New BMW Owner - 318ti w/ 89k - Maintenance Questions

[robcarync]

dammmn i get a lousy 19.1 MPG...not sure what is causing that...i had an Inspection II service done about 2 months ago...so a bunch of filters and sparg plugs etc were replaced...so i would think that would at least raise my fuel efficency up somewhat...

[ddiorio1313]

robcarync: It is not unusual to get low MPG if you are driving around the city. I get great mileage on the highway...37 MPG is my best average on a 12 hour trip to Georgia, but in the city I always get alot less. Normally around 22 - 25 in the city sometimes lower. Especially if you are gassing it alot. My car is an automatic and I tend to keep it in 3rd alot in the city, so that may drop m mileage alot aswell. I always run Premium 92 octane or higher.

[ddiorio1313]

My check engine just came on at 86,000 and it wasn't the o2 sensor, it was some vacumm tube, it sent a fualt code that said low idle. I really didn't notice much lower of an idle just a few occassional slow starts, besides that the car ran fine. I got it fixed and then the next day the light came back on, not sure if it is the same problem haven't gone back to the mechanic yet....car seems to be running fine still...

[1996 328ti]

My CE light goes on every few weeks and then goes off.
My mechanic says it is because the 02 sensor is just on its limits.
I think if you do have a bad 02 sensor the CE light will go off but it will still be stored in the DME. So I think the light will go off but you really do need to reset it to clear the fault.

[mrnine]

Let's face it...gadgets rule. So I decided to pickup a Peake Research R5/FCX-II. Being so far away from any BMW dealers/repair shops, I figured it might be handy to diagnose my problems myself. And I know plenty of other BMW folks around here that I can loan to.

Turns out it was not an oxygen sensor. The fault code came back as "Catalyst efficiency." But isn't that the #1 reason for most cars on the road's check engine light being on in the first place?

Should I be concerned about this? I'm inclined to think not. I reset the light for the meantime, but anyone with insight here, do tell.

thanks!

[1996 328ti]

I'd reset it and forget it until it happens again.
What year is yours? I believe the following is true for 1998.

http://www.318ti.org/forum/showpost....06&postcount=2

[mrnine]

That's right, Steven. I remember reading that here and forgot all about it. I read through that post again.

I suppose I'll sit tight and see if it lights up again anytime soon. Certainly no performance degradation or rattle currently, which is good. If I have any further issues I'll check with a dealer about a replacement.

Interesting...

[ddiorio1313]

It is sgoing to light up again I guarantee it! Once those things come on they never leave you alone! Mawahahaha!