2016 BMW 328i Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

Common Causes for the Tire Pressure Warning Light in Your 2016 BMW 328i and How to Resolve Them

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Reviewed by
Bo Fader
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 2016 BMW 328i 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 tire 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 2016 BMW 328i 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 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.

What are the initial steps to diagnose a persistent tire pressure warning light on a 2016 BMW 328i?

To effectively diagnose a persistent tire pressure warning light on your 2016 BMW 328i, begin by checking the tire pressure in all four tires using a reliable tire pressure gauge. Ensure that the readings align with the recommended specifications found in your owner's manual or on the placard located on the driver's side door frame. If the tire pressures are correct and the warning light remains illuminated, it’s crucial to understand that the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is designed to alert you to potential tire pressure issues. Next, consider the possibility of sensor-related problems, which could stem from a failed sensor battery, malfunctioning sensors, or interference affecting signal transmission. Inspect the sensors for any visible damage or wear that might hinder their performance. If everything appears intact but the warning light persists, you may need to reset the TPMS system, which can often be done using a scanner or by following the specific reset procedure for your BMW model. By systematically addressing these areas, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the tire pressure warning light issue.

What could be causing the tire pressure warning light to stay on in a 2016 BMW 328i?

When the tire pressure warning light remains illuminated in your 2016 BMW 328i, it can be frustrating, but understanding the common problems can guide you in resolving the issue. One primary culprit is a malfunctioning tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensor, which may fail to provide accurate readings even when tire pressures are correct. Additionally, physical damage to the sensors can lead to persistent warning lights, indicating a need for replacement. In some cases, the sensors may simply require reprogramming, which can be accomplished with an OBD2 scanner or a TPMS reset tool. It's also worth considering that temperature fluctuations can affect tire pressure readings, causing the warning light to activate even if the tires are properly inflated. By systematically checking these potential issues, you can effectively diagnose and address the reason behind the tire pressure warning light, ensuring your vehicle remains safe and performs optimally.

What immediate steps should be taken to address the tire pressure warning light on a 2016 BMW 328i?

When the tire pressure warning light illuminates on your 2016 BMW 328i, it is crucial to act promptly to ensure your safety and the longevity of your vehicle. Low tire pressure can lead to decreased traction, increased tire wear, and even blowouts, which pose significant risks while driving. Start by checking the tire pressure of all four tires, as the warning light typically indicates that one or more tires are inflated to 20% below the recommended level. If you find that the pressure is indeed low, inflate the tires to the specified level as indicated on the tire placard. Should the warning light remain illuminated after correcting the tire pressure, it is essential to reset the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) using the iDrive display. Access the vehicle status menu, select "Vehicle info," and follow the prompts to activate the TPMS reset. By taking these immediate steps, you not only ensure a safer driving experience but also prevent potential damage to your tires and vehicle, making it imperative to address the warning light without delay.

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