2014 BMW 650i XDrive Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2014 BMW 650i xDrive: Common Causes and Solutions

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Reviewed by
Aisha
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 650i 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 650i 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 steps to diagnose the check engine light on a 2014 BMW 650i xDrive?

To effectively diagnose the check engine light on your 2014 BMW 650i xDrive, start by retrieving the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) using an OBD-II scanner. This tool will help you pinpoint the specific sensor or component that is causing the warning light to illuminate. Once you have the codes, take the time to research their meanings, as they can indicate various issues ranging from minor sensor malfunctions to more serious engine or transmission problems. Consulting your owner's manual can provide additional context and potential causes related to the emissions control system, which is often a common culprit. Remember, it’s essential not to ignore the check engine light; doing so could lead to more significant damage and costly repairs down the line. By following these initial steps, you can gain a clearer understanding of the issue at hand and determine the best course of action for your vehicle.

What common issues trigger the check engine light in a 2014 BMW 650i xDrive?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2014 BMW 650i xDrive, it can be a source of concern, but understanding the common issues that may trigger this warning can empower you to take action. One frequent culprit is a faulty oxygen sensor, which plays a vital role in monitoring the air-fuel mixture and can lead to decreased fuel efficiency if not addressed. Another simple yet often overlooked issue is a loose gas cap; ensuring it is securely fastened can sometimes resolve the light without further intervention. Additionally, a malfunctioning catalytic converter can cause significant performance issues and should be diagnosed promptly. Problems with the exhaust gas recirculation system can also trigger the check engine light, affecting emissions and engine performance. Given that there are over 100 potential fault codes associated with the check engine light, using a diagnostic scanner is essential for pinpointing the exact issue. By addressing these common problems early, you can prevent further damage to your engine and save on costly repairs down the line.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2014 BMW 650i xDrive?

When the check engine light appears on your 2014 BMW 650i xDrive, it is essential to recognize the urgency of the situation. Ignoring this warning can lead to severe motor damage and compromise your vehicle's safety. If the light is flashing, it indicates a critical issue that requires immediate attention; turning off the engine is crucial to prevent further damage. Start by performing a simple inspection, such as checking the gas cap, as a loose cap can often trigger the light. However, if the light remains illuminated, it is vital to seek professional diagnosis to uncover the underlying problem, which could range from minor issues to significant engine failures. While you may be tempted to reset the light yourself, doing so without addressing the root cause can lead to more extensive repairs down the line. Understanding the potential consequences of neglecting the check engine light not only helps maintain your BMW's performance but also ensures your safety on the road.

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Check Engine Light Causes for 2014 BMW 650i xDrive