Check Engine symbol (gear w/exclamation)???
 

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.

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'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!

The check engine light is a red light that actually says "Check Engine". As for question #2, I have no idea, someone here should be able to help.

Gear light is associated w/Auto Trans!
 

Your check engine light indicator is yellow on 96 328i!!
Try to google the obd 2 codes or just type them in the search at the many BMW forums! Good Luck!!! sorry about the attach being sideways just turn your head down to the left!:wiggle

Attachment 881

This light came on once in my 97 328i & trans was shifting erratic. I stopped & shut engine down, restarted & the gear ! light went out! It's been fine since.

The Gear light is for the transmission if you have a problem I believe it should illuminate to let you know.

As far as number 2 i'm not sure what that is.

the idle jumping up and down on cold weather starts is normal and actually a good sign it means your cold injector is working the cold injector has a function after it first turns on it will shoot fuel in a pulse type fashion to keep your car running in cold weather .hence why it was better in warm weather cold injector turns off faster .so just let it warm up a bit before you take off in it .as for the codes if the car is running fine i wouldnt worry those codes could be old ones from what i understand obd2 can store codes long after the problem is gone .if your not getting any yellow check engine light i wouldnt worry the chances are the lights there just not on becuse codes are old and just being stored .good luck.