Secondary Air Pump

littlehuman · 09-30-2015, 11:57 PM

Hi,

"Service Engine Soon" light came up on my 2007 328i coupe. I went to my usual indie shop and I was told that I can keep driving it until I need to take a smoke test.

Is this true? I'm going to be driving 8 hours over this weekend and I'm a little bit worried.

Estimation was $633 to replace it.

kkasson · 10-01-2015, 12:29 AM

Yes, if that's the only problem then you're fine to keep driving. The secondary air system pumps fresh clean air into the exhaust for the first minute or so after a cold start in order to help the catalytic converter heat up and to reduce emissions while it's still cold. There's no danger in driving without it, but you won't pass smog if it's not working.

Take a look at this article about it. The system is a bit different on the E90, but the principle is the same. If I'm not mistaken, I think the N52 doesn't even have a SAP, only the N51. http://blog.bavauto.com/12072/bmw-se...to-diy-obd-ii/

EDIT: Also since it's an emission component, I think it should be covered under the SULEV warranty. Take it to the dealership at your convenience.

littlehuman · 10-02-2015, 04:49 PM

kkasson Thank you kkasson. I will contact dealer.

09-30-2015, 11:57 PM	#1
littlehuman Second Lieutenant 225 Rep 263 Posts Drives: 2021 G05 X5 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Secondary Air Pump - Can I keep driving? Hi, "Service Engine Soon" light came up on my 2007 328i coupe. I went to my usual indie shop and I was told that I can keep driving it until I need to take a smoke test. Is this true? I'm going to be driving 8 hours over this weekend and I'm a little bit worried. Estimation was $633 to replace it.
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10-01-2015, 12:29 AM	#2
kkasson Lieutenant 187 Rep 589 Posts Drives: 07 BMW 328i, 08 BMW 528i Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	Yes, if that's the only problem then you're fine to keep driving. The secondary air system pumps fresh clean air into the exhaust for the first minute or so after a cold start in order to help the catalytic converter heat up and to reduce emissions while it's still cold. There's no danger in driving without it, but you won't pass smog if it's not working. Take a look at this article about it. The system is a bit different on the E90, but the principle is the same. If I'm not mistaken, I think the N52 doesn't even have a SAP, only the N51. http://blog.bavauto.com/12072/bmw-se...to-diy-obd-ii/ EDIT: Also since it's an emission component, I think it should be covered under the SULEV warranty. Take it to the dealership at your convenience.
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10-02-2015, 04:49 PM	#3
littlehuman Second Lieutenant 225 Rep 263 Posts Drives: 2021 G05 X5 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	kkasson Thank you kkasson. I will contact dealer.
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