah I forget there aren't that many dealers. I felt really special visiting family in Evansville IN. The nearest dealer might have been in Indy 4hrs away.
It was kind of neat. my car got some looks .

 

Mine came on and I needed a new ignition coil, wires and plugs. Oil leaked in and mucked everything up.

SO, I would be cautious on waiting. Good thing you scheduled. As always, don't let the dealer bone you. Find out what code it is and run for the hills!

But a dealer specific code is interesting...

 

let us know what it was, i think my service light might come on since im due for an inspection number 2 soon

 

You don't say what year your car is or how many miles are on it, so in general, the right thing to do is take it to your dealer and let them check it out for you. Sooner is better, even tho the light went out again....

 

A CEL on once in a while, no big deal. A flashing CEL = quit driving it, you'll ruin your catalytic converter.

 

06 MCS (from 05) ~55,000mi.
The lights been back and left again.
I've rescheduled so I can get one of the loaner cars.

There are times I do miss my last car, an Toyota Celica (1992) That car was way less trouble. Of course it wasn't as much fun either.