2008 BMW 535i Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

Common Causes for the Tire Pressure Warning Light in Your 2008 BMW 535i 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 2008 BMW 535i 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 2008 BMW 535i 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 2008 BMW 535i?

When faced with a persistent tire pressure warning light on your 2008 BMW 535i, the first step is to check the tire pressure using a reliable gauge. This ensures that each tire is inflated to the recommended levels specified in your owner's manual or on the placard located on the driver's side door frame. If you find any tires are under-inflated, inflate them to the correct pressure and recheck the warning light. It's important to monitor the light after making these adjustments; if it remains illuminated, the issue may lie within the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) itself, potentially indicating a faulty sensor or a dead battery. In such cases, while DIY diagnostics can be helpful, consulting a professional mechanic is advisable to accurately diagnose and resolve any underlying issues with the TPMS. By following this methodical approach, you can effectively troubleshoot the warning light and ensure your vehicle's safety on the road.

What could be causing the tire pressure warning light to stay on in a 2008 BMW 535i?

When the tire pressure warning light remains illuminated in your 2008 BMW 535i, it can be attributed to several common problems that are essential to investigate. First and foremost, ensure that all tires are properly inflated, as low tire pressure is the most frequent cause of this warning. If the pressure is adequate, consider the possibility of a flat tire or a slow air leak, which may not be immediately visible but can still trigger the warning light. Additionally, malfunctioning tire pressure sensors can lead to inaccurate readings; these sensors are crucial for the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) to function correctly. If you suspect sensor issues, it may be necessary to reprogram or replace them. Furthermore, atmospheric pressure changes can also affect the TPMS readings, especially if you have recently driven to a different altitude. By systematically checking these factors, you can effectively diagnose and address the reason behind the persistent tire pressure warning light.

How urgent is it to address the tire pressure warning light that stays on in a 2008 BMW 535i?

Addressing the tire pressure warning light that remains illuminated in a 2008 BMW 535i is of utmost importance due to the significant safety risks and potential vehicle damage associated with under-inflated tires. When this warning light is on, it typically signals that one or more tires have critically low air pressure, which can severely compromise vehicle handling and stability. This not only increases the likelihood of tire wear and tear but also negatively impacts fuel efficiency, leading to higher operating costs. If the light persists even after correcting the tire pressure, it may indicate a malfunctioning sensor or a slow leak, both of which require immediate attention from a qualified mechanic. Ignoring this warning can result in dangerous driving conditions, as under-inflated tires can lead to blowouts or loss of control while driving. Therefore, it is essential for DIY enthusiasts to take this warning seriously and act promptly to ensure their safety and maintain the performance of their vehicle.

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