2013 BMW 335i XDrive Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2013 BMW 335i xDrive: Common Causes and Solutions

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Reviewed by
Andrew Hajjar
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 2013 BMW 335i xDrive 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 2013 BMW 335i xDrive 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.

A faulty oxygen sensor is one of the most common causes of a check engine light. Symptoms may include a decrease in fuel mileage, hesitation or misfiring from the engine, rough idling or even stalling. A faulty sensor may cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test.

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.

What are the initial diagnostic steps to take for a check engine light on a 2013 BMW 335i xDrive?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2013 BMW 335i xDrive, it's essential to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach to identify and resolve the issue efficiently. Begin by inspecting the gas cap, as a loose or damaged cap is a common and easily fixable culprit that can trigger the warning light. If the gas cap is secure, the next step is to utilize an OBD2 scanner to retrieve any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from your vehicle's onboard computer. These codes provide valuable insights into which specific sensors or components may be malfunctioning. Once you have the codes, conduct a thorough troubleshooting process to pinpoint the root cause, which could range from a vacuum leak to a faulty spark plug. It's also crucial to monitor the behavior of the check engine light; if it starts flashing, this indicates a serious issue that requires immediate attention to avoid potential damage to your engine. By following this structured approach, you can effectively diagnose and address the check engine light, ensuring your BMW remains in optimal condition.

What common issues cause the check engine light in a 2013 BMW 335i xDrive?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2013 BMW 335i xDrive, it’s essential to understand the common issues that could be at play. One frequent culprit is a loose or faulty gas cap, which can easily be fixed by ensuring it is tightened properly or replaced if necessary. Another common issue is low coolant levels; topping up the coolant can often resolve this problem and prevent overheating. Additionally, a faulty oxygen sensor may trigger the light, as it plays a crucial role in monitoring exhaust emissions and fuel efficiency. While these issues can often be addressed with basic DIY skills, it’s important to remain vigilant about more serious engine malfunctions that may require professional diagnosis. By promptly addressing the check engine light and performing regular maintenance, you can help ensure your BMW runs smoothly and avoid costly repairs down the line.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2013 BMW 335i xDrive?

When it comes to the check engine light in your 2013 BMW 335i xDrive, understanding the urgency of the situation is paramount. A flashing check engine light is a clear signal that something is seriously wrong, often indicating issues such as misfires or severe engine malfunctions that could lead to catastrophic damage if not addressed immediately. In such cases, it is crucial to turn off the engine and consult a professional mechanic without delay. On the other hand, a steady check engine light, while less urgent, still warrants prompt attention, especially if you experience any performance issues or strange noises. Ignoring this warning can lead to more significant problems down the line, resulting in costly repairs. For DIY enthusiasts, it’s essential to recognize that while some issues may seem minor, they can escalate quickly, making it vital to diagnose and resolve any check engine light alerts as soon as they arise to maintain the health and safety of your vehicle.

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2013 BMW 335i xDrive Check Engine Light Causes & Repairs