check engine light help

[call me jack]

So i bought a car a few months ago, not running, because it was in a accident.. it had front end damage, and needed a new bumper, and radiator. Well i finally got the car all put back together, and i have a check engine light on... i don't have the tool to clear it, or read it, but all of my connections are good, and the car has oil... so with it said that every thing checks out ok, do you think it's ok to drive? i see videos of people driving their e30s with cels semi frequently...

the only thing that makes sense to me is that a code that was thrown, during the accident is simply still present in the computer.

thanks for the input. on a side note, i will be buying a code read device soon...

edit: car is an '87 325e

[///digitalme]

check the codes..."stomp test"...

[call me jack]

what is the stomp test? i've read about it in passing, but i dont' really understand it in any detail...

[///digitalme]

1. turn the key switch
2. pump the gas pedal 5 times(the check light should stop flashing and will give you the codes) if it blinks one time=1 then it stops and blinks again it should give you the next number in flashes...so three flashes=3 and so on...
heres a video to help you out
codes are 4 numbers only...
heres a site to help you on the codes...

http://e30world.com/fuel/BMW-E30-DME-Motronic-fault-codes

hope it helps

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CbB-wUYYlc

[StereoInstaller1]

How about posting what year/model you have?

[call me jack]

How about posting what year/model you have?

hey now thats a clever idea.

it's an '87 325e

[call me jack]

bump. since my car is an 87 325e, it cant' do the stomp test. More input would be appreciate

[Dermeister3]

is it definitely the CEL?

alot of people confuse that with the blinking "check" light that comes on when your overhead check panel has a light on. like for brake lights, until you hit the brake pedal.

[StereoInstaller1]

If it is the CEL, try turning the key on (don't start) and counting flashes.

[StereoInstaller1]

oh yeah:http://www.unofficialbmw.com/repair_faqs/motronic.html

[call me jack]

is it definitely the CEL?

alot of people confuse that with the blinking "check" light that comes on when your overhead check panel has a light on. like for brake lights, until you hit the brake pedal.

wait. i haven't hooked up my wiper cleaner tank, yet. are you say the "check" light (and it is in fact a check light) is only on because i have no wiper fluid? that is awesome and retarded all at the same time.

[StereoInstaller1]

Yeah, that isn't the CEL.

That is the indicator for the "Check" panel, AKA the DIC, Drivers Information Center.

Push the button to shut off the CHECK light.

It should also come on every time you start your car, and go off when you hit the brakes for the first time.

[call me jack]

wow problem fixed. sorry for the really n00b question. it's my first e30, and i wasn't really anticipating a additional check system... so i guess i could say the car is good to drive.... awesome!