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

[mrnine]

Darn!

My "Check Engine" light came on again and is returning the same "Catalyst Efficiency" code. I just checked with BMWNA regarding the recall that Steven mentions above. Mine was produced in June of 1998, and is not part of the recall.

It's probably pointless to guess what's going to be the verdict based on that info, but what do you think the dealer's going to tell me when they check it out? That I need a new cat for $1k? Anyone care to make a (ideally educated) guess?

Thx.

[ddiorio1313]

Screw the check engine light....! I may just take out that bulb...He he.

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by mrnine

Darn!

My "Check Engine" light came on again and is returning the same "Catalyst Efficiency" code. I just checked with BMWNA regarding the recall that Steven mentions above. Mine was produced in June of 1998, and is not part of the recall.

It's probably pointless to guess what's going to be the verdict based on that info, but what do you think the dealer's going to tell me when they check it out? That I need a new cat for $1k? Anyone care to make a (ideally educated) guess?

Thx.

You won't know until you ask.
Sometimes they do things as a courtesy. If your local dealer will not cover it then you might want to call BMW NA in NJ. Depending where you live, it may not pass inspection. In Maryland they simply read the fault codes. If you have a CE fault code they will require you to fix it. Even if you pull the bulb they will see that the bulb did not light when the key is turned to on and there is a CE fault specifically for the light.

[mrnine]

We don't have any inspections where I live so I'm alright there. And as far as that goes, I can use my Peake tool to reset it. The interval between the last time I reset it was about 3-400 miles.

I guess I'll see what the mechanic says and take it from there. I can't get it in to have it checked out for another couple weeks.

I'm just thinking: If they tell me that indeed my catalytist is not running quite as efficiently as it could be and that's all it is...do i spend $1k to repair it? Or what might be other options?

Thx!
-R