BMW CEL Issue
 

I think I diagnosed the problem, but I thought I would consult the PPOT Brain Trust for further guidance.

Earlier today, I noticed that the CEL on the 1993 525i had come on. I was only a mile or so from my apartment so I got the car home and then went online to figure out the issue. I was able to read the code as "1222" which indicates Lambda Control 1. From reading forums, that seems to be some type of air/vacuum leak that typically messes with the air/fuel ratio. When I was driving the car, I did not notice any change in the driving characteristics (idle was the same, no loss of power, no funny noises, etc).

My main question would be if any of you fellow BMW owners have any experience with this? Also, how drivable is the car? I do not plan on taking it anywhere for now, but the dealership is an hour away and if I could avoid the hassle of getting it towed, I would be very happy. Thanks as always

1222 means it's running rich/lean. Either a vacuum leak or a bad O2 sensor. If it is an O2 sensor than it should be fine to drive until you replace it as the default is to go into rich fuel mixture mode.

Thank you for confirming my initial thoughts/findings. Any idea the typical labor associated with changing the sensor. The part looks to be about $100. Just trying to get an estimate on what this is going to run me if that is in fact the problem.

I also need to figure out if this dealer will give a loaner car to a 21 year old because it will be a hassle if I have to find rides back and forth from my friends.

It'd be crazy to go to a dealer for this. You can swap it yourself in a few minutes.

If that is the cause, you can buy the O2 sensor here, or anywhere. It is a 5 minute deal.

BUT it might be a number of other issues like vacuum leak, leaking/dribbling/worn injector, or another sensor that is causing the system to go rich like MAF or IAC or temp sensor. Find the specs of those sensors, ohm them, and you'll know

After looking up a diy on this, you are probably right, even given my relative lack of mechanical inclination. However, in an apartment with a snow covered parking lot 300 miles from home. I have a screwdriver, hammer, a small wrench and a leatherman. That is it. I am ill equipped for car work here. Plus, there is the fact that it may not even be the o2 sensor, but a vacuum leak which would be tougher for me to diagnose.

That's way more than MacGyver had.

Then don't take it to a BMW dealer, take it to a local shop. It's not rocket science.

To check for vacuum leak you can always spray brake cleaner or starting fluid around the hoses when the vehicle is at idle. If idle speeds up, you have a vacuum leak.

Thank you for the tips, I will have to look into the local shops more and see if there are any reputable ones. Plus I need to discuss it further with my dad, as he will probably end up footing the bill.

If he's footing the bill..... take it to a BMW dealer :)

Well I took the car to the dealer since my dad told me to take it there and after $105 they told me it is the oxygen sensor. They want another 2hrs of labor plus $125 for the part (or $440 total). After finding that out, my dad told me to figure out something else, so I found a small shop that works on european cars that wants an hour of labor ($65). I'll buy the part here on pelican for $94.

Can anyone confirm that this is the correct part? I'm almost certain, but want to double check. If not, I'll double check when I pick up my car.
Pelican Parts - Product Information: 11-78-1-468-620-M14

As usual, thanks for the help, and no need to say I told you so. I believed you guys, I'm not sure why my dad was set on the dealer when he knew this was the likely outcome. I tried to talk the guy at the dealership down to only one hr of labor for the install but he wouldn't budge from the book time. I guess making only the $105 for the diagnostic was enough, they didn't want $230 more from me. It wasn't like the place was buzzing with activity.

Yep that is the O2 sensor. Are you sure you only need 1? Most of the 3 series use 4. But I am not familiar with the early 5 series.

According to the PP page, since it was only the 2.5L engine, there was only 1 sensor. I have also read the same thing on various e34 forums.

If you can drive it to Findlay, I'll install the sensor for FREE, and check the engine for vacuum leaks once again for FREE just to help you out. let me know

Im in Centerville, about an hour from you. Ill also install it for free if you want.....well, free plus beer.

Its things like this that make this forum great.

Tab Tanner, I really appreciate the offer, but Carrerax is much closer so I think I am going to take him up on it.

Carrerax, I will pm when I get the part and see if there is a time we can work out for me to get up to Centerville. Unfortunately I have Green Beer Day next thursday and then I leave for Jackson Hole on Friday, so it may be awhile. But I'm sure we will be able to work something out. Just tell me what your favorite beer is.

Sounds good. Send me a PM.