BMW 745Li Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes of the Check Engine Light in Your BMW 745Li and How to Resolve Them

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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 BMW 745Li 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 BMW 745Li 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.

Troubleshooting Check Engine Light in a BMW 745Li

When troubleshooting the check engine light in your BMW 745Li, it's essential to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach. Begin with the simplest potential issue: check the gas cap. A loose or damaged gas cap is a common culprit that can easily trigger the check engine light, and ensuring it is securely tightened may resolve the problem without further intervention. If the light persists, the next step involves diagnosing the Engine Control Module (ECM). This component is crucial for your vehicle's performance, and issues such as faulty sensors or software glitches can lead to the light illuminating. If you suspect ECM problems, consider using an OBD-II scanner to retrieve error codes, which can guide you in identifying the specific issue. Once you have addressed any underlying problems, you can reset the check engine light using the same scanner tool. However, remember that simply resetting the light without fixing the root cause may lead to further complications down the line. Understanding the significance of the check engine light and the common reasons it activates will empower you to take informed steps in diagnosing and resolving issues, ensuring your BMW runs smoothly.

What Could Cause the Check Engine Light to Illuminate in a BMW 745Li?

When the check engine light illuminates in your BMW 745Li, it can be a source of concern, but understanding the common problems can help you diagnose the issue effectively. One frequent culprit is the oxygen sensor, which monitors the level of oxygen in the exhaust and can fail over time, leading to increased emissions and reduced fuel efficiency. Additionally, issues with the ignition system, such as faulty spark plugs or ignition coils, can also trigger the light, indicating that your engine may not be firing properly. A loose or damaged gas cap is another simple yet often overlooked reason for the check engine light, as it can cause fuel vapors to escape, affecting the vehicle's emissions system. Furthermore, problems with the mass airflow sensor, which measures the amount of air entering the engine, can lead to incorrect fuel mixture and performance issues. More serious concerns, such as a malfunctioning catalytic converter or exhaust system leaks, can also cause the light to come on, signaling the need for immediate attention. By being aware of these common issues, you can take the first steps toward troubleshooting and potentially resolving the problem yourself, ensuring your BMW 745Li runs smoothly and efficiently.

Why is the Check Engine Light Important in a BMW 745Li?

The Check Engine Light in your BMW 745Li is not just a minor inconvenience; it is a critical alert that demands immediate attention. Ignoring this warning can lead to serious repercussions, including decreased fuel efficiency and potential engine failure. When the light illuminates, it indicates that the vehicle's onboard computer has detected a fault that could affect the engine's performance or emissions system. Delaying diagnosis and repair can exacerbate the issue, leading to costly repairs and even safety hazards on the road. For instance, problems with the Engine Control Module (ECM) can compromise engine performance, making your vehicle less reliable and more difficult to drive. By addressing the Check Engine Light promptly, you not only safeguard your BMW's performance but also ensure your safety and that of others on the road. Therefore, it is essential to take this warning seriously and seek professional assistance to diagnose and resolve any underlying issues as soon as possible.

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BMW 745Li Check Engine Light: Causes & Repairs | RepairPal