[SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]I have an ’02 S with just over 100k on it. Just had the plugs and belt done. Skipped the oxygen sensor on advice of the service manager (ain’t broke, don’t fix it). Anyway, the service engine light just came on yesterday. Now, it could just be the gas cap thing, but the coincidence is a bit large for that. In any event, I went to my local mechanic to try and get a fault reading. He was unable to using the under dash OBD port, and his machine told him to connect to the port under the hood. We couldn’t find one. Is there such a thing? If so, where is it? [/FONT][/SIZE]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]He told me, off the top of his head, that if it is the oxy sensor, they are $300 apiece and there are two. He didn’t look it up, just said that was his experience with BMW. Is this true? I plan on just driving it the rest of the week to see if the light goes out. I would like my local guy to do the work as the dealer is a long way away.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]-Jim[/SIZE][/FONT]

 

Did you get the work done at a dealer?? If so did they update the computer? I just had mine in last week on a recall 98000 miles no problems, they upgraded the software version, then on the way home (about 150 miles into a 250 mile trip) the ses light came on. A little coincidental (sp) error code is a PO171 (right bank lean) will check for a vacuum leak tonight..

Not sure on the cost of the 02 sensors. Oh the ses light went out after about five restarts, lasted for two and then came back on. Cleared the code last night, will see how long that lasts....

Nik

 

...upgrade/recall. They told me it was to meet CA specs. Since I doubt I will be selling the car there I said no to the software upgrade (not broke, don't fix). So all I had done was the plugs, belt, and a (really expensive) oil change. Usually do the oil myself, but it's been in the single digits and figured I'd treat myself. Just like to get a code off of it. You don't know about another OBD port under the hood do you?

-Jim

 

the plug in for the OBD reading is inside the car, under the driver side dash

 

Yes, that was what we plugged into. However, that one directed us to another one, supposedly in the engine compartment. That is what my question is. Does one exist or was the readout in error?

-Jim

 

No there is not one under the hood. It was probably his scanner that said to check under the hood, not the port (I know the port didn't). Older bmw's have both ports, still I can't understand why a mechanic would have trouble with this. If your 02 sensor goes bad there will be a code 90% of the time, so don't jump to that conclusion without some reasoning behind. Also you do not need to change them both at the same time unless you have the oney or want the peace of mind.

 

Stopped at AutoZone, they pulled code P0455. From what I can see that's the gas cap. Anybody else had this?

Thanks,
Jim

 

that may be it. The vent hose kind of decays.... Not sure which one, or how hard it is to get. Reset, and see if it stays away. If it does, it was a loose gas cap. If not, I'd guess your vent hose is shot.....

Matt

 

Thank you, I'll look into that. One more thing I've noticed. 3 nights a week I work out at a gym and fill up (long commute) afterwords. So I only drive about 1 mile before shutting the car off and filling it. When I'm done, and I start the car, it dies. Then it takes a bit to start it again. Otherwise it's fine, in the morning, after work, no problem, just this short drive, fill up, and restart. This started after the SES light went on.

-Jim