'04 Z4 with SES engine light. Please help.

I have a '04 Z4 3.0i. Now, I'm new to this site, but I've been reading threads all day that have proven helpful in making my BMW experience better, so I know you guys can help. Recently I got in trouble with my dad and lost my car for a week. When I drove it today for the first time the EML light came on and the "Service Engine Soon" light came on. I checked the gas cap, re-tightened it, and the EML went away. I drove it around town a little bit and i've noticed how the gas is being practically drained from it. Also, the car's engine doesn't have that zip to it anymore. There's also now a strange rattling noise. I'm thinking that my dad went on a joy ride in my car and loosened/blew spark plug wires/spark plugs. Is there any other information that the awesome guru's here could send my way??

Go to an Autozone, O'Reilly or Napa Auto Parts and have them read the engine codes. That will give you the general gist of the issue. Even if the SES light is off, the code is still stored in the ECU.

Also, unless your dad is known to be vindictive, don't blame coincidence on him. Its very unlikely that a joy ride would loosen or "blow" spark plugs or wires. I highly recommend you investigate the issue first, and include him in the troubleshooting process. You're far more likely to have a positive result that way.

Originally Posted by wildag

Go to an Autozone, O'Reilly or Napa Auto Parts and have them read the engine codes. That will give you the general gist of the issue. Even if the SES light is off, the code is still stored in the ECU.

Also, unless your dad is known to be vindictive, don't blame coincidence on him. Its very unlikely that a joy ride would loosen or "blow" spark plugs or wires. I highly recommend you investigate the issue first, and include him in the troubleshooting process. You're far more likely to have a positive result that way.

Yeah thanks man! I just changed the wires, the spark plugs, and the oil. It still hasn't gone off but I'm going up to Autozone right now.

Does it sound like his car is in "Limp Mode?"