BMW Z3 Error Codes: System Readiness Check Issues

Hey there! I have some experience working on BMWs. Had a similar situation with my 2002 BMW Z4 and also own a 3 Series from that era. Recently had the same error message issue. Since I noticed you also have a Z-series, I thought I'd share my experience. The OBD2 scan I had done showed similar symptoms, it was actually just pending codes that needed to be cleared. No repair was needed in my case, just a proper readout and reset. Can you share what specific error messages you're seeing on the speedometer? Also, do you know what error codes are stored? This would help me give you more targeted advice based on my experience with these models. In my case, the workshop just needed to do a complete diagnostic cycle to clear everything up. But knowing your specific codes would help determine if you're dealing with the same thing or if it might be something else.

Thanks for sharing your insights! My Z3 just had its service at 180045 KM, and I'm seeing "CHECK" flashing intermittently on the instrument cluster. Haven't gotten the specific codes yet, but I'm planning to get them read tomorrow. Did your diagnostic cycle require any specific conditions or drive cycles to complete? Just trying to get a sense of what I'm in for. It's running fine otherwise, but those warning lights are making me nervous.

Hey again! Thanks for the follow-up about your Z3. I totally get being nervous about warning lights, been there with my Z4! After my service at similar mileage (around 175000 KM), I actually had the same "CHECK" message flashing. My diagnostic cycle did need some specific conditions to complete properly. Had to drive it for about 20-30 minutes, including some idle time and varying speeds. The tech told me to make sure the fuel tank was between 1/4 and 3/4 full during the drive cycle. In my case, once we did the proper drive cycle and cleared the codes, everything went back to normal. The flashing "CHECK" message disappeared completely. The whole process took less than an hour, including the diagnostic read. Since you mentioned your car's running fine otherwise, it sounds very similar to what I experienced. These Z series can be a bit finicky with their system checks after service. Still, getting those codes read tomorrow is definitely the right move, it'll tell you for sure if it's the same simple fix I needed or if there's something else going on. Let me know what codes you get, I'm curious if they match what I saw with mine!

Thanks everyone for the help! After reading about your experiences, I feel much better about the situation. Just got back from getting the codes read, and you were spot on, it was pretty similar to what you dealt with on your Z4. The mechanic did the diagnostic cycle exactly like you described, keeping the fuel level where you mentioned and doing that varied speed drive. The "CHECK" message is now gone, and everything's back to normal. Really glad it turned out to be such a straightforward fix! It's pretty reassuring to know these quirks are common in our Z series cars after service. Thanks again for walking me through what to expect, you saved me a lot of worry and potentially unnecessary repairs. I'll definitely keep this in mind for future reference if it happens again. Really appreciate all the detailed info, this is exactly why I love reaching out to fellow BMW owners. You guys really know your stuff!