X5 throws a code......does it automatically clear once the problem is fixed?
 

Does the BMW code fault system automatically clear a code (turns off the "service engine soon" light) once the code problem is fixed or corrected? I've talked to some people who say the computer will reset itself but others say you have to manually clear the code.

you have to manually clear the code.

My car has had a few engine check lights come up over the last couple of weeks and they have eventually gone of their own free will. I think it was a cold start missfire alarm, which has sort of cured itself at least at the moment. But I think that the error code is still stored even if the light has gone. I have checked with a universal code reader when the light has gone but can find no codes, I think I need someone with a BMW specific reader to find them

Mine had the famous P1161 code related to fuel adaptation (too lean). I tracked it down to a broken crankcase vent hose on the back of the engine. Replaced the hoses and light is still there. Just had a local indy shop clear the code. He told me the BMW computer will eventually turn off the light if it sees the engine parameters are back in line again for a period of time....could turn off after a day or weeks. Sometimes it won't turn off.

The computer will clear them automatically once the problem is corrected. It will continue to store them for a number of "trips" so you can read them even after the light has turned off. Eventually the stored codes will be purged.