BMW 335is Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes of the Check Engine Light in Your BMW 335is and How to Resolve Them

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Reviewed by
Devin Cabugcal
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 335is 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 335is 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.

Troubleshooting Check Engine Light in a BMW 335is

When faced with a check engine light in your BMW 335i, it's essential to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach to identify and resolve the issue efficiently. Begin by checking the gas cap, as a loose or damaged cap is a common and easily fixable cause of the warning light. If the light remains illuminated after ensuring the gas cap is secure, the next step is to utilize an OBD-II scanner to read the trouble codes stored in the vehicle's computer. This tool provides valuable insights into the specific issues affecting your engine, allowing you to focus your troubleshooting efforts effectively. Be aware that the check engine light can indicate a range of problems, from minor sensor malfunctions to more serious issues with the Engine Control Module (ECM). Once you have addressed the underlying problem, you may need to reset the check engine light, which can often be done through the scanner or by disconnecting the battery for a short period. However, if the light persists, it may be time to consult a professional mechanic who can perform a more thorough diagnosis and ensure your BMW 335i continues to operate at its best. By following this structured approach, you can enhance your DIY troubleshooting efforts and maintain the performance of your vehicle.

What Could Cause the Check Engine Light to Illuminate in a BMW 335is?

When the check engine light comes on in a BMW 335is, it can be a source of concern for any car owner. Common problems that may trigger this warning include issues with the ignition system, such as faulty spark plugs or ignition coils, which can lead to engine misfires. Additionally, the oxygen sensors and mass airflow sensors play crucial roles in regulating the air-fuel mixture; if these components fail, they can cause the check engine light to illuminate. A loose or damaged petrol cap is another frequent culprit that can easily be overlooked. More serious issues, such as exhaust system leaks or a malfunctioning catalytic converter, can also trigger the light, indicating potential problems that could affect engine performance. To effectively diagnose the issue, it is advisable to use a diagnostic scanner to read the error codes from the vehicle's computer, which can provide specific insights into what might be wrong. Understanding these common problems can empower DIY enthusiasts to take the necessary steps toward troubleshooting and resolving the check engine light issue in their BMW 335is.

Why is the Check Engine Light Important in a BMW 335is?

The Check Engine Light in a BMW 335is is not just a simple warning; it is a critical indicator of your vehicle's health that demands immediate attention. Ignoring a flashing Check Engine Light can lead to severe consequences, including significant engine damage or even complete failure, which can be both costly and dangerous. This light can signal a range of issues, from minor sensor malfunctions to serious engine problems, and each moment of inaction increases the risk of further complications. By addressing the underlying issues promptly, you not only safeguard your vehicle's performance but also ensure your safety on the road. Regularly monitoring this warning light and understanding its implications can save you from extensive repairs and enhance your driving experience. Therefore, if your Check Engine Light illuminates, it is crucial to diagnose and resolve the issue as soon as possible to maintain the integrity of your BMW 335is.

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