BMW 228i Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

Troubleshooting the Persistent Tire Pressure Warning Light in Your BMW 228i: Causes and Solutions

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Reviewed by
Aisha
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
40% chance it's the
Tire Leaking Air
0%
30% chance it's the
Wheel Leaking Air
0%
15% chance it's the
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
0%
15% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a BMW 228i tire pressure warning light stays on are a leaking tire, a wheel that no longer holds air, or a faulty tire pressure monitoring system.
  • Tire Leaking Air: A puncture, valve stem issue, or rim damage can cause a tire to leak air, leading to loss of pressure.
  • Wheel Leaking Air: A puncture or damage to the tire or rim can cause air to leak, resulting in a loss of tire pressure.
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System: A malfunctioning tire pressure monitoring system can be caused by faulty sensors or a dead battery in the sensor units.
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 228i tire pressure warning light stays on?

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.

When a tire pressure monitoring sensor fails, the tire pressure monitoring system control module will recognize a loss in communication and turn on the warning lamp which indicates the failure. This is most often the case. However, the tire pressure monitoring sensor may also fail by reporting incorrect tire pressures. This could cause a flat tire to go unrecognized, or a properly inflated tire to signal a low or high tire pressure warning.

When a relearn is needed, for any reason, the TPMS warning light will illuminate, and many vehicles will display a message relating to the TPMS system being inoperative or loosing communication. It is important to keep a watchful eye on tire pressures when this system is having issues because there is no warning available for underinflation or overinflation of the tires.

Wheels offer very few symptoms, but these symptoms should never be ignored. Visible cracks on the wheels may appear, especially after hitting a large bump, Most often, this will also be accompanied by loss of air from the tire on that wheel. Also, vibration in the steering wheel is very common when the tire is out of balance, and improper wheel nuts or bolts can cause creaking and popping noises to develop. Again, there are very few symptoms, but they should not be ignored.

The only symptoms of a TPMS control module failure are failing to alert the driver of underinflation or overinflation of one or more tires, failure to communicate with the body control module or TPMS sensors, or erroneously reporting incorrect tire pressure.

The only symptoms requiring diagnosis for the tire pressure monitoring system warning lamp is if the warning lamp has illuminated while the tires have correct air pressure, or if the air pressure for the tires is out of specification and the warning lamp is off. This is because the overwhelming majority of cases where the TPMS lamp illuminates is due to the change in ambient temperature.

Troubleshooting Tire Pressure Warning Light in a BMW 228i

When faced with the tire pressure warning light in your BMW 228i, start by checking the tire pressure in all four tires. Use a reliable tire pressure gauge to ensure each tire is inflated to the manufacturer's recommended levels, as low pressure is the most common cause of this warning. If the pressure is correct, proceed to reset the Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) using the iDrive system, which is essential after any adjustments or tire changes. Next, inspect the TPM sensors located in each tire; a malfunctioning sensor can trigger the warning light even if the tire pressure is adequate. If you continue to see the warning light despite proper inflation and functioning sensors, it may indicate a deeper issue with the TPM system itself, necessitating further diagnostics or sensor replacement. Regularly monitoring the TPM warning light will help you maintain optimal tire performance and ensure your safety on the road.

Why is the Tire Pressure Warning Light Staying On in a BMW 228i?

When the Tire Pressure Warning Light remains illuminated in your BMW 228i, it signals a need for immediate attention to ensure your safety on the road. One of the most frequent culprits is a leaking tire, which can lead to a gradual loss of air pressure. It's essential to visually inspect each tire for any signs of damage or punctures. Additionally, a wheel that fails to hold air could also be the cause, often due to issues like a damaged rim or improper sealing. Another possibility is a malfunction within the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) itself, which may require a reset or replacement of sensors. Temperature fluctuations can also impact tire pressure, so checking the inflation levels against the manufacturer's recommendations is crucial. If the tires are significantly under-inflated—typically 20% below the recommended level—the TPMS light will activate. To resolve the issue, start by ensuring all tires are properly inflated, inspect for leaks, and consider consulting a professional if the light persists after these checks. Taking these steps not only helps in resetting the warning light but also promotes safer driving conditions.

Why is the Tire Pressure Warning Light Staying On in a BMW 228i?

When the Tire Pressure Warning Light remains illuminated in your BMW 228i, it is crucial to address the issue promptly to avoid potential safety hazards and costly repairs. Ignoring this warning can lead to driving on under-inflated tires, which not only compromises your vehicle's handling and braking performance but also increases the risk of tire blowouts. Common culprits for the warning light include leaking tires, damaged wheels, or malfunctioning tire pressure monitoring sensors. If you have already checked and adjusted your tire pressures but the light persists, it may indicate a sensor issue that requires further investigation. Resetting the TPMS system is often necessary after correcting tire pressures, and this can typically be done using a scanner or following specific procedures for your model. By taking immediate action, you can ensure your BMW 228i remains safe and efficient on the road.

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