BMW 750Li XDrive Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes of the Check Engine Light in Your BMW 750Li xDrive and How to Resolve Them

Find Repair Location
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 750Li 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 BMW 750Li 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.

Troubleshooting Check Engine Light in a BMW 750Li xDrive

When faced with a check engine light in your BMW 750Li xDrive, it's essential to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach to identify and resolve the issue efficiently. Begin by checking the gas cap, as a loose or damaged cap is a common and easily fixable cause of the warning light. If securing the gas cap does not resolve the issue, the next step is to utilize an OBD-II scanner to read the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the vehicle's computer. This tool will provide specific insights into the underlying problems, allowing you to focus your troubleshooting efforts. If the codes indicate potential issues with the Engine Control Module (ECM) or its sensors, further investigation may be necessary, as these components can significantly impact engine performance. By following this structured approach, you can effectively diagnose the check engine light and take appropriate actions to restore your BMW's functionality.

What Common Problems Cause the Check Engine Light to Illuminate in a BMW 750Li xDrive?

When the check engine light illuminates in your BMW 750Li xDrive, it serves as an important warning that should not be ignored. Common problems that can trigger this alert include electrical issues, which may present as engine stalling, difficulty starting, or flickering dashboard lights. Additionally, the combustion process can be disrupted by faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or spark plug wires, leading to noticeable performance declines. Other potential causes include a failing battery or alternator, short circuits within the wiring system, or a malfunctioning engine control unit (ECU). Specific components, such as the oxygen sensor, can also fail and activate the check engine light, similar to issues found in other BMW models. It is essential to diagnose and address these issues promptly to ensure your vehicle operates smoothly and to prevent further damage or complications down the line.

Why is the Check Engine Light On in a BMW 750Li xDrive?

When the Check Engine Light illuminates in your BMW 750Li xDrive, it serves as a critical alert that should not be ignored. Neglecting this warning can lead to serious consequences, including decreased fuel efficiency, increased emissions, and potential damage to vital engine components. For instance, a faulty oxygen sensor can not only affect your vehicle's performance but also contribute to environmental harm. Similarly, a loose gas cap may seem minor, yet it can lead to fuel evaporation and increased costs at the pump. More severe issues, such as problems with the catalytic converter or ignition system, can escalate quickly, resulting in costly repairs and compromised safety. Therefore, it is crucial to address the Check Engine Light promptly by diagnosing the specific issue, as timely intervention can prevent further damage and ensure your BMW operates at its best.

You’ve got options with RepairPal

Whether you need a more accurate auto repair estimate or help finding a reputable shop in your area, we’ve got you covered.