3 series OBD-II codes
 

I bought a 1997 BMW 328is and have had it for 4 years. The "check enginer light" recently came on and I was wondering if I could check the code by pressing, the "code" button on the
console underneath the radio.


I did take it to the a BMW repair shop and they told me is the oxygen sensors needed to be replaced (front bank). The also
told me that it would cost close to $700 dollars.

I started calling around and found out that was an outrageous price.

I located some oxygen sensors on the internet for around $100 dollars a peice www.oxygensensor.com and found a guy to charge $50 dollars per sensor installation.

I was just wondering again what that "code" button means on the console below the radio.

THanks,

Ericg

You paid $50 dollars to have an oxygen sensor installed? Wow. Oxygen sensors are easier to do than spark plugs! Good job looking for cheaper parts, you can almost always do better than a mechanic, however, check your exaust manifold back a little ways and you'll see you could've done them both in less than 20 minutes. I guess you'll know for next time. About the "code" button on your OBC, that is so you can enter a 4-digit code (with the key at position 1 only) and render the starter interupt until the code is put in. I don't recommend using it unless you're parking at the airport for several days, or in a shady neighborhood overnight. Give it a shot, just don't forget the code.
BMR BOY
'96 Montreal Blue 4 door/5 speed Premium Package
18" Falken Koblenz w/255-35ZR18 FK-451 tires
Full Dinan Exaust

Thanks BMR Boy! this really helps me out a lot. You have no idea, what BMW dealers want for this sort of repair. They like to give a whole lot of mumbo jumbo about running diagnostics to make sure the installation is good etc..................

BMR boy,

If I change out the oxygen sensors, how to I turn off the "Check Engine Light"?

Eric

I changed my o2 sensor and the check engine light went out by itself. If not you can clear the codes but it depends on whether you have an obd 1 car (pre 96) or obd 2 ( post 96). It should go out by itself though like mine did.

Thanks Michael - I have ordered several online and will see what happens.

To reset the check engine lite , you'll need to do one of two things.(A) take it to a shop that works on BMW's and have them do it or (B) You can buy a Reset tool from either Bavarian Autosport or BMP and do it yourself. The reset tools go for about $129-149 . These will not only retrieve codes, but you can clear them and reset the maintanence interval lights as well.