Newbie here - engine light

[SuaveRider]

Hi,,

I just purchased a (new to me) 2012 335xi with 80k yesterday. This morning on the way to work just starting on the highway, the engine light came on and the the display mentioned I think "reduced power or performance". The light went out about 1 min later. It's going back to the dealer Saturday anyway but am really really really curious about this. I'm so new to these cars I don't know how they are supposed to act. If it was a bad problem with the turbos would the engine light stay on? I checked in the display and it said "All systems Ok".

Any suggestion are greatly appreciated.

[Loki Motorsport]

Hello and welcome!

It could of been a number of things. Only real way to tell would be to check codes and see what was triggered. My first notion would be a registered misfire or knock. What fuel is in the car?

[SuaveRider]

Hello and welcome!

It could of been a number of things. Only real way to tell would be to check codes and see what was triggered. My first notion would be a registered misfire or knock. What fuel is in the car?

Funny, I was just thinking of that since the dealer delivered it to me with a full tank. This is a small used car dealer and was surprised they would fill it up with the good stuff. Would that caus what I described (engine light and display coming on for only a minute with no noticeable power loss)?

Thanks

[Loki Motorsport]

It very well could, yes! With low enough octane, and boost, knocks and misfires will happen. Personally, not knowing what fuel is in the tank currently, I would drive the car real real easy (no boost) until that tank is damn near empty... Then fill it up with the good stuff, drive it like you stole it for a bit, and see if the issue re-occurs.

The light could of been a fluke as well. It could of just been the EMS freaking out. Keep driving the car normally as you did this AM, and see if it comes back with the current tank of fuel, then see if it happens with some premium fuel.

[SuaveRider]

Will do thanks!