M54 EML Light - Limp or not?
Discussion
Hi all, collecting a bought unseen E39 with the M54 engine on Sunday with the EML light on, (not the engine management light), a light with the letters "EML" which according to my research is something to do with the throttle management system.
Now, with this EML light on, am I guaranteed that this will definitely be in limp mode, or is there any possibility that it may not be in limp mode and perfectly driveable? Its a probate sale, and the sellers son don't know much about it. Its been sat for the past 5 months in storage, but has been started recently with no issues, but not driven. Has 5 months MOT on it which is a bonus.
I know the above might sound vague, but trying to work out whether it's an absolute definite "need a trailer", or whether there is a small possibility I could just simply drive it home.
Cheers.
Now, with this EML light on, am I guaranteed that this will definitely be in limp mode, or is there any possibility that it may not be in limp mode and perfectly driveable? Its a probate sale, and the sellers son don't know much about it. Its been sat for the past 5 months in storage, but has been started recently with no issues, but not driven. Has 5 months MOT on it which is a bonus.
I know the above might sound vague, but trying to work out whether it's an absolute definite "need a trailer", or whether there is a small possibility I could just simply drive it home.
Cheers.
ads_4116 said:
Hi all, collecting a bought unseen E39 with the M54 engine on Sunday with the EML light on, (not the engine management light), a light with the letters "EML" which according to my research is something to do with the throttle management system.
Now, with this EML light on, am I guaranteed that this will definitely be in limp mode, or is there any possibility that it may not be in limp mode and perfectly driveable? Its a probate sale, and the sellers son don't know much about it. Its been sat for the past 5 months in storage, but has been started recently with no issues, but not driven. Has 5 months MOT on it which is a bonus.
I know the above might sound vague, but trying to work out whether it's an absolute definite "need a trailer", or whether there is a small possibility I could just simply drive it home.
Cheers.
Really the codes need to be read (INPA, Carly for. BMW, Foxwell scanner etc) Now, with this EML light on, am I guaranteed that this will definitely be in limp mode, or is there any possibility that it may not be in limp mode and perfectly driveable? Its a probate sale, and the sellers son don't know much about it. Its been sat for the past 5 months in storage, but has been started recently with no issues, but not driven. Has 5 months MOT on it which is a bonus.
I know the above might sound vague, but trying to work out whether it's an absolute definite "need a trailer", or whether there is a small possibility I could just simply drive it home.
Cheers.
As above it could be a vac leak, failed MAF, spilt intake boot letting air in after the MAF, failing/failed cam/crank sensor etc)...
Basically, it could be all sorts!
If you can, ask the seller to take it for a drive, or go & drive it yourself if it's not too far away...
Only way to tell really
But these don't really do a limp mode unless it's a box issue
Thanks for your replies!
I've ordered a Carista OBD scanner, been recommended by an old work colleague. What are your thoughts on a Carista scanner?
Also, I've asked the seller to take it out for a drive tomorrow to see what happens. Hoping the EML is an easy fix, but as you guys say, it could be a number of things. Scanner won't arrive for another 3 or 4 days though.
I've ordered a Carista OBD scanner, been recommended by an old work colleague. What are your thoughts on a Carista scanner?
Also, I've asked the seller to take it out for a drive tomorrow to see what happens. Hoping the EML is an easy fix, but as you guys say, it could be a number of things. Scanner won't arrive for another 3 or 4 days though.
Not sure if it's the same on the E39, but on my E46 the EML light isn't used for normal trouble codes, but something more vital not working correctly, as you say most likely a throttle by wire issue I believe.
Last time I saw it was when I'd not plugged the throttle body back in correctly after having it off.
INPA/Clarista/BMW scanner will tell all though
Last time I saw it was when I'd not plugged the throttle body back in correctly after having it off.
INPA/Clarista/BMW scanner will tell all though
I've collected the car and it seems to drive perfectly fine! The "EML" light is now off but the actual engine management light is now on.
Scanned it using an OBD scanner and the following shows:
P0444
Evaporative emission system purge control valve circuit open
Can someone tell me in layman's terms what does this mean?
Many thanks!
Scanned it using an OBD scanner and the following shows:
P0444
Evaporative emission system purge control valve circuit open
Can someone tell me in layman's terms what does this mean?
Many thanks!
^Good news! 
Sounds like it could be the EVAP valve (located under the bonnet). I don't believe the part is expensive, had it replaced on my X5 when it threw up the 'check engine' light (car was running absolutely fine). IIRC the code can also be related to a bad fuel cap that isn't sealing properly.
