2017 BMW 640i Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2017 BMW 640i: 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 2017 BMW 640i 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 2017 BMW 640i 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 2017 BMW 640i?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2017 BMW 640i, it's essential to approach the diagnosis methodically. Start by checking the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap is a common culprit that can easily trigger the light. Next, take a moment to review your dashboard for any additional warning lights or messages that might offer further insight into the problem. If everything appears normal, inspect the engine bay for any visible damage to wires, hoses, or connectors, as these can also lead to issues. To gain a clearer understanding of the problem, utilize an OBD-II scanner to retrieve the specific error code associated with the check engine light. This code will guide you in identifying the exact issue. Additionally, consulting your owner's manual can provide valuable information regarding the error code and recommended actions. If these steps do not resolve the issue or if the problem seems too complex, it may be wise to seek assistance from a qualified mechanic or a BMW service center to ensure proper diagnosis and repair. By following this structured approach, you can effectively troubleshoot the check engine light and potentially save on repair costs.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2017 BMW 640i?

When the check engine light comes on in a 2017 BMW 640i, it can be a source of concern for any DIY car owner. One of the most straightforward issues to check is the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap can easily trigger the light, and simply tightening or replacing it may resolve the problem. If the light persists, consider inspecting the oxygen sensor, as a faulty one can lead to poor fuel efficiency and increased emissions, which are easily detected by the vehicle's onboard diagnostics. Another critical component to examine is the catalytic converter; if it is failing or inefficient, it can cause the check engine light to illuminate due to its role in reducing harmful emissions. Additionally, the mass airflow sensor should be checked, as its malfunction can disrupt the engine's air-fuel mixture, affecting performance. Worn or faulty spark plugs can also lead to engine misfires, prompting the light to activate. Lastly, if there are any signs of an engine misfire, it’s essential to investigate further, as this can stem from various ignition or fuel system issues. By addressing these common problems promptly, DIY enthusiasts can maintain their BMW 640i's performance and avoid more significant repairs down the line.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light on a 2017 BMW 640i?

When the check engine light illuminates on your 2017 BMW 640i, it signals a potential issue that requires immediate attention. Ignoring this warning can lead to a cascade of problems, including reduced fuel efficiency and performance degradation, which may ultimately result in costly repairs. For DIY enthusiasts, the first step is to use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that can pinpoint the underlying issue. This proactive approach not only helps in understanding the severity of the problem but also allows you to make informed decisions about whether to tackle the repair yourself or consult a professional. Remember, the longer you wait to address the check engine light, the greater the risk of serious engine damage or safety hazards while driving. Therefore, taking swift action is essential to ensure your vehicle remains in optimal condition and to avoid more significant complications down the road.

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