1996 750il that just went into engine fail-safe program

Hi. I am new to this and I apologize if I am posting in the incorrect area. My car, which had been running great until this past weekend just went into engine fail safe mode. I drove it for the first time from New Orleans to Florida and this just happened. It is idling a little rough but otherwise runs fine. Can anyone help?? I am not in the position to spend a ton of money and am hoping that maybe it's just the battery or something of the sorts. I read on a couple different sites that it could be causing that to come on. Also, I am past the inspection point by some miles.
Thanks.

I know almost nothing about the V12 BMW motors, but if it was running fine before the failsafe message, I'd imagine that it'll turn out to be some small electrical issue as motors don't just go bad without notice. I think that the engine failsafe on your car means that only 6 of the 12 cylinders are firing. You should go to a shop and get the diagnostic codes read.