Check engine after warrantee - dealer?

[MaxL]

Prooving the stereotype, my car got it's first Engine Malfunction light 2 weeks after it was out of warrantee (WTF, right?). The light disappeared on engine restart, but came back a month later and now reappears on every other drive. Always disappears after engine restart.

Anyway, being out of warranty, should I take it to dealer or to an independent? My intuition tells that dealer should be the better choice, but after reading so many posts about dealers replacing half the engine just to find out it was a coil or a sensor, I'm not 100% sure. Any recommendations?

[Prince_of_Persia]

What is the error?

[MaxL]

Originally Posted by Prince_of_Persia

What is the error?

No idea - I do not have a code reader. The message on the screen just says Engine Malfunction, reduced power, ok to continue driving.

[pokerface]

I'd probably take it back to the dealer for a scan and see if it's something that should be covered under warranty. Perhaps they can pull a few strings for you as it happened so close to the expiry date.

[Twinbo]

Originally Posted by pokerface

I'd probably take it back to the dealer for a scan and see if it's something that should be covered under warranty. Perhaps they can pull a few strings for you as it happened so close to the expiry date.

This. Ask for some "goodwill" and see if the dealer will help you out.

If not, find an indie who has the proper reader and go there. Based on my small amount of knowledge, the fact that the warning is intermittent and does not effect how the car drives my guess would be a sensor reading poorly (ie MAF, one of the few o2 sensors etc).

[STALKER]

Forget the dealer, take it to a independent with good BMW experience.

Engineered Automotive would be my first choice, not cheap though. I have always had good luck with Cross Avenue Auto in Oakville too.

I do use EA for my car, unless its under warranty.

[2000gsr]

I think it may be a good idea to buy one of those odb 2 readers for $200 or so. As most places charge $100 just to diagnose. This car is starting to scare me now that its out of warranty.

[baba louey]

Since my car is a 2012, I haven't investigated whether there is any software available for BMW diagnostics. I bought PC software for my A4 after the warranty was done and it gives so much more info than OBDII. In fact it pretty well mimics the dealership's diagnostic tool. I've troubleshot and fixed many things successfully on my Audi.

I guess I'm hoping someone reversed engineered the BMW software.

[Gearhead999s]

I am big on Engineered Automotive.Last fall I had a engine light come on and they diagnosed it correctly which I got repaired at the dealer under warranty.They do a lot of other work for us including our 959 & XJ220.They are a very good shop.

[ALM3]

I agree, EA are excellent. I have taken previous BMW's there and service flawless. They even adjusted the UUC werks shifter more than 2 years after installation for free.

[MaxL]

I've got a friendly mechanic looks at it (thanks Sawzall for recommendation!), and it seems to be nothing - just an exhaust leak screwing with sensor reading.

Buy the way, these cars are tough - mine is just over 4 years old now, and it looks, feels and drives like new. It actually made me doubt the merit of buying new cars, especially if I'm planning to upgrade wear and tear components anyway. But I'll have to make an exception for the 991 GT3 - it's just too tempting to wait till used ones are available.

[sawzall]

Glad to hear Chris got stuff sorted out for you!

Now you won't have excuses when i'm passing you and STALKER at the Glen!

[baba louey]

Originally Posted by MaxL

I've got a friendly mechanic looks at it (thanks Sawzall for recommendation!), and it seems to be nothing - just an exhaust leak screwing with sensor reading.

Buy the way, these cars are tough - mine is just over 4 years old now, and it looks, feels and drives like new. It actually made me doubt the merit of buying new cars, especially if I'm planning to upgrade wear and tear components anyway. But I'll have to make an exception for the 991 GT3 - it's just too tempting to wait till used ones are available.

I've found that most cars when looked after, can last a very long time. I had a RX7 since 1990 and just sold it last year. I maintained it regularly and hit the track regularly. No real problems.

[MaxL]

Originally Posted by sawzall

Glad to hear Chris got stuff sorted out for you!

Now you won't have excuses when i'm passing you and STALKER at the Glen!

Oh, I have an excuse - a car that costs 1/3 as much as yours and fits twice as many adults. But I would not be so sure I will need it

[sawzall]

Originally Posted by MaxL

Oh, I have an excuse - a car that costs 1/3 as much as yours and fits twice as many adults. But I would not be so sure I will need it

Hey, I can fit 4 adults in my car! 2 of them just need to take their legs off before sitting in back.

It's great to hear you'll be at the Glen!