Blinking Service Engine Soon Light
 

Hey everyone. I have a 2003 4.6is with 53k. A couple of days ago I noticed my engine started to run a little rough when I am in gear, stopped with foot on the brake. Yesterday the check engine light comes on and then today flashing check engine light comes on. I have to drive 260 miles to get to BMW indy, and I'm a little nervous. Anyone had a flashing check engine light? What does it REALLY mean. Im leaving 10am tomorrow the 18th.

Any input would be useful.

Thanks:wtf:

SEL light can flash for about 400 different reasons - without reading the actual codes, and then deciphering them to find a REAL problem (codes can be secondary to a real problem) I doubt that anyone will be able to remotely diagnose your car...

rough idling and shut off can be due to many things - Idle Control Valve (ICV), vacuum leak, MAF sensor bad/disconnected, fuel filter clogged, fuel pump losing pressure... gee.. the list can go on and on...

Thanks for fast reply TermX. The owners manual says, "a blinking or flashing SES light indicates a rather severe level of engine misfire. When this occurs please reduce speed and seek service at your BMW center as soon as possible." Further "Severe engine misfire even over a short period of time can seriously damage your emissions control components especially the catalytic converter." I have to get this thing to the indy shop, which is what I hope I can do tomorrow.

What is "Severe" engine misfire? I mean, is there any other kind?

if the check engine light is flashing, DON'T START THE CAR!

a solid SEL light is along the lines of a sensor out of range

a flashing SEL light usually indicates a critical component failing or failed ( ie oil pump).

Lovely.......The flashing engine light returned to solid right after I quit accelerating.

you got 4.6iS - mine went south almost under same circumstances... Did you hear any strange noises coming from the engine bay before this happened? how about messages in the cluster? anything to the effect of "oil pressure low", "stop! engine"...
mine were the timing chain guides, that broke the engine casing, and basically killed the engine...
Daniel is right, if this thing is flashing, try not to start the engine for no reason...

Sooooo, nothing before check engine light. Engine light only flashed for 30 seconds then went back to solid check engine light again. Now you guys have me concerned to the point that I may tow it the 260 miles.....

any chance you can get the codes read out?

I wish, but where I live the only dealership we have is Subaru. The indy shops only know how to work on Subaru and old pick up trucks. How bad is that. I just checked and the check engine light is solid. Hopefully, I can get it where it needs to go with no problems. Stay tuned.