I have a 99' 528i the EML light flashed on and

Nov 03, 2009

- Really the altenator? hmm -- you'd think being the car was just in the shop, the mech. would have seen some pre-existing codes being thrown.... ? Not to mention from the forums nothing about alternator replacment was mentioned tied to the EML light... but maybe.

Nov 03, 2009

- Upon futher review: 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. The latest generation of advanced vehicle features to take advandage of "drive by wire" technology are radar guided cruise control, accident avoidance control, autonomous-driving, and autonomous-parking systems.