Last week my yellow "Service Engine Soon" light came on. After searching the threads on this forum I figured the problem was either bad gas (although I never by gas at cheap stations) or an emission control issue. I made an appointment for next Monday at the dealer, and yesterday the light went off. Maybe it was bad gas, but I'm not sure. I know the oil needs to be changed in about 1100 miles, so that also makes me wonder. The question is, should I take it in for service to be on the safe side, or should I cancel Monday's appointment and wait for the oil change to bring it in? Thoughts?

 

Most of the time this indicates an emissions problem. If the car is running good, I probably would wait.

Emission caused "Service Engine Soon" lights can be cause by simple things such as a loose gas cap.

 

depends

last time i was at the dealer there was a lady complaining that they wouldnt cover any of her transmission problems ( it was basically toasted )

BECAUSE... she ignored the OBC service intervals...i guess it was like at -2X,000 miles

obviosly thats not a little CEL but still. you could probably just tell them your going to wait and see

 

first i would check if the gas cap was not secured after a fill-up. then, i would use a code scanner to read the code from the OBD II port. any performace modifications? if done recently, those could be the culprit. also, i just got a letter for MINI extending O2 sensor warranty due to check engine light issues...maybe it's this? good luck!

 

If the light has turned off, I'd wait and find an independent BMW service facility for oil change to save alot of money.

 

Could be 02 sensor. Mine would come one about a day after I got gas and stay on for a day or so then go out. Went this way for a several weeks until I finally borrowed someone's scanner and found it was the sensor.

 

A call to your dealership service adviser may be the best course of action and asking them the question.

 

Me I'd keep the appointment & have them change the oil while you are there. You are only 100 miles early. That is nothing.

 

I think I'm going to wait until it is due for service--thanks for your thoughts!

 

If it is something semi serious the computer will log it and it will come up when the car is serviced. No worries!

 

Unless it is super inconvenient to get there, I would take the car in. It is better to document any trouble when the car is under warranty even if there is nothing to repair. Later in the event the same issue pops up after the warranty you will have a stronger case for MINI to eat the repair.