# Bmw 740i - 2002 **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [August 13, 2013, 9:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-740i-2002/80886 "2013-08-13T21:06:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 10\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ssk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/82dd89/32.png) [@ssk](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ssk)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2013, 9:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-740i-2002/80886/1 "2013-08-13T21:06:01Z")
Hi, I have a BMW 740I that has over 200,000 miles on the clock, I have noticed in the past couple of day that the check engine light when I turn on the ignition that it flashes then becomes still, does anyone know what the problem could be, and if it is safe to drive? ---
**Author:** ![RemcoW](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/remcow/32/2471_2.png) [@RemcoW](https://community.cartalk.com/u/RemcoW)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2013, 9:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-740i-2002/80886/2 "2013-08-13T21:30:07Z")
Not sure how BMW indicators work but usually a blinking check engine indicator means there’s something wrong with the engine that affects drivability. On other cars it can indicate a pretty serious condition. A steady light can mean a misfire, bad o2 mixture, etc - something more benign. I’d get it checked asap. ---
**Author:** ![knfenimore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9fc348/32.png) [@knfenimore](https://community.cartalk.com/u/knfenimore)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2013, 9:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-740i-2002/80886/3 "2013-08-13T21:31:24Z")
I think you should take it and get the codes read at the local parts place and post any codes. Like for example P0302. ---
**Author:** ![Caddyman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/caddyman/32/23_2.png) [@Caddyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Caddyman)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2013, 9:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-740i-2002/80886/4 "2013-08-13T21:31:57Z")
Most autoparts stores will scan your cars computer and read the stored trouble codes at no charge. You can look up what the code(s) mean yourself or post them back here and we can kick them around…If the CEL flashes when you are driving, that is something serious and requires immediate attention. If it just stays on, you should at least have the codes read so you know what is causing the problem… ---
**Author:** ![ssk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/82dd89/32.png) [@ssk](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ssk)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2013, 10:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-740i-2002/80886/5 "2013-08-13T22:09:19Z")
The light only flashes for a few seconds then becomes steady. I actually did call AutoZone and they told me that due to some California law that they are not allowed check out the check engine problems anymore. ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2013, 10:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-740i-2002/80886/6 "2013-08-13T22:11:41Z")
Until you get the codes read there’s really nothing we can do. ---
**Author:** ![Caddyman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/caddyman/32/23_2.png) [@Caddyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Caddyman)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2013, 10:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-740i-2002/80886/7 "2013-08-13T22:16:50Z")
You can buy a OBD-2 to USB adapter cable and a free diagnostic program and read the codes yourself with any laptop computer…They probably have hardware/software for I-Pads by now…Check eBay for this stuff. Paying a shop $80 just to “run diagnostics” is highway robbery… > **[OBD2 to USB interface BMW INPA/Ediabas K+CAN diagnostic cable with FT232RL Chip ...](http://www.ebay.com/itm/OBD2-to-USB-interface-BMW-INPA-Ediabas-K-CAN-diagnostic-cable-with-FT232RL-Chip-/221267480220?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item338491ce9c&vxp=mtr)** > > OBD2 to USB interface BMW INPA/Ediabas K+CAN diagnostic cable with FT232RL Chip | eBay! ---
**Author:** ![RemcoW](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/remcow/32/2471_2.png) [@RemcoW](https://community.cartalk.com/u/RemcoW)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2013, 10:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-740i-2002/80886/8 "2013-08-13T22:27:55Z")
I agree with Caddy. Normally on this forum we suggest that you bring it to autozone or advance to get the codes read for free, but If you can’t get that done in CA, you may want to look into getting yourself a reader. Not that you may want to start wrenching on your own car but they are pretty cheap and will help you be an informed consumer. ---
**Author:** ![ssk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/82dd89/32.png) [@ssk](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ssk)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2013, 10:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-740i-2002/80886/9 "2013-08-13T22:59:48Z")
I appreciated everyone’s input on this unfortunate situation, and hope to rectify it soon. Thank you ---
**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2013, 5:10am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-740i-2002/80886/10 "2013-08-15T05:10:35Z")
Flashing check engine light = misfire severe enough to possibly damage the catalytic converter Continue driving at the cat’s peril