LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> BMW >> 1990 >> 325is Automatic >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> System >> Engine Controls - Tests W/Codes >> Retrieving Codes (Approved Method)
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Retrieving Codes (Approved Method)

Turn ignition switch to the "2" position. After 3 seconds, the malfunction light will start flashing fault codes. One flash for fault code 1, two flashes for fault code 2, three flashes for fault code 3 or four times for fault code 4.

If more than one fault code is present, malfunction light will flash fault codes in order of occurrence. After the first fault code is flashed, the malfunction light will be off for 3 seconds. If any other fault(s) are present, malfunction light will flash code related to fault.

After all fault codes are flashed, malfunction light will be off for 3 seconds and then remain on until ignition key is turned off. This signals the end of fault codes present.

If malfunction light stays on continuously, after 3 seconds with ignition switch in "2" position, fault codes 1-4 are not present. This does not mean, however, that other trouble codes may be stored in memory.

NOTE: Using malfunction light for self-diagnosis is not a substitute for the BMW System Tester. Diagnosis is only available for fault codes 1-4. Trouble codes listed in TROUBLE CODE IDENTIFICATION TABLE, are only found when using the BMW System Tester.
TROUBLE CODE IDENTIFICATION

Trouble Codes Affected Circuit Probable Cause
01 Air Flow Sensor Air Flow Sensor Flap Binding or Air Flow Sensor Potentiometer Faulty
02 Oxygen Sensor Faulty O2 Sensor, Fuel Mixture Too Lean/Rich
03 Coolant Temperature Sensor Coolant Temperature Sensor Faulty, Engine Run Too Hot/Cold
04 Throttle Switch Faulty Throttle Switch, Adjusted Incorrectly