What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
BMW 520i - EML light on and no throttle power!
I've just bought this 2000 BMW 520i and The EML light has come on and you can press the accelerator to the floor but no power really.
Might do 10mph! ABS light also on dash but know its probably sesnsor related. EML is my biggest problem at the minute. I've asked a few people I know and have got various answers from throttle manifold failures to throttle cable problems.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Might do 10mph! ABS light also on dash but know its probably sesnsor related. EML is my biggest problem at the minute. I've asked a few people I know and have got various answers from throttle manifold failures to throttle cable problems.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Asked on 7 January 2011 by jaslatts
Answered by
Alan Ross
The "EML" warning light in a BMW indicates a problem with the "drive-by-wire" throttle control system."
"EML" is an acronym for "Elektronische Motorleistungsregelung". Loosely translated from the original German for the BMW owner means Electrionic Engine Power Control.
"EML" is BMW's system name for electronic throttle management. The "EML" system, in it's most basic sense consists of an accelerator pedal (with an electronic position sensor), a computer module (usu. integrated with the main engine computer), and an EDK (Elektronische Drosselklappe or Electronic throttle valve). The EDK is also known as a "drive by wire" throttle. "EDK" throttles use a computer controlled stepper motor rather than a purely mechanical linkage (usu. metal cable attached directly to the accelerator pedal) to control the opening and closing of the throttle plate.
"Drive by wire" throttles are very common on modern vehicles starting in the late nineties up through the present day. "Drive by wire" technology enables very precise throttle control to improve drivability and vehicle emissions, as well as many convenience features like electronic cruise control, traction control & stability control.
BMW first implemented "drive by wire" in very limited quantities on the most expensive & sophistocated BMW models starting in 1988.
Given the complexity of the EML system you may want to contact either a BMW dealership or a good local garage /BMW specialist,to look at the problem for you, rather than guess work.
"EML" is an acronym for "Elektronische Motorleistungsregelung". Loosely translated from the original German for the BMW owner means Electrionic Engine Power Control.
"EML" is BMW's system name for electronic throttle management. The "EML" system, in it's most basic sense consists of an accelerator pedal (with an electronic position sensor), a computer module (usu. integrated with the main engine computer), and an EDK (Elektronische Drosselklappe or Electronic throttle valve). The EDK is also known as a "drive by wire" throttle. "EDK" throttles use a computer controlled stepper motor rather than a purely mechanical linkage (usu. metal cable attached directly to the accelerator pedal) to control the opening and closing of the throttle plate.
"Drive by wire" throttles are very common on modern vehicles starting in the late nineties up through the present day. "Drive by wire" technology enables very precise throttle control to improve drivability and vehicle emissions, as well as many convenience features like electronic cruise control, traction control & stability control.
BMW first implemented "drive by wire" in very limited quantities on the most expensive & sophistocated BMW models starting in 1988.
Given the complexity of the EML system you may want to contact either a BMW dealership or a good local garage /BMW specialist,to look at the problem for you, rather than guess work.
Looking for a garage you can trust? Honest John's Good Garage Guide has thousands of reader recommended garages, plus how-to guides and tips on servicing.
The Good Garage GuideSimilar questions
I've just bought a Renault Megane 1.6 petrol. When I start the engine, it starts but loses power at first. It needs a bit of accelerating to keep the engine running. I have changed the spark plugs already,...
The accelerator was no longer responding on our Espace and it was still picking up speed. I switched the engine off and then on again, and the car started revving itself.
Car starts, but no acceleration, pedal seems okay, but no response/revs when applying the accelerator pedal, stuck doing 1 mph.
.jpg)
