Inspection/Check Engine Light Question

[Red_Bimmer]

My '99 328i had over 99k miles on her when i brought her home. Now after a trip down south and back the inspection memo came on. Two days ago when i passed the 100k miles, the check engine light came on too. There was no owners manual with the car so i researched the inspections online and learned there is a #I and #II. I'm over 400 miles past due on #1 and plan to get #1 done in three weeks and #II done four weeks later.

Here's my stupid questions... (1) Since this is my only mode of transpo, will i do it grave harm by driving it daily (80 miles total commute for work) until i can get her in for the first inspection? I'm hoping the inspection will cure the check engine light as well. AND... (2) when i take her in for the inspection, should i just go ahead and have them do #II instead; thinking this will cover the items in #1?

Thanks.

[whosyadadie01]

i dont what the cel is on for but idk that it would pass inspection if the light is on

[SCANDINAVIAN13]

Both lights are relatively harmless.
The Inspection light is just reminding you to go get the car inspected as part of the regular service intervals.
The Check Engine light (as explained by the owners manual - I suggest you buy one when you go in for the inspection) means that the emission-related electronics need attention. The manual specifically states "the car can be driven, but the emission-related electronics should be inspected as soon as possible."

[E36 Phantom]

^+1.


The gov't has cleverly designed that light. Environmental groups have lobbied for emissions reductions and ways to fix emissions problems and such, so the CEL really does not tell you much about serious engine problems, just if something relating to emissions has failed (ie, a sensor that may help keep emissions down, like an O2 sensors, your cats, or even something as trivial as a loose/missing/improperly put on gas cap).

The Inspection lights come on at each oil change interval. Definitely change your oil ;)

[Red_Bimmer]

^+1.


The gov't has cleverly designed that light. Environmental groups have lobbied for emissions reductions and ways to fix emissions problems and such, so the CEL really does not tell you much about serious engine problems, just if something relating to emissions has failed (ie, a sensor that may help keep emissions down, like an O2 sensors, your cats, or even something as trivial as a loose/missing/improperly put on gas cap).

The Inspection lights come on at each oil change interval. Definitely change your oil ;)

Hi, yep, i got the oil changed when i was down south last week. And the check engine light came on afterwards.

The inspection warning came on about a couple hundred miles prior to the oil change. And yep, the first thing i did was check and tighten the gas cap. Thanks for your response.

[Red_Bimmer]

Update: I got in my car tonight to drive home from work and the check engine light was off. Last night at the gas station i made sure i closed the cap all the way. Not sure if this solved the check engine light issue, sure hope so.