Sounds like it could be the EVAP valve (located under the bonnet). I don't believe the part is expensive, had it replaced on my X5 when it threw up the 'check engine' light (car was running absolutely fine). IIRC the code can also be related to a bad fuel cap that isn't sealing properly.
Edited by g3org3y on Sunday 10th October 17:11
Thanks for the advice!!
Will order a fuel cap first from the stealers to see if that rectifies it, if not EVAP valve it is. I've been researching online what you said about the fuel cap, so had a look at the one on the car and the seal is shot. So hoping its a simple fix with this.
Thank you once again for all your help and advice, someone on these forums always has the answer.
Will order a fuel cap first from the stealers to see if that rectifies it, if not EVAP valve it is. I've been researching online what you said about the fuel cap, so had a look at the one on the car and the seal is shot. So hoping its a simple fix with this.
Thank you once again for all your help and advice, someone on these forums always has the answer.
ads_4116 said:
I've collected the car and it seems to drive perfectly fine! The "EML" light is now off but the actual engine management light is now on.
Scanned it using an OBD scanner and the following shows:
P0444
Evaporative emission system purge control valve circuit open
Can someone tell me in layman's terms what does this mean?
Many thanks!
I *think* evap purge valve = fuel vent valve - it opens to vent vapour from the fuel system back into the inlet.Scanned it using an OBD scanner and the following shows:
P0444
Evaporative emission system purge control valve circuit open
Can someone tell me in layman's terms what does this mean?
Many thanks!
My M54 engined Z4 was a pain to fill with fuel so I changed it, it was like £20 and very simple to fit but be very careful not to pull the hose it connects to off the other end on the inlet manifold, it's not fun to refit.
Obviously you probably want to check the battery and clean the connections first...
Interestingly, the engine management light has now switched off this afternoon and all is well!
No idea why or how, and also the power delivery mid rev range seems to be better too. Will still order a new fuel cap anyway as the seal is shot just in case.
Oh, and by the way, I have got myself an absolute stonking bargain of a car, bought unseen over the phone and I was expecting a major shed. Turned out to be the complete opposite.
2002 525i SE Auto
141k miles
1 private owner from brand new
Aspen silver with black leather
Huge file of service history including the original purchase invoice. Serviced by BMW till 2011 and independent since every year.
11 months MOT
Michelin tyres all round - 4mm front, 7mm rear
Completely standard vehicle
Completely unused toolkit/torch/first aid kit
No dead pixels on dash
Fully working air con
NO oil leaks!!!
Bad points:
Was told the "EML" light was on. Car has been sitting for a long while. This then changed when I picked it up to the actual engine light which after a lengthy drive, has now gone off. Woo!
The OBC thinks the bootlid is open, however is actually closed. I think the issue is a broken wire in the bootlid (common issue).
Rear parking sensors temperamental (Common E39 issue).
Large scratch on osr door (its 19 years old).
Headlights are cloudy (going to order a resto kit).
Headlight bulbs are shockingly rubbish, need to upgrade these so I can actually see when driving at night.
Very slight wear to the drivers seat base but not the bolster (needs treating).
Few very slight scuffs on the corner of the bumpers.
So how much did I spend on this....
£500!
Yes, I spent the total sum of £500 with a long MOT and it just drives and looks incredibly well. I bought it unseen thinking, I'll drive it for a few months expecting an absolute shed, and then weigh it in for scrap once it goes bang. But now that I've got it, no way! This is a keeper.
No idea why or how, and also the power delivery mid rev range seems to be better too. Will still order a new fuel cap anyway as the seal is shot just in case.
Oh, and by the way, I have got myself an absolute stonking bargain of a car, bought unseen over the phone and I was expecting a major shed. Turned out to be the complete opposite.
2002 525i SE Auto
141k miles
1 private owner from brand new
Aspen silver with black leather
Huge file of service history including the original purchase invoice. Serviced by BMW till 2011 and independent since every year.
11 months MOT
Michelin tyres all round - 4mm front, 7mm rear
Completely standard vehicle
Completely unused toolkit/torch/first aid kit
No dead pixels on dash
Fully working air con
NO oil leaks!!!
Bad points:
Was told the "EML" light was on. Car has been sitting for a long while. This then changed when I picked it up to the actual engine light which after a lengthy drive, has now gone off. Woo!
