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Thread: EML Light and Long startups

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2018
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    San Jose
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    1991 BMW 850i

    EML Light and Long startups

    This morning when I started up my car I noticed that it took longer than usual to start. It literally took about 5 seconds until It started. On my way to school, I noticed the EML Light was on and while turning into the parking lot, I couldn’t accelerate no matter how much I tried. I pulled over and had to restart the car multiple times until the EML Light went away. This also happened afterschool when I was driving home. Does anyone know whats going on? I have a 91 850i and i tried reading the other forums about “eml switches” but i dont think any of that information was useful for me.

  2. #2
    Join Date
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    11/88 E32 750iL+98 E36M3
    Have a diagnosis tool? At least a simple one like the Peake tool? Then you can read codes. If not, my checklist https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...idle+now+power
    How are the batteries? The 850 needs fully charges batteries, otherwise control units might play crazy.

    There is no EML switch, you mix that up with the S-E-M switch.
    Both fuel pumps running?
    Check both distributors and rotors
    Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!

  3. #3
    Join Date
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    1991 BMW 850i
    Thanks for the information and it’s probably the batteries because the after market alarm system drains it so fast ;(

  4. #4
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    I will never forget what a expert told me back in in 2004 about the importance of the batteries on cars with EML:
    quote
    Low voltage will set EML if it drops below 11V for more than 90 seconds. Low voltage will also cause problems with the IKHA (heater/ac), memory for seats/steering and transmission will go into limp mode. Mismatched tires WILL set EML light if vehicle has traction since it reads all 4 wheel speed sensors and gets an "implausible" reading. Just for clarification: I am a 20 year BMW Master with 3 PhD's from Germany in Engineering and I know these systems better than almost anyone. I did 12 years of R&D on these system for a manufacturer in Germany, so I am not some "Key Board" mechanic or read some crap on the internet. Ronald Trochelmann, Performing Imports com unquote
    Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2018
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    My Cars
    1991 BMW 850i
    That makes a lot of sense actually. I don’t know if this is a problem for anyone else but when I start my car up and go to adjust the steering wheel, it doesn’t work sometimes. I usually keep my car under a battery tender and drive it at least twice a week but this week I felt like enjoying the car a little more. Thats when the EML Lights started turning in and causing problems. I think the best option is for me to replace the batteries but right now I’ll just keep putting it under the tender.

  6. #6
    Join Date
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    Too Many Cars (NOT!)
    Get rid of the aftermarket alarm - they are more trouble than they are worth!
    Mike Drives:
    BMW's
    E24 - 635CSiA - (1) 1985 (US)
    E24 - 635CSi - (1) 1985 (EC)
    E31 - 850iA - (1) 1991 (Black)
    E31 - 850iA - (1) 1991 (Calypso Red)

    E32 - 740iA - (1) 1994
    E32 - 750iA - (1) 1990 (Not an "L") (EC German National)
    E32 - 735iL - (2) 1990
    E32 - 750iL - (1) 1990

    E38 - 740iLA - (2) (1) 1997 & (1) 1998
    E38 - 750iLA - (1) 1998
    E38 - 740iA - (1) 2000 "Short Sport"
    E39 - 528iA - (2) - 2000 & (1) 1997
    Also:
    2015 Ram 3500 Dually, Cumins 6.7, Std.Cab. Long box 4x4 (To haul all this junk when necessary)
    2014 Dodge Dart Rallye (Daily Driver)
    2007 Mercedes Benz CL600 (Brabus SV12S)
    Mercedes Benz SL's - (1) (2002) & (1) 1999 500 - (1) 1999 600
    1967 Buick Riviera (2)

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2018
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    San Jose
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    My Cars
    1991 BMW 850i
    I don’t think I can give up remote start during this cold weather

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
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    Supercharged 850ci
    I can almost guarantee your EML light has nothing to do with your batteries, your throttles are going out. PM me if you need them rebuilt.

  9. #9
    Join Date
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    rodneyngo;

    Trust me when I say, "San Jose California isn't cold". You need to live in Alaska, or Boston or anywhere north of the 40th parallel to be cold.
    You will survive without remote start...
    Mike Drives:
    BMW's
    E24 - 635CSiA - (1) 1985 (US)
    E24 - 635CSi - (1) 1985 (EC)
    E31 - 850iA - (1) 1991 (Black)
    E31 - 850iA - (1) 1991 (Calypso Red)

    E32 - 740iA - (1) 1994
    E32 - 750iA - (1) 1990 (Not an "L") (EC German National)
    E32 - 735iL - (2) 1990
    E32 - 750iL - (1) 1990

    E38 - 740iLA - (2) (1) 1997 & (1) 1998
    E38 - 750iLA - (1) 1998
    E38 - 740iA - (1) 2000 "Short Sport"
    E39 - 528iA - (2) - 2000 & (1) 1997
    Also:
    2015 Ram 3500 Dually, Cumins 6.7, Std.Cab. Long box 4x4 (To haul all this junk when necessary)
    2014 Dodge Dart Rallye (Daily Driver)
    2007 Mercedes Benz CL600 (Brabus SV12S)
    Mercedes Benz SL's - (1) (2002) & (1) 1999 500 - (1) 1999 600
    1967 Buick Riviera (2)

  10. #10
    Join Date
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    6.5 second 69 Camaro
    Quote Originally Posted by masbury View Post
    Get rid of the aftermarket alarm - they are more trouble than they are worth!
    Could you please explain these aftermarket alarm troubles?

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    London, UK
    Posts
    49
    My Cars
    Bmw 840
    Quote Originally Posted by rodneyngo View Post
    This morning when I started up my car I noticed that it took longer than usual to start. It literally took about 5 seconds until It started. On my way to school, I noticed the EML Light was on and while turning into the parking lot, I couldn’t accelerate no matter how much I tried. I pulled over and had to restart the car multiple times until the EML Light went away. This also happened afterschool when I was driving home. Does anyone know whats going on? I have a 91 850i and i tried reading the other forums about “eml switches” but i dont think any of that information was useful for me.
    I wished I lived over the pond. I had to get a bus to School
    1998 e31 840ci Sport, Individual. 2008 Aston Martin DB9. 2016 4.4 SDV8 Range Rover Vogue.
    1959 Triumph Bonneville, 1969 T120R Triumph Bonneville, 1975 T160 Triumph Trident, 1990 Harley Davidson Fat Bot Grey Ghost, 2009 Triumph Bonneville 50th Anniversary model. 2014 Suzuki Gladius.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Oct 2018
    Location
    San Jose
    Posts
    57
    My Cars
    1991 BMW 850i
    I drove it today to wash the car and there was no more eml light. I kept it under a battery tender for about a week before I drove it again.

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