2016 BMW 650i Gran Coupe Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes of the Check Engine Light in Your 2016 BMW 650i Gran Coupe and How to Resolve Them

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Reviewed by
Andrew Hajjar
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 2016 BMW 650i Gran Coupe 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 2016 BMW 650i Gran Coupe 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 first steps to diagnose a check engine light on a 2016 BMW 650i?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2016 BMW 650i, the first step is to utilize a diagnostic scanner to retrieve any stored trouble codes. This tool is essential for pinpointing the specific issue, as it provides valuable insights into which sensors or components may be malfunctioning. Before diving into complex diagnostics, it's wise to check the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap is a common and easily overlooked culprit that can trigger the warning light. If the gas cap appears secure, proceed with a visual inspection of the engine bay for any obvious signs of wear or damage. By starting with these straightforward checks, you can often identify and resolve minor issues before considering more extensive repairs or seeking professional help. This methodical approach not only saves time but also helps in understanding your vehicle better, empowering you as a DIYer.

What common issues cause the check engine light in a 2016 BMW 650i Gran Coupe?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2016 BMW 650i Gran Coupe, it can be a source of concern, but understanding the common issues that may cause this warning can empower you to take action. One frequent culprit is a faulty oxygen sensor, which plays a crucial role in monitoring the air-fuel mixture and can lead to decreased fuel efficiency if not addressed. Another common issue is a loose gas cap; while it may seem trivial, this can cause fuel vapors to escape, triggering the light. Additionally, a malfunctioning catalytic converter can significantly impact your vehicle's emissions and performance, making it essential to investigate if this is the cause. Lastly, problems with the mass airflow sensor can disrupt the engine's air intake, leading to poor performance and increased emissions. By being aware of these potential issues, you can take the first steps toward diagnosing the problem, whether that involves a simple fix like tightening the gas cap or seeking professional help for more complex repairs.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2016 BMW 650i Gran Coupe?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2016 BMW 650i Gran Coupe, it serves as a critical alert that should not be overlooked. The urgency of addressing this warning cannot be understated, as it may indicate a range of issues from minor sensor malfunctions to serious engine problems that could lead to significant damage if left unattended. For DIY enthusiasts, it’s essential to understand that while some causes may seem trivial, they can escalate quickly, affecting not only the vehicle's performance but also your safety on the road. Ignoring the check engine light can result in costly repairs down the line, as underlying issues may worsen with continued driving. Therefore, it is advisable to conduct a thorough diagnostic check as soon as possible, even if the car appears to be running smoothly. This proactive approach will help you identify whether the problem is a simple fix or something that requires professional intervention, ultimately safeguarding your investment and ensuring a reliable driving experience.

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