The OBC thinks the bootlid is open, however is actually closed. I think the issue is a broken wire in the bootlid (common issue).
Rear parking sensors temperamental (Common E39 issue).
Large scratch on osr door (its 19 years old).
Headlights are cloudy (going to order a resto kit).
Headlight bulbs are shockingly rubbish, need to upgrade these so I can actually see when driving at night.
Very slight wear to the drivers seat base but not the bolster (needs treating).
Few very slight scuffs on the corner of the bumpers.
So how much did I spend on this....
£500!
Yes, I spent the total sum of £500 with a long MOT and it just drives and looks incredibly well. I bought it unseen thinking, I'll drive it for a few months expecting an absolute shed, and then weigh it in for scrap once it goes bang. But now that I've got it, no way! This is a keeper.
ads_4116 said:
Interestingly, the engine management light has now switched off this afternoon and all is well!
No idea why or how, and also the power delivery mid rev range seems to be better too. Will still order a new fuel cap anyway as the seal is shot just in case.
Oh, and by the way, I have got myself an absolute stonking bargain of a car, bought unseen over the phone and I was expecting a major shed. Turned out to be the complete opposite.
2002 525i SE Auto
141k miles
1 private owner from brand new
Aspen silver with black leather
Huge file of service history including the original purchase invoice. Serviced by BMW till 2011 and independent since every year.
11 months MOT
Michelin tyres all round - 4mm front, 7mm rear
Completely standard vehicle
Completely unused toolkit/torch/first aid kit
No dead pixels on dash
Fully working air con
NO oil leaks!!!
Bad points:
Was told the "EML" light was on. Car has been sitting for a long while. This then changed when I picked it up to the actual engine light which after a lengthy drive, has now gone off. Woo!
The OBC thinks the bootlid is open, however is actually closed. I think the issue is a broken wire in the bootlid (common issue).
Rear parking sensors temperamental (Common E39 issue).
Large scratch on osr door (its 19 years old).
Headlights are cloudy (going to order a resto kit).
Headlight bulbs are shockingly rubbish, need to upgrade these so I can actually see when driving at night.
Very slight wear to the drivers seat base but not the bolster (needs treating).
Few very slight scuffs on the corner of the bumpers.
So how much did I spend on this....
£500!
Yes, I spent the total sum of £500 with a long MOT and it just drives and looks incredibly well. I bought it unseen thinking, I'll drive it for a few months expecting an absolute shed, and then weigh it in for scrap once it goes bang. But now that I've got it, no way! This is a keeper.
Sounds to me more battery/electricals related now than anything elseNo idea why or how, and also the power delivery mid rev range seems to be better too. Will still order a new fuel cap anyway as the seal is shot just in case.
Oh, and by the way, I have got myself an absolute stonking bargain of a car, bought unseen over the phone and I was expecting a major shed. Turned out to be the complete opposite.
2002 525i SE Auto
141k miles
1 private owner from brand new
Aspen silver with black leather
Huge file of service history including the original purchase invoice. Serviced by BMW till 2011 and independent since every year.
11 months MOT
Michelin tyres all round - 4mm front, 7mm rear
Completely standard vehicle
Completely unused toolkit/torch/first aid kit
No dead pixels on dash
Fully working air con
NO oil leaks!!!
Bad points:
Was told the "EML" light was on. Car has been sitting for a long while. This then changed when I picked it up to the actual engine light which after a lengthy drive, has now gone off. Woo!
The OBC thinks the bootlid is open, however is actually closed. I think the issue is a broken wire in the bootlid (common issue).
Rear parking sensors temperamental (Common E39 issue).
Large scratch on osr door (its 19 years old).
Headlights are cloudy (going to order a resto kit).
Headlight bulbs are shockingly rubbish, need to upgrade these so I can actually see when driving at night.
Very slight wear to the drivers seat base but not the bolster (needs treating).
Few very slight scuffs on the corner of the bumpers.
So how much did I spend on this....
£500!
Yes, I spent the total sum of £500 with a long MOT and it just drives and looks incredibly well. I bought it unseen thinking, I'll drive it for a few months expecting an absolute shed, and then weigh it in for scrap once it goes bang. But now that I've got it, no way! This is a keeper.
As already said above; these cars do not like low voltages; so ensure the battery is good (if not buy another and go for an 019 - as big as you can fit - Bosch, Yuasa, Exide etc) and keep the battery tip top. An Italian tune up once a week is well advised
Re oil leaks and none; meh... Fibber
Pics or it never happened 
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