Hello folks. I have a year 2010 BMW 320i E90 (119,000 miles) After the last three times of refuelling the yellow EML illuminates after travelling three or four miles. After a few engine cycles and start-ups the EML switches itself off after starting the engine. The vehicle always accelerates and pulls smoothly even when the EML is illuminating. I have checked the tank filler cap and is secure and I do not over fill the tank. I had the same problem last Winter. Is the cold weather a factor ?? The vehicle always has good runs and I avoid short trips. Does anyone have any ideas as to what is causing this and is there an easy fix ??? Thank you to all.
Sounds like you need to get the faults read out, ideally with one that reads bmw specific codes but as it’s eml a generic obd2 scanner should give an idea.
I would say code reader time... Do you use supermarket fuel or the good stuff? If cheap stuff try a tank of premium and see if the light comes on that time. Have you tried an additive or fuel cleaner? Not having any experience of catalytic converters, my friends diesel DPF was getting full and that was causing intermittent EML (we did code read it), we did a forced regen which seemed to cure it
Hello to all and many thanks to those who have responded. I always use shell V-power and have always used a whole bottle of Redex on every full tank for years. I have had the vehicle on a code reader and the errors are nox sensor and catalytic converter pressure. The central cat was replaced a year ago along with the associated sensors at a BMW dealership. However, as stated earlier, the EML only seems to illuminate SHORTLY AFTER REFUELLING and then extinguishes itself after a few start-up and engine cycles. The cycle repeats itself after every fill-up. The vehicle runs smoothly and accelerates properly even when EML is illuminated. There is no more excessive fuel burning. The problem also only seems to manifest itself during the Winter months. I have had no problems throughout the Spring and Summer. I have been advised by an independent BMW business that I may have used too much Redex over the years and the vehicle may well be running on, near on, pure Redex as opposed to petrol (tongue in cheek comment I assume) This may well cause the EML to illuminate as it apparently disrupts the nox sensors. On my next fill-up I have been advised not to use any Redex at all in order to dilute to possible over concentration of Redex in the tank. Does anybody concur with the Redex theory?? Thank you all kindly.
The reflex theory sounds unlikely unless you’re not running the tank down each time before adding a bottle. Shouldn’t be needed every fill though unless you’ve got shares in redex. I wonder if the nox sensor is a bit on its edge and the switch to winter fuel blends unsettles it until the engine adapts. Do you have any more info on what the codes were? May also be worth running a few tanks of fuel from a different supplier and see if that changes anything.
Do you let the tank get low? Would (and purely speculating here) it be condensation in the tank? As the MIL goes off after a bit? Just thinking colder weather etc. As an aside do you notice a difference with Redex? I used some Hydra Maximus - injector cleaner/fuel additive when I first got mine as it had done 40k and I assumed they would have used cheap fuel, and must say noticed absolutely no difference. I Always premium fuel and never supermarket stuff, people seem to have too many issues with the cheap stuff.
I always normally refuel when I get down to the last quarter of a tank. I believe that the vehicle tends to run smoother after a few doses of Redex. Although, as you are probably aware that Redex is not a 'one shot' solution. Redex usage is designed more for the good husbandry and cleanliness of the engine as opposed to adding power etc. Prolonged usage is beneficial for the engine on cold starts and lubricates the internal workings etc. I am beginning to form the opinion that, in my case, I may have used far too much i.e. a 500ml bottle with every full tank. I may have to use less in future to possibly reduce the likelihood of tripping the EML illumination.
