Z3 Service soon

Im a new z3 owner.2002 roadster 30i. The service engine soon light came on any ideas of what the problem is?:

Thats your check engine light,get the code read and it will tell you which fault was detected.It may also go out on its own with a few drives.

Thanx, new to the site.

Welcome to the site,when you find your fault code--Auto parts stores will usually read it free---post back for more info on it.

The SES (formerly CEL - Check Engine Light), is always emissions related. It can come on for several different reasons: MAF going or gone bad, camshaft position sensor, bad O2 sensor(s), spark plug misfires, etc. Get the codes read, and this will generally point you in the right direction. You did not relate the circumstances behind the light coming on, so it is difficult to say what could have caused it at this point. If the car seems to be running all right, it could be a sign of a bad cam position sensor, or O2 sensor(s)...generally if the MAF malfunctions, the car will want to stall, or not even start.

The SES or CEL light is part of the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD II) system required on all US cars since 1996. This is the first you've ever seen one lit?

Also note that the standard OBD II connector is located on the side of the console (not under the driver's dash as is usual) plus there is a BMW-specific diagnostic connector under the hood that requires a different code reader. If the OBD II code is ambiguous, sometimes there is more info available by reading the BMW codes.

Any auto repair shop and many auto parts stores can read the OBD II codes. Many auto parts stores will read them for free. If the SES indicator is lit, there will be a code set.

You need to have the codes pulled. A handy tool to have if your a DIYer is a Peake scan tool (LINK) they are designed to read the BMW specific codes and can really get you out of a bind.