Re: Did you check the gas cap?...that's usually (archive)

I have a 2000 model 328Ci and the �Service Engine Soon� indicator came on for the first time last Weds. I didn�t notice any external symptoms or changes in performance or temperature. Thurs, per owner�s manual, I retightened the gas cap. Next morning the light was off. Unfortunately, the next day it came on and stayed on and has been that way since.
Well, I just got off phone my BMW Center (Peter Pan, in San Mateo CA) and service rep told me that there�s a good chance that the gas cap was the problem, but that often takes four days for light to go off. She said that the computer won�t reset until four days of consecutive �good� signals after detecting a �bad� state. Also, that it was important to drive the car each day during the four day period, and that if it wasn�t started for a day, that the �bad� condition would reset the clock and required an additional four days. Finally, if light doesn�t go off after the four days, to bring it in and they would diagnose it. (She couldn't explain light going off the day after gas cap tightening.) Unfortunately, since I didn't drive car on Sunday, I need to wait another 4 days.

Anyone else heard of this �four day rule?� At first I thought she was simply trying to stall me, but she spoke with confidence, and implied this was a well known phenomena with the service folks.

Follow Ups:

[ Follow Ups ] [ 3-series (E46) Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]

Questions, comments, or problems, please visit the Roadfly help desk.