Engine management Light.

AnnieG79

Newbie
Joined
Jun 17, 2025
Points
1
Hi all. Got a Z3 2.8. 1999. Got a red light on dash looks like Airbag/seatbelt sign. Any idea how to sort it?

Thanks
Annie
 

John_B

Zorg Guru (II)
Supporter
British Zeds
The M44 Massive
Joined
Jun 2, 2023
Points
116
Location
Derbyshire, UK
Model of Z
Z3 2.8 pre-facelift (Izzy)
I'd start by checking the connectors under the seats haven't worked loose, and you can visually check the wiring is still intact and hasn't snapped or frayed.

The warning light will stay on now until it is reset. A garage will be able to do that for you, but will almost certainly charge you more than it would cost to buy a code reader and do it yourself. There are many available on places like Amazon and eBay, they aren't expensive. Alternatively you could ask around friends/family as you may find someone already has one. If you post your location here, there may be a local member who'd do it for you. However you'll need to address the root cause or it'll just come back on again.

If you do buy a code reader, you'll need an adapter like this one:
.
The port is in the engine bay, under a round plastic cap about the size of a coaster next to the nearside suspension strut tower
 

ktnez99

Zorg Guru (IV)
British Zeds
Joined
May 18, 2018
Points
164
Location
West Midlands
Model of Z
Z3 2.8L
I'd start by checking the connectors under the seats haven't worked loose, and you can visually check the wiring is still intact and hasn't snapped or frayed.

The warning light will stay on now until it is reset. A garage will be able to do that for you, but will almost certainly charge you more than it would cost to buy a code reader and do it yourself. There are many available on places like Amazon and eBay, they aren't expensive. Alternatively you could ask around friends/family as you may find someone already has one. If you post your location here, there may be a local member who'd do it for you. However you'll need to address the root cause or it'll just come back on again.

If you do buy a code reader, you'll need an adapter like this one:
.
The port is in the engine bay, under a round plastic cap about the size of a coaster next to the nearside suspension strut tower
Spoken like a true Zedder! 🤣👍
 

Mazza

Zorg Guru (V)
Supporter
British Zeds
The M44 Massive
Joined
Nov 1, 2017
Points
175
Location
Bognor Regis
Model of Z
Z3 1.9 M44 Roadster Z3 2.8 Project
Depending on where you are in the country., there may be someone on the forum that has a code reader that could reset it for you.
 

Pond

Zorg Guru (III)
British Zeds
Joined
Dec 26, 2016
Points
144
Location
Spaldingski, Lincs
Model of Z
Z3 project and E89 Z4
Or just buy a code reader. They are not expensive and invaluable when it comes to older (and newer) cars.
They don't fix the problem but they do give codes which can be looked up on t'internet, or asked on here. As said above, you can reset codes with them, which will save you the cost of the reader at the first attempt (as a garage won't do a lot for less than £50 these days).

I have a Creator 410. Cost £45 from the 'Bay and will scan all BMWs (including Minis) from around 1990 up to 2019 (it doesn't do the G series). A round pin adapter was around £10 aswell.
 

colb

Zorg Guru (V)
British Zeds
Joined
Nov 25, 2012
Points
178
Location
Newport, South Wales,UK
Model of Z
Z3 M43 1.8 (1999) and Z4 E85 2.5 (2003)
You must get a code reader on it to find out what code has set the light on, it may be just a simple case of a dirty or loose connection under the seat but knowing the code will point you in the right direction as to what is wrong with the system. Let us know where you are and someone close by may be able to assist you with a code reader.
 

colb

Zorg Guru (V)
British Zeds
Joined
Nov 25, 2012
Points
178
Location
Newport, South Wales,UK
Model of Z
Z3 M43 1.8 (1999) and Z4 E85 2.5 (2003)
Cowplain
Waterlooville
PO8 9LD

Bound to be someone near you who has a code reader.
 
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