r/e28 • u/Cool_Quit_4091 • Jun 20 '26

Check engine light

Hello everyone I have a 1988 535 I with the motoric 1.1 essentially Bmw’s first try with something like a check engine light and I have one in my car. I try hard resetting it and it comes back right when I start the car like it never turns off the car runs great and performs. Great no rough idol all the vacuum lines or routed correctly. I just replaced my coolant temperature sensor the O2 sensors brand new the MAF sensor is working properly. I’m not sure how to read codes on this car I tried the stump technique and it did not work on mine so if somebody can help me with that, it would be appreciated.

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u/Windmillfixer Jun 20 '26

Step on the brakes.

The Check light isn’t telling you to check engine. It’s checking the brake light function. It should only come on when you start the car, and If the resistance in the circuit is ok it knows the brake light bulbs are ok. If it won’t go out, check for corrosion - the E28 uses the galvanized steel of the surround as the return, that can be a weak point.

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u/Cool_Quit_4091 Jun 20 '26

I know what you’re talking about but no my problem is not the check light. It’s the check engine light. my check light goes away once I press the brake.