2013 BMW 750Li Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2013 BMW 750Li: 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 2013 BMW 750Li 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 2013 BMW 750Li 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 2013 BMW 750Li?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2013 BMW 750Li, it's essential to approach the situation methodically to identify and resolve the issue effectively. Start by pulling the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) using a compatible diagnostic tool like ISTA+. This will give you specific codes that indicate the nature of the problem, allowing you to focus your efforts. A common and often overlooked issue is a loose gas cap, which can easily trigger the light; ensure it is securely tightened as a first step. Once you've checked the gas cap, delve deeper into the DTCs to understand which sensors or components may be malfunctioning. Utilizing an OBD2 scanner will help you access these codes and provide a clearer picture of the underlying issues. If the light persists after addressing these initial checks, you may consider resetting the check engine light yourself, following a reliable guide to clear the codes. By systematically addressing these steps, you can effectively diagnose and potentially resolve the check engine light issue on your BMW, saving time and money in the process.

What common issues trigger the check engine light in a 2013 BMW 750Li?

When the check engine light comes on in your 2013 BMW 750Li, it can be a source of frustration, but understanding the common issues that trigger this warning can help you diagnose the problem effectively. One frequent culprit is a loose or damaged gas cap, which can lead to fuel vapors escaping and trigger the light. Another common issue is a faulty oxygen sensor; if this sensor fails, it can negatively impact your vehicle's fuel efficiency and emissions, prompting the check engine light to activate. Additionally, a defective thermostat can cause overheating by improperly regulating coolant flow, which may also result in the check engine light turning on. By being aware of these potential problems, you can take the first steps toward resolving the issue, whether that means tightening the gas cap, replacing the oxygen sensor, or checking the thermostat.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2013 BMW 750Li?

Addressing the check engine light in your 2013 BMW 750Li is not just a matter of convenience; it is a critical step in maintaining the health and safety of your vehicle. The check engine light serves as an early warning system, alerting you to potential issues that could compromise your car's performance, emissions, or overall integrity. Ignoring this warning can lead to severe consequences, including significant engine damage and costly repairs. If the light is flashing, it indicates a serious malfunction that requires immediate attention to avoid catastrophic failure. Additionally, a persistent decrease in performance may signal that your vehicle has entered "limp mode," a protective measure that limits functionality to prevent further damage. Given that BMWs are equipped with sophisticated onboard diagnostic systems, it is essential to promptly diagnose and address any issues. Delaying action not only risks your vehicle's performance but also poses safety risks on the road. Therefore, it is advisable to seek professional assistance to identify the root cause of the check engine light and take the necessary steps to resolve the issue swiftly, ensuring your BMW remains in optimal condition.

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