2008 BMW 535xi Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

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

To effectively diagnose a persistent tire pressure warning light on your 2008 BMW 535xi, start by checking the tire pressure in all four tires using a reliable tire pressure gauge. It's essential to compare the readings with the recommended values found in your owner's manual or on the placard located on the driver's side door frame. If you discover any tires are underinflated, inflate them to the specified pressure and reset the tire pressure monitoring system. After making these adjustments, keep an eye on the warning light; if it remains illuminated, it may indicate a deeper issue. In this case, conduct a thorough inspection of the tires and the vehicle's tire pressure monitoring system to identify any potential leaks, sensor malfunctions, or other underlying problems. By following this methodical approach, you can efficiently troubleshoot the warning light and ensure your vehicle's safety and performance.

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

When the tire pressure warning light remains illuminated in your 2008 BMW 535xi, it’s crucial to understand the common problems that could be at play. One of the primary culprits is faulty tire pressure, which can stem from under-inflated tires or even over-inflation, both of which can trigger the warning system. Additionally, a tire that is leaking air, whether from a puncture or a damaged valve stem, can lead to a persistent warning light. It’s also important to consider the possibility of air leaking from the wheel itself, which can occur due to corrosion or damage to the wheel rim. Furthermore, issues with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) can contribute to the problem; this includes malfunctioning sensors or a failure in the system that prevents it from accurately reading tire pressure. To address these issues, start by checking the tire pressure with a reliable gauge, inspect the tires for visible damage, and ensure that the TPMS is functioning correctly. By taking these steps, you can identify the root cause of the warning light and ensure your vehicle remains safe and roadworthy.

What immediate steps should be taken to address the tire pressure warning light on a 2008 BMW 535xi?

Addressing the tire pressure warning light on your 2008 BMW 535xi is crucial for both your safety and the longevity of your vehicle. Ignoring this warning can lead to serious consequences, such as reduced traction, increased tire wear, and even tire blowouts, which can compromise your control of the vehicle. Start by checking the air pressure in all tires and inflating them to the recommended levels, as under-inflated tires can significantly affect handling and fuel efficiency. If the warning light remains illuminated after correcting the tire pressure, it’s essential to recalibrate the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) using your vehicle's onboard computer. This step ensures that the system accurately reflects the current tire conditions. Additionally, utilizing the iDrive system to adjust the cold tire pressure settings can further assist in resolving the issue. If the light persists, driving at 50 mph for about 10 minutes may help reset the tire sensors, allowing the system to recognize the corrected tire pressures. By taking these immediate actions, you not only enhance your driving safety but also prevent potential damage to your vehicle, making timely intervention a priority.

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