BMW 135is Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes of the Check Engine Light in Your BMW 135is and How to Resolve Them

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Reviewed by
Aisha
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
40% chance it's the
Emissions System
0%
60% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a BMW 135is has a check engine light are an emissions system component, a sensor, or a catalytic converter.
  • Emissions System: A faulty emissions system component, such as an oxygen sensor or EGR valve, can lead to increased emissions and trigger the check engine light.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

How much does it cost to fix a BMW 135is has a check engine light?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

Any time there is an emissions fault the check engine light will be displayed. The purpose of the check engine light is to inform the driver that an emission related fault has been found, and that there are on-board diagnostic (OBD) trouble codes stored in the powertrain or engine control module. Additionally, since the emissions systems are so intertwined into engine control and transmission control systems, symptoms may include nearly any sort of drivability concerns. This may include harsh shifting, failure to shift, hesitation on acceleration, jerking, engine failure to start or run, loss of power, or any number of other drivability issues.

Due to the nature of electrical systems on modern vehicles, the range of problems these can cause are nearly limitless. However, there is a way to categorize them in two ways. Permanent and intermittent problems. Permanent problems appear and remain. This may be the vehicle will not start, the radio does not work, or the door chime will not turn off among many, many others. These problems are more straight-forward to diagnose since they present themselves at all time. This means there will always be a fault to find. Intermittent electrical problems, however, can be difficult or impossible to locate, since they appear then disappear without warning. The best case scenario for an intermittent issue is when replicating the problem is easily accomplished and understood. This allows a technician to make an issue semi-permanent, allowing them to find the fault. Other issues that come and go without warning and cannot be replicated on demand must occur when the technician is servicing the vehicle, otherwise there is no problem to correct. It is most important to understand that electrical system faults always require inspection, and can include the vehicle working in any manner, or not working at all.

Like we noted in the last section, general diagnosis symptoms are the most vague of the bunch. There are several diagnostic spectrums, electrical diagnosis, drivability diagnostics, engine diagnostics, transmission diagnostics, and the list could continue for about 5 or 10 more spectrums of diagnostics. The most important take-away here, is that general diagnostics are diagnostics that have no other spectrum in which they fit, or the problem is unknown. This means that any vehicle left outside of a repair facility with the keys and an authorization to perform diagnosis will be diagnosed under the general diagnosis spectrum.

When the Check Engine Light comes on, you may experience engine performance issues such as poor acceleration, rough idling, or an engine that won't start. In some cases, no abnormal symptoms will be experienced. Other systems like the transmission or ABS can cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate and lights for those systems can come on at the same time. Similar lights may say "Check Engine Soon", "Malfunction Indicator Light" or just "Check". In rare case the engine can overheat.

Troubleshooting Check Engine Light in a BMW 135is

When faced with a check engine light in your BMW 135is, it's essential to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach to identify and resolve the issue efficiently. Begin by checking for any obvious problems, such as loose gas caps or visible leaks, as these are common culprits that can trigger the light. Next, utilize an OBD-II scanner to read the trouble codes stored in the vehicle's computer; this will provide valuable insights into the specific systems that may be malfunctioning. Pay close attention to the codes related to the emission and ignition systems, as these are frequent sources of trouble. After diagnosing the issue, address any simple fixes first, such as replacing faulty sensors or spark plugs, before moving on to more complex repairs like examining the Engine Control Module (ECM) or transmission components. Remember, simply resetting the check engine light without resolving the underlying problem may lead to further complications, so ensure that you tackle the root cause effectively. By following this structured approach, you can enhance your DIY troubleshooting efforts and maintain your BMW's performance.

What Could Cause the Check Engine Light to Illuminate in a BMW 135is?

When the check engine light comes on in a BMW 135is, it can indicate a variety of issues that may require immediate attention. Common problems include ignition system failures, which can lead to misfires and poor engine performance. A faulty oxygen sensor is another frequent culprit, affecting fuel efficiency and emissions. Additionally, a loose gas cap can trigger the light, often overlooked but easily fixable. Other potential issues include a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor, which can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, and exhaust system leaks that may compromise engine performance. Lastly, problems with the catalytic converter can also illuminate the check engine light, indicating a need for further inspection. To accurately diagnose the issue, using a diagnostic scanner to retrieve error codes is highly recommended, as it provides specific insights into the underlying problem, allowing for a more targeted DIY repair approach.

Why is the Check Engine Light On in a BMW 135is?

When the Check Engine Light illuminates in your BMW 135is, it serves as a critical alert that should not be ignored. While some issues, like a loose gas cap, may seem minor, others could indicate serious problems that could compromise your vehicle's performance and safety. For DIY enthusiasts, it’s essential to understand that neglecting this warning can lead to more significant damage, resulting in costly repairs and potential safety hazards. For instance, if the vehicle enters "limp mode" due to performance issues, it restricts engine power to prevent further damage, making it crucial to diagnose the problem immediately. Addressing the Check Engine Light promptly not only helps maintain your vehicle's health but also ensures your safety on the road. Therefore, if you notice this warning, take the time to investigate the cause, whether through a diagnostic tool or by consulting a professional, to avoid escalating issues that could affect your driving experience.

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