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Ok so I have a 2001 BMW 325i, and my service engine soon light has been on for a long time. When I bought the car I lived about 100 miles from a BMW dealership so I always assumed the light was on because I always had my oil changed at the local farmers co op. They didn't have any of the fancy equipment to check my engine light or to turn them off. Now...about a year and a half later...I live in Edmond, Oklahoma, and I heard that Auto Zone would hook up a computer and check why your lights are on for free. So last night I went with a friend of mine to Auto Zone and the computer said that I have a "large vacuum leak." 
My 1993 318is had a vacuum leak too though. I remember that I could hear the air escaping somewhere in the engine, and my car wouldn't idle, it would just die if I didn't give it gas constantly. (It turned out to be the vacuum hose and something to do with the idling wire which was about an $800 fix ). On my 325i I can't tell if it's a bunch of air coming out somewhere or if it's just being noisy, and it idles by itself. However, sometimes when it idles the RPMs gage will go up just a little bit and then it goes back down to normal. On occasion though it will go up and down a few times before it stays steady....if it stays steady. It has been starting and getting me place to place for the whole 20,000 miles that it's been doing this. So it's either not a big deal, or my car just loves me.
I did look up forums to check for vacuum leaks, but I don't have any of the materials required or the space. I just have a small parking space at my apartment. I'm not experienced in dealing with mechanical problems, and I really can't afford for the dealership to molest my bank account. If any of you festers live in or around the Edmond/Oklahoma City area, I'd love to met up and let you check out my car. I'd even take you out for dinner.
Danekschön
My 1993 318is had a vacuum leak too though. I remember that I could hear the air escaping somewhere in the engine, and my car wouldn't idle, it would just die if I didn't give it gas constantly. (It turned out to be the vacuum hose and something to do with the idling wire which was about an $800 fix
). On my 325i I can't tell if it's a bunch of air coming out somewhere or if it's just being noisy, and it idles by itself. However, sometimes when it idles the RPMs gage will go up just a little bit and then it goes back down to normal. On occasion though it will go up and down a few times before it stays steady....if it stays steady. It has been starting and getting me place to place for the whole 20,000 miles that it's been doing this. So it's either not a big deal, or my car just loves me.I did look up forums to check for vacuum leaks, but I don't have any of the materials required or the space. I just have a small parking space at my apartment. I'm not experienced in dealing with mechanical problems, and I really can't afford for the dealership to molest my bank account. If any of you festers live in or around the Edmond/Oklahoma City area, I'd love to met up and let you check out my car. I'd even take you out for dinner.
Danekschön
