BMW Diagnostics

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 14 other vehicles, including the 2003 BMW Z8, 2003 BMW Z4, 2003 BMW X5, 2003 BMW M5, and 2003 BMW M3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

BMW diagnostic trouble codes are stored as soon they occur even before the Check Engine Light (MIL) comes on. BMW codes are defined by BMW, Bosch and Siemens to provide greater detail to fault specific information.

On Siemens systems, one set of 4 fault-specific environmental conditions are stored with the first fault occurrence. This information can change and is specific to each fault code to aid in diagnosing. A maximum of 10 different faults containing 4 environmental conditions can be stored.

On Bosch systems, a maximum of 4 sets of 3 fault-specific environmental conditions are stored within each fault code. This information can change and is specific to each fault code to aid in diagnosis. A maximum of 10 different faults containing 3 environmental conditions can be stored. BMW codes also store and display a time stamp when the fault last occurred. A fault qualifier gives more specific detailed information about the type of fault (upper limit, lower limit, disconnection, plausibility, etc.).

BMW codes are capable of recording current fault status. Code will advise whether fault is actually still present, not currently present or intermittent. Fault specific information is stored and accessible through DIS Plus or GT-1. BMW codes determine diagnostic output for BMW DIS Plus or GT-1.