BMW E32 V12 EML light and throttle bodies
What is EML on the E32 V12 and why is the EML light on?
EML controls the engine's two electric throttle bodies, and the engine has no throttle cable. It regulates the air quantity of each cylinder bank based on the injection times. The light comes on when the throttle bodies or their sensors are not working, and the engine goes into limp mode, where the throttle bodies open only a little and the revs stay low.
How do I check that the E32 throttle bodies work?
Remove the intake hose and turn the throttle body open and closed by hand. It should move smoothly, although somewhat stiffly. When the ignition is switched on, the throttle bodies should click. If a throttle body sticks or does not click, take the throttle bodies apart, clean them and grease them.
The EML light is on and there are no fault codes - what could be wrong?
The throttle body position may differ by about 3%, or one throttle body is sticking. The carbon track of the throttle potentiometer may also be bent or worn, so the position is not recognised. Cleaning and repairing the sensor or replacing the worn part helps.
What if the EML light does not come on at all when the ignition is switched on?
The light should come on for a few seconds. If it does not, the fault may be in the instrument cluster's bulb circuit and not in the throttle body, and the missing light can hide the real fault.