2009 BMW 750i Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2009 BMW 750i: Common Causes and Solutions

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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 2009 BMW 750i 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 2009 BMW 750i 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 2009 BMW 750i?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2009 BMW 750i, it's essential to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach to identify and resolve the issue effectively. Start by checking the gas cap; a loose or improperly sealed gas cap is a common and easily fixable cause of the check engine light. If the gas cap is secure, the next step is to utilize an OBD2 scanner to retrieve any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that can provide insight into the specific problem. Understanding the function of the check engine light, also known as the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), is crucial, as it can indicate various issues ranging from minor to significant. Familiarize yourself with common triggers, such as a faulty oxygen sensor or other sensor malfunctions, which can often lead to the light being activated. By following this structured approach, you can efficiently narrow down the potential causes of the check engine light and take the necessary steps to address the issue, ensuring your BMW remains in optimal condition.

What common issues trigger the check engine light in a 2009 BMW 750i?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2009 BMW 750i, it can be a source of concern for any DIY enthusiast. One of the most frequent culprits is a faulty oxygen sensor, which is vital for monitoring the exhaust system's oxygen levels and ensuring optimal fuel efficiency. If this sensor fails, it can lead to poor gas mileage and increased emissions, making it essential to check and replace if necessary. Another common issue is a loose or damaged gas cap; this seemingly minor problem can trigger the check engine light by allowing fuel vapors to escape, so ensuring a tight seal is a simple yet effective first step in troubleshooting. Additionally, electrical problems can also cause the light to activate, often manifesting as various engine-related symptoms. Beyond these, a range of other issues, including emissions system failures and sensor malfunctions, can also be at play. Addressing these problems promptly not only helps in maintaining your vehicle's performance but also prevents more serious long-term damage, making it crucial for DIYers to stay vigilant and proactive in their vehicle maintenance.

What urgent steps should be taken for the check engine light on a 2009 BMW 750i?

When the check engine light illuminates on your 2009 BMW 750i, it is crucial to act swiftly to avoid severe engine damage and ensure your safety on the road. Ignoring a flashing check engine light can lead to catastrophic failures, resulting in costly repairs and potential safety hazards. Start by using an OBD2 scanner to retrieve the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), which will pinpoint the specific issue triggering the warning. If the codes indicate a serious problem, such as a malfunctioning idle air control motor, it is essential to address these issues immediately. While DIY diagnostics can be effective, consider consulting a qualified mechanic for a comprehensive inspection to uncover any underlying problems that may not be immediately apparent. Once the root cause is resolved, you may need to reset the check engine light, which can often be done manually if you lack a scanner. By taking these urgent steps, you can effectively manage the check engine light situation, safeguard your vehicle's performance, and prevent further complications down the line.

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Check Engine Light Causes for 2009 BMW 750i