[m3flyer]

Originally Posted by volvodefector79

Hello! This is my first posted question... I thank you in advance for your patience. ;-)

I just purchased a '96 328i - love it! But it came without an owner's manual. There are no indicator lights on, but I want to make sure my "Check Engine" light actually works... The only thing is that before starting, when all the lamps come on as a system check, I do NOT see a "Check Engine" light. I DO see an amber-colored gear symbol light with an exclamation point in the center of the gear. Is that the "check engine" light? I just want to be sure. OK - that's question 1.

The light you are describing is the "check engine light" and/or "engine malfunction light" or... the "trans check light" as the guys above have stated... Buy a set of books from your local dealer or get used books from Schiff Automotive Literature on the web to be certain.

Here's question 2 (and the reason for question #1). I purchased an OBD-II reader a few days ago and, despite the fact that I do not have any indicator lamps on, it reads a couple of codes: "Fuel trim bank 1" and "Fuel trim bank 2", and it actually indicated that I should have a MIL (malfunction indicator lamp) on... even though NONE of my indicator lamps are staying on after starting her up. The idle is a little rough. It still has adequate power, and cruises smoothly, but the idle in the colder weather is erratic (it was just fine when warmer) - it pitches up and down and initially acceleration is a bit jumpy. I'm thinking that this is the MAF sensor (mass air flow meter). Am I on the right track?

That is more than one question (for "question #2) dude...

But, the code reader is actually reading codes that are still stored in the ECU (previous faults)...You would have to clear them to get rid of them.

And, the idle problem could be due to a number of things:

1) cold start injector, 2) partially clogged injectors, 3) vacuum leak, 4) idle control valve, 5) bad fuel (if the car sat for awhile before you bought it... It could also be a coil pack or fouled plug... but try the sequence below first.

You should put one bottle of Redline additive **for gas burning motors** (do not utilize the diesel one by mistake) and put at least $15 in Premium fuel on top of it. Run the car until 3/4ths empty and then repeat the process.

If you cannot find the Redline (which would be a shame) then use the $11 bottle of Techron (20 gal. formula) in place of the Redline. If no Techron is available then use Seafoam. Hopefully the Redline is sold where you are. PepBoys has it... and sometimes Autozone does as well.

If the car stills runs rough (or "hunts") after this sequence then you have to explore other possibilities. Try this first as the car will benefit from it anyway.

That's the only problem I've got with the car right now. Anybody - any ideas based on your knowledge/experience with the 2.8L I6? Let me know when you can - and thanks!

Best of luck !!!