2010 BMW 528i Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

Common Causes for the Tire Pressure Warning Light in Your 2010 BMW 528i and How to Resolve Them

Find Repair Location
Reviewed by
Andrew Hajjar
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 2010 BMW 528i 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 2010 BMW 528i 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.

How to diagnose a tire pressure warning light on a 2010 BMW 528i?

To effectively diagnose a tire pressure warning light on your 2010 BMW 528i, start with the simplest solution: checking the tire pressure. Use a reliable tire pressure gauge to measure the air pressure in all four tires, ensuring they align with the recommended values found in your owner's manual or on the placard located on the driver's side door frame. If you encounter any readings that seem unusually high or low, this could indicate a malfunctioning sensor or control module. It's important to understand that the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) will activate the warning light if it detects a 20% drop in tire pressure, which is crucial for your safety. If the tire pressures are correct but the warning light persists, consider the possibility of a TPMS sensor issue, as these sensors are responsible for relaying tire pressure information to the vehicle's computer. After checking the pressures, take your vehicle for a short drive and recheck the tire pressures when the tires are cold, as driving can temporarily increase tire pressure. By following this diagnostic approach, you can systematically identify and address the cause of the tire pressure warning light, ensuring your BMW remains safe and roadworthy.

What could cause the tire pressure warning light to stay on in a 2010 BMW 528i?

When the tire pressure warning light remains illuminated in a 2010 BMW 528i, it often indicates underlying issues that can be addressed through simple DIY checks. The most common culprit is low tire pressure, which can easily be remedied by using a tire pressure gauge to ensure all tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended levels. If the pressure is adequate, the next step is to inspect the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors. These sensors can malfunction due to battery depletion or damage, leading to false readings. If you suspect a sensor issue, consider using an OBD2 scanner or a TPMS reset tool to reprogram or reset the sensors. Additionally, if you've recently switched to winter tires, ensure that the new rims are equipped with functional TPMS sensors, as some winter tire setups may not include them. By systematically checking these factors, you can effectively diagnose and potentially resolve the issue of the persistent tire pressure warning light.

How urgent is it to address the tire pressure warning light on a 2010 BMW 528i that stays on?

Addressing the tire pressure warning light on a 2010 BMW 528i is not just a matter of convenience; it is a critical safety concern that demands immediate attention. When this light remains illuminated, it signals that one or more tires may be under-inflated, which can severely compromise the vehicle's handling, braking, and overall performance. Driving with low tire pressure can lead to uneven tire wear, increasing the likelihood of tire blowouts and accidents. Moreover, neglecting this warning can diminish traction and stability, particularly in challenging weather conditions, putting both the driver and passengers at risk. If the light persists even after checking and inflating the tires to the recommended levels, it may indicate deeper issues within the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) or other tire-related problems that require professional evaluation. Therefore, it is essential for DIY enthusiasts to prioritize this warning light, ensuring their vehicle remains safe and reliable on the road.

You’ve got options with RepairPal

Whether you need a more accurate auto repair estimate or help finding a reputable shop in your area, we’ve got you covered.

2010 BMW 528i Tire Pressure Warning Light Solutions