2005 BMW X5 3.0 Engine Failsafe Prgm message. I'm a new member :)

[Roberto G.]

Good day all,
I'm a 1st timer here, please accept my apologies if I'm asking obvious questions in the wrong place. I'm a bit concerned so I'm asking for your guidance.

Here is my situation:
-In May I bought a 2005 BMW X5 with 107K miles in very good shape with no leaks or error codes, and a clean title.
-The Engine Failsafe Prgm message has popped up 3 times while I was driving, twice last night. It scared me for sure.
-The Engine error message went away after a couple of seconds and after restarting engine so I was able to drive home just fine.
-I also have been perceiving a gas smell in the back of the car (driver side) after I parked it.
-As a preventive measure I made an app for 6/17 with a BMW mechanic to look at my car.
-I'm planning to drive the car to San Diego from Phoenix in July.

Notes:
The engine starts right away and it runs without issues, no rattling or shaking.
I've not observed any leaks, the engine seems to run fine.

Question:
-What could have caused the Engine Failsafe Prgm message to popped up 3 times in the last week?

Any guidance or direction would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Roberto in Phoenix