2014 BMW 640i XDrive Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2014 BMW 640i xDrive: 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 2014 BMW 640i xDrive 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 2014 BMW 640i xDrive 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 2014 BMW 640i xDrive?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2014 BMW 640i xDrive, the first step is to check the gas cap. A loose or improperly sealed gas cap is a common culprit that can easily trigger the light, so make sure it is tightened securely. Next, utilize an OBD2 scanner to read the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs); this tool will provide specific information about what might be wrong with your vehicle. Understanding common causes, such as oxygen sensor malfunctions or again, a loose gas cap, can help you narrow down the issue. If the codes indicate a problem with the oxygen sensor, it’s advisable to inspect this component, as it frequently contributes to the check engine light activation. Should you find the diagnostics overwhelming or if the issue persists, consider consulting resources like RepairPal for professional guidance. By following these steps, you can effectively diagnose the check engine light issue and take appropriate action to resolve it.

What common issues cause the check engine light in a 2014 BMW 640i xDrive?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2014 BMW 640i xDrive, it can signal a range of issues that may require attention. One of the most frequent culprits is a loose or damaged gas cap, which can easily be checked and tightened to potentially resolve the warning. However, if the light persists, it may indicate more serious problems such as fuel pump or fuel injector failures, particularly in models equipped with the N63 engine. Symptoms of these issues can include engine stalling, rough idling, and reduced power, which are critical to address promptly to avoid further complications. Ignoring the check engine light can lead to significant engine damage, so it’s advisable to conduct a thorough inspection or seek professional diagnostics to pinpoint the exact cause. By understanding these common issues, DIY enthusiasts can take proactive steps to maintain their vehicle's performance and longevity.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2014 BMW 640i xDrive?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2014 BMW 640i xDrive, it is crucial to act swiftly to avoid escalating issues that could compromise your vehicle's performance and safety. This warning light indicates potential problems with the engine or emissions system, which, if ignored, can lead to severe damage and costly repairs. While some triggers for the light may be minor, such as a loose gas cap, others could signify more serious concerns that require immediate attention. For DIY enthusiasts, the first step is to check the gas cap to ensure it is tightly secured; if the light persists, using an OBD-II scanner can help diagnose the issue. However, it is essential to recognize that some problems may necessitate professional intervention. By addressing the check engine light promptly, you not only safeguard your BMW's reliability but also enhance your understanding of its maintenance needs, ensuring a smoother driving experience.

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2014 BMW 640i xDrive Check Engine Light: Causes & Solutions