2019 BMW 740i Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2019 BMW 740i: 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 2019 BMW 740i 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 2019 BMW 740i 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 2019 BMW 740i?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2019 BMW 740i, it's essential to adopt a methodical diagnostic approach to identify the underlying issue effectively. Start by checking the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap is a common culprit that can easily trigger the warning light. Next, examine your dashboard for any additional alerts or warning lights that may offer further insights into the problem. Utilizing an OBD-II scanner is a crucial step, as it allows you to retrieve specific error codes from the vehicle's computer, guiding you toward the source of the issue. Additionally, ensure that all essential fluid levels—such as oil, coolant, and transmission fluid—are adequate, as low levels can affect engine performance. Inspecting the condition of the spark plugs is also vital, as worn or faulty plugs can lead to engine misfires. Finally, take a moment to check for any loose wiring or damaged connections, as these can disrupt the electrical systems and trigger the check engine light. By following these initial diagnostic steps, you can gather valuable information that may help you resolve the issue or determine if professional assistance is necessary.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2019 BMW 740i?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2019 BMW 740i, it can signal a range of common issues that DIYers can investigate. One of the simplest problems to check is a loose gas cap, which can easily be tightened to potentially resolve the warning light. Another frequent culprit is a faulty oxygen sensor, which monitors the exhaust and can affect fuel efficiency if malfunctioning. Additionally, issues with the catalytic converter, such as blockages or failures, can also trigger the light, indicating a need for further inspection. The mass airflow sensor, responsible for measuring the air entering the engine, can malfunction and cause the light to activate as well. Worn-out spark plugs or a defective ignition coil can lead to engine misfires, another common reason for the check engine light to come on. By understanding these potential issues, DIY enthusiasts can take the first steps in diagnosing the problem, although it is always recommended to consult a qualified mechanic for a thorough inspection and resolution.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2019 BMW 740i?

Addressing the check engine light in a 2019 BMW 740i is critical, as neglecting this warning can lead to serious consequences. The check engine light indicates potential issues with the engine or emissions system, which, if ignored, may escalate into more significant problems that could result in costly repairs. Modern vehicles like the BMW 740i are equipped with sophisticated diagnostic systems that can detect a range of engine-related issues, making it essential to seek a professional evaluation as soon as the light illuminates. Continuing to drive with the check engine light on not only risks compromising the vehicle's performance but can also negatively impact fuel efficiency and increase harmful emissions. Therefore, it is vital to prioritize a thorough inspection by a qualified mechanic to diagnose and address any underlying issues, ensuring the vehicle operates efficiently and remains in optimal condition.

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