2015 BMW 740Li XDrive Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes of the Check Engine Light in Your 2015 BMW 740Li xDrive and How to Resolve Them

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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 2015 BMW 740Li 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 2015 BMW 740Li 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 2015 BMW 740Li xDrive?

To effectively diagnose the check engine light on your 2015 BMW 740Li xDrive, start with the simplest solutions before moving on to more complex diagnostics. Begin by checking the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap can often trigger the light, and ensuring it is securely tightened is a quick fix. Next, utilize an OBD-II scanner to pull the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from your vehicle's computer. This tool will provide specific codes that indicate which sensors or components may be malfunctioning, guiding your next steps. If the codes suggest a more serious issue or if you're unsure about interpreting them, consider visiting a service center where experienced technicians can offer a thorough diagnosis and repair. By following this structured approach, you can efficiently identify the cause of the check engine light and take appropriate action, whether it’s a simple fix or a more involved repair.

What common issues cause the check engine light in a 2015 BMW 740Li xDrive?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2015 BMW 740Li xDrive, it can be a source of concern, but understanding the common issues can help you take the right steps. One frequent culprit is a faulty oxygen sensor, which plays a crucial role in monitoring the exhaust gases and ensuring optimal engine performance. If this sensor fails, it can lead to poor fuel efficiency and increased emissions. Another simple issue to check is the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap can trigger the light as it affects the fuel system's pressure. Additionally, problems with the catalytic converter can arise, which may require more extensive repairs if not addressed promptly. Lastly, the mass airflow sensor, responsible for measuring the amount of air entering the engine, can also malfunction, leading to performance issues. By being aware of these common problems, you can take proactive measures, such as inspecting these components or consulting a professional, to ensure your BMW runs smoothly and efficiently.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2015 BMW 740Li xDrive?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2015 BMW 740Li xDrive, it is essential to recognize the urgency of the situation. This warning light is your vehicle's way of communicating that a fault has been detected, which could range from a minor issue, such as a loose gas cap, to more severe problems that could compromise engine performance or safety. Ignoring this signal can lead to escalating issues, resulting in costly repairs and potential safety hazards. For instance, a flashing check engine light often indicates a critical problem that requires immediate attention to prevent further damage. By addressing the check engine light promptly, you not only safeguard your vehicle's performance but also ensure your safety on the road. Therefore, it is crucial to diagnose and resolve the underlying issue as soon as possible to maintain the integrity of your BMW and avoid more significant complications down the line.

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