2007 BMW 335xi Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2007 BMW 335xi: Common Causes and Solutions

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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 2007 BMW 335xi 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 2007 BMW 335xi 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 2007 BMW 335xi?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2007 BMW 335xi, the first step is to check the gas cap, as a loose cap can often trigger the light. If tightening it doesn’t resolve the issue, the next logical step is to retrieve the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) using an OBD2 scanner. Understanding these codes is crucial, as they pinpoint the specific sensor or component at fault. After identifying the codes, evaluate the severity of the issues they represent; some may require immediate attention while others can be monitored. If the problem appears complex or beyond your expertise, consider consulting a professional mechanic. Finally, once you’ve addressed the underlying issue, you may need to reset the check engine light, which can typically be done with the scanner or through specific procedures. By following these steps, you can effectively diagnose and potentially resolve the check engine light issue on your BMW, saving time and money in the process.

What common issues trigger the check engine light in a 2007 BMW 335xi?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2007 BMW 335xi, it can be concerning for any DIY enthusiast. Understanding the common issues that trigger this warning can help you diagnose and potentially resolve the problem. One frequent culprit is a malfunctioning oxygen sensor, which plays a crucial role in monitoring the exhaust system's oxygen levels. Additionally, problems with the catalytic converter can also lead to the check engine light coming on, indicating that the vehicle's emissions control system may not be functioning properly. Another simple yet often overlooked issue is a loose or faulty gas cap, which can cause fuel vapors to escape and trigger the light. With over 100 possible fault codes that could activate the check engine light, using an OBD-II scanner is essential for pinpointing the exact issue. By addressing these common triggers promptly, you can prevent more serious complications and ensure your BMW runs smoothly.

How urgent is the check engine light issue in a 2007 BMW 335xi?

When the check engine light comes on in your 2007 BMW 335xi, it is crucial to take immediate action rather than dismissing it as a minor inconvenience. This warning light is an indicator of potential issues within your engine or emissions system, and ignoring it can lead to more severe problems, including costly repairs and decreased vehicle performance. The urgency of addressing this issue cannot be overstated, as failing to do so may not only compromise the safety of your vehicle but also result in significant damage that could have been avoided with timely intervention. By prioritizing a diagnostic check as soon as the light illuminates, you can identify the underlying cause and take the necessary steps to resolve it, ensuring the longevity and reliability of your BMW.

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