engine check light keeps flashin 86 325 + reduced power

Post Sat Mar 24, 2012 1:49 pm

recently acquired a 325 engine check light keeps flashing, ive got a 316i so im more accustomed to the shitty 4pot variety when it comes to issues,

theres slight smoke on start up, but it dissapears after engine warms up,

apart from that head gasket was done not long ago and cambelt, mileage at 160k

also, it doesnt seem to shift, it goes but not really as id expect a 325, my 316i seems to do a better job, its got a 3.64 lsd not sure if that would make much difference,

but on a positive it sounds pretty good!

Post Sat Mar 24, 2012 1:58 pm

You don't have an engine check light, unless this a US spec. car.
The 'check' light in the middle of the instrument cluster is telling you to look up at the overhead bulb and fluid level warning panel behind the interior mirror, to see which warning LED is on.
The flashing light will stop if you press the 'test' button on the panel.

Post Sat Mar 24, 2012 2:06 pm

oh right i see cool, you learn something new everyday!

any idea about the smokeyness? its pretty hot outside and it smoked slightly for a minute, then stopped, anything to be worried about in the future as its being dropped in my one,

its not blue btw,

Post Sat Mar 24, 2012 2:11 pm

bmw9818 wrote:
its not blue btw,

So what colour is it?
BTW, which LED is lit on the overhead panel?

Post Sun Mar 25, 2012 1:46 pm

actually i think it might be just normal condensation, it may of been sitting for a month or so,

its more clear smoke now, before it was a bit whitish and pretty thick, i started it up gave it a little boot it smoked very slightly at the start then stopped after 20 odd seconds,

should i just get a compression tester check the health of it properly before i drop it in?

its the brake lights,

Post Sun Mar 25, 2012 1:59 pm

A compression test wouldn't hurt; having one around is always handy for keeping an eye on an old engine.

As for the check light; the brake light should come up on the check panel as soon as the ignition is turned on, and should go off when the brake pedal is pressed. If it doesn't go off, then you have a bulb issue.

Post Sun Mar 25, 2012 2:25 pm

I'd do a compression or leak down test on any engine before giving it a new home.
As above, if the 'check' light goes off when the brake pedal is first pressed, then everything is working as it should. If the brake LED randomly comes on as you're driving, check that the brake pull rod, that goes across the car between the heater and the bulkhead, is adjusted correctly, and is pulling the brake pedal up to a point just short of its upper stop.