I have an E39 (525i Touring) which has suddenly started displaying the yellow engine warning light. according to the manual this is something to do with engine emission values. is this something to worry about (i.e. is the engine in a bad way) or is it something that can wait a couple of weeks until the next service. you might guess i ain't very mechanically minded

Do the "stomp test" to pull the codes.

Here's the link:

http://www.bmwe34.net/e34main/trouble/engine_codes.htm

Other info could help us, if she's idling really rough you could have an 02 sensor out, and yeah those aren't cheap.

Hope that helps.

Thanks for the tip
Unfortunately I couldn't get the codes to display when I tried a stomp test. Does anyone know a different way to get the codes for an E39? The link you sent was for E34.

Perhaps I'm not doing the stomp test right? Or perhaps it doesn't work on the E39?
All the forums refer to E34...

Thanks for the tip
Unfortunately I couldn't get the codes to display when I tried a stomp test. Does anyone know a different way to get the codes for an E39? The link you sent was for E34.

Perhaps I'm not doing the stomp test right? Or perhaps it doesn't work on the E39?
All the forums refer to E34...Codes need to be pulled electronically

I thought as much.
Thanks - I'll let you know how I get on down at the garage:disappoin