BMW 330i issues. EML, (!), and brake light come on during mid driving. Any ideas?

Question

EML, (!), and brake light come on while I'm driving about 45 mph (not sure if this is just a strange coincidence.) Lights are yellow (means car is not getting ready to explode) and after referring to the manual, found out that it cuts engine power by 50%. Car is noticeably harder to accelerate. BMW dealership said it was probably an electrical problem. Before spending big $$, I would appreciate some professional opinions! Thanks

Also lights disappear any time I turn off the car and restart it. This issue makes it really hard to get to an Autozone to get an OBD-II reading, b/c most times the lights are not on. Also along with these lights, the check engine light is also on, and per a mechanic the OBD-II read out "engine misfired" (that is only the read out for the check engine light). Hopefully that helps narrow down the answers. Please help!!!!!

Answer 1

EML is the electronic motor load regulation on your engine. Basically it's the electronically controlled throttle motor that opens and closes to provide the engine with air it needs to run. I would guess that your 330i is probably older than 2004 production because BMW has had problems with engine wiring harness connections at throttle and/or the actual throttle motor depending on the production date of the throttle assembly. A dealer will be able to tell you exact details depending on the faults stored but my guess is your car probably needs at least an engine wiring harness and maybe a throttle. When the EML light comes on (the failsafe mode) your throttle will open and close in limited positions making the car difficult to drive. The brake light comes on becuse of the communication error between the throttle and the Dynamic Stability Control which will open and close the throttle to help limit vehicle slipping. My opinion is to get the vehicle fixed, it's not safe and could die out when driving. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

EML light coming on (which does NOT mean You've Got Mail) actually stands for Electronic Motor Load regulation. It basically tells you the car is on what is commonly called "emergency limp back mode". Power is cut to prevent damage to the car. It's BMW's equivalent of "safe mode" on your PC.

This could be caused by a number of reasons including but not limited to:

Catalytic converter failure
Coil failure
Throttle position sensor
Some other sensor failure

The easiest way to get an idea on what's going on is to go to Autozone and get a free OBD-II reading off the car.

Answer 3

It sounds like the brake switch. I am guessing it is a ford. This is very common. Does the light shut off if you pull up on the brake pedal? I had a windstar with the same problem. You can also check for a recall on this problem. VW has a recall for this, and I belive that some other manufactorers do aswell. If this is not the solution you could also check the trailer wiring if equiped. Good luck.

Answer 4

i think the BMW dealer has given you a professional opinion already . they are the people to deal with you car properly .the badge on the front of your car and the sign out side the dealership should help you realise this.