Why did the limp mode warning light come on with the engine off?

[JHZR2]

I’ve owned my 2011 135i since new. It has 29k miles. Runs beautifully.

Tonight I changed the oil, and after I pulled it off the ramps and parked it, I went to reset the oil minder with the car on but not running. Multiple times I got this light:



The car was not running, and it would not let me proceed to the service/reset menus. The car presented no CELs, it started perfectly, and after I started it, then turned it off, then I was able to access the service reset menus.

Is this something I should be concerned about? Foreshadowing something to come?

What was so strange is that the engine never ran. So nothing moving or functional could have caused it to come up. Maybe something that has to prep before the engine is on? Something that self checks or something?? But again, it started fine and I’ve driven it a few miles with no lights, no issues, just fine.

Any ideas??

[Lester]

I'd suspect the battery. How old is it? There should be a date on the top. Could also be a corroded ground strap.

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted by Lester

I'd suspect the battery. How old is it? There should be a date on the top. Could also be a corroded ground strap.

I forget the age, I did re-code a larger group 49 AGM into the car.

And keep it on a float charger over the winter. No issues with cranking/starting, but certainly a good possibility.

Thanks!

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted by Lester

I'd suspect the battery. How old is it? There should be a date on the top. Could also be a corroded ground strap.

Battery is fine. Key off, the battery is 12.7, on the battery is showing 12.4V, engine on is 14.3v. Car starts and runs excellent.

I got out my bmw scanner and got this:



The car runs perfect and has never thrown a cel. I cleared the code to see if it comes back after some miles.

That half engine came up with the engine off.

Maybe it was a fluke?