What Issues Cause a Check Engine Light in Your BMW?
Post on August 25, 2020 by ultimateauadmin
Your BMW was designed as a highly-intuitive vehicle. It contains numerous sensors and electrical components that all report back to the computer. The computer is then responsible for communicating with you if there are any issues. Unfortunately, this computer cannot use words to speak yet, but it has other methods to alert you to possible issues. Communication is done through the check engine light.
The check engine light is responsible for letting you know if there are any engine repairs that need to be done. Based on the readings that the computer receives, the check engine light will report if there are issues.
As you know, the engine is composed of many different parts. This means that components and systems could potentially fail at any given time. This article goes into reasons why you may see your check engine light illuminated in your BMW.
The Gas Cap
The first reason the check engine light may illuminate is due to the gas cap. The gas cap needs to be tightly closed and sealed before you drive away. If not, the check engine light illuminates.
The gas cap is required to keep the gasoline securely in the tank. When the gas cap is not on properly, gasoline vapors escape from the tank. Not only is this harmful to the environment, but it can cause a leak that negatively affects the entire fuel system.
Thankfully, this is an easy fix. If you see the check engine light illuminated then check the gas cap once you reach your destination. If it needs to be tightened, then that will solve that problem. If you see that it has been damaged, you will need to replace it.
A Bad Catalytic Converter
The next reason why the check engine light may illuminate is due to a failing catalytic converter. The catalytic converter is located at the front of your BMW under the engine. It is connected to a pipe that snakes underneath the entirety of the BMW to reach the tailpipe at the back.
The catalytic converter is responsible for converting the dangerous exhaust fumes into less harmful emissions, which are then expelled through the tailpipe of your BMW. No one wants to pollute the air. It’s bad for us and bad for the environment. So, as soon as the check engine light comes on, you should have your BMW inspected, since a properly-functioning catalytic converter is a necessity.
Ignition Coil or Spark Plug Failure
Another reason of note is the failure of the ignition coil or the spark plug. The ignition coil is responsible for generating the electricity that is needed so the spark plugs can ignite the fuel and air mixture in the cylinders.
If you have a newer BMW model, it will have an ignition coil for each cylinder. Older BMWs have one ignition coil total. So if the ignition coil goes bad and there’s only one, there is the potential of your BMW not starting. If it does, it may quit and the check engine light will come on.
In a newer BMW, when one ignition coil fails, it will cause a decrease in fuel efficiency and overall performance of your BMW. This situation will also cause the check engine light to come on.
The spark plug ignites the fuel and air mixture that is needed for the engine to run smoothly and continuously. When the spark plug has failed, you may experience an engine misfire or slight jerking as you attempt to heavily accelerate. In this instance, the check engine light will come on.
Addressing the Check Engine Light
There are various reasons as to why the check engine light can illuminate. The best thing to do when it does is to take your BMW into your trusted technician as soon as you can to have the issue addressed.
Ultimate European Repair is the best place to bring your BMW. We service all European vehicles such as BMW, Mini, VW, and Audi.
We are easily accessible from the 
areas of Goodyear, Buckeye, Avondale, Phoenix, and Peoria, AZ. When you make an appointment with us, one of our trained and certified technicians will run a full diagnostic on your BMW to determine the exact reason why the check engine light came on. Once that is determined, and with your permission, we use high-quality parts to make the repairs. We will have your BMW safely back on the road in a short time. Call us today.
Posted in BMW Repair