Is It Safe To Drive A BMW With An Illuminated Service Engine Soon?

by Mechanics Direct April 29, 2021

The answer to this question depends on how much driving we are talking about and your plan to have it checked out. If you drive your BMW to a service center to have the service light checked out, then the answer is yes. If you plan on driving back and forth to work for the next two weeks, the opposite response is true.

A BMW is a smartly-built car and known for its exceptionally-high quality. The technology available in it helps keep your model in top condition. It is essential to your BMW’s long life. Part of that advanced technology belongs to the service engine light. Let’s take a look at the design behind the service engine light and what its function is.

What a Service Engine Light Means

A service engine light means you need to have your car checked by a certified technician who can diagnose the problem that triggered the light. Some confuse this light with a check engine light, which has a similar meaning but indicates a more detrimental problem to your car.

While the service engine light means it is safe to drive your car to a service and repair shop, it also means you shouldn’t continue to operate your vehicle. If you do, you will most likely see the check engine light on next, which means a failure to your car is imminent.

Causes of a Service Engine Light Illuminating

• Needs Oil Changes: Your BMW service engine light will come on whenever it is time for your oil change. The purpose is to let you know that the maximum time and miles you can drive with your current oil have come. If you continue to operate without an oil change, you can damage your engine beyond even the best shop’s repair.
• Oil or Other Fluids are Low: The service engine light also indicates that fluid levels like oil, coolant, and transmission fluid are low. This safety feature acts to prevent damage to your car’s components due to these low levels.
• Regular Scheduled Maintenance: Your BMW is automatically set to have its scheduled maintenance times programmed into its computer. The service engine soon light indicates it is time for your car’s scheduled checkups.

Having the regular services performed on your BMW is designed to give it longevity and keep its value over time. By skipping any scheduled maintenance, you will eventually cause damage to your car’s engine and other components.

A well-built car like a BMW can last for hundreds of thousands of miles with the proper preventive maintenance. If your service engine light comes on, think of it as helping to save you money and having a reliable vehicle to drive for years.

What to Do if Your Service Engine Soon Light Appears

To prevent damage to your BMW, contact a trusted service center that can properly service your car. Not all shops are the same, and those who claim experience in BMWs may not have it. For one, the state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment that a BMW needs is not the same as every other vehicle. Using equipment not designed for the advanced technology of a BMW can have poor results.

Make sure the shop you choose has ASE certified mechanics who can demonstrate real experience in working on high-end imports like the BMW. Trying out an inexperienced mechanic to service your BMW will only end in a negative experience sooner or later.

A service engine indicator converting to a check engine light means you have waited too long. Don’t make the mistake of ignoring your service engine soon indication and continuing to operate the vehicle.

Who to Trust With Your BMW

If you find your service engine soon, light has indicated bring your BMW to Mechanics Direct, serving North Chelmsford, Chelmsford, Dracut, Tyngsborough, Westford, and Lowell, MA. Even better, have us set you up on a regularly scheduled service plan to ward off any issues before the light comes on.

You’ll find our technicians with a wide range of superior certifications and factory training, along with years of experience. Contact us today to set up service or any repairs needed to your BMW or various other vehicles we specialize in.