BMW I8 Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

Common Causes for the Persistent Tire Pressure Warning Light in Your BMW i8 and How to Resolve Them

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Reviewed by
Andrew Hajjar
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
40% chance it's the
Tire Leaking Air
0%
30% chance it's the
Wheel Leaking Air
0%
15% chance it's the
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
0%
15% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a BMW i8 tire pressure warning light stays on are a leaking tire, a wheel that no longer holds air, or a faulty tire pressure monitoring system.
  • Tire Leaking Air: A puncture, valve stem issue, or rim damage can cause a tire to leak air, leading to loss of pressure.
  • Wheel Leaking Air: A puncture or damage to the tire or rim can cause air to leak, resulting in a loss of tire pressure.
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System: A malfunctioning tire pressure monitoring system can be caused by faulty sensors or a dead battery in the sensor units.
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 i8 tire pressure warning light stays on?

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.

When a tire pressure monitoring sensor fails, the tire pressure monitoring system control module will recognize a loss in communication and turn on the warning lamp which indicates the failure. This is most often the case. However, the tire pressure monitoring sensor may also fail by reporting incorrect tire pressures. This could cause a flat tire to go unrecognized, or a properly inflated tire to signal a low or high tire pressure warning.

When a relearn is needed, for any reason, the TPMS warning light will illuminate, and many vehicles will display a message relating to the TPMS system being inoperative or loosing communication. It is important to keep a watchful eye on tire pressures when this system is having issues because there is no warning available for underinflation or overinflation of the tires.

Wheels offer very few symptoms, but these symptoms should never be ignored. Visible cracks on the wheels may appear, especially after hitting a large bump, Most often, this will also be accompanied by loss of air from the tire on that wheel. Also, vibration in the steering wheel is very common when the tire is out of balance, and improper wheel nuts or bolts can cause creaking and popping noises to develop. Again, there are very few symptoms, but they should not be ignored.

The only symptoms requiring diagnosis for the tire pressure monitoring system warning lamp is if the warning lamp has illuminated while the tires have correct air pressure, or if the air pressure for the tires is out of specification and the warning lamp is off. This is because the overwhelming majority of cases where the TPMS lamp illuminates is due to the change in ambient temperature.

Troubleshooting Tire Pressure Warning Light in a BMW i8

When addressing the tire pressure warning light in your BMW i8, it's essential to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach. Begin by manually checking the tire pressure of each tire using a reliable gauge, as this is often the simplest and most effective first step. If the pressure is below the recommended levels, inflate the tires accordingly. Once the tires are properly inflated, utilize the iDrive system to reset the Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) light. Access the "Vehicle info" section, navigate to "Vehicle status," and select the "Tire Pressure Monitor" option to initiate the reset process. After performing the reset, take your vehicle for a short drive to ensure the system recalibrates correctly. If the warning light persists despite these efforts, it may indicate a more complex issue, such as a malfunctioning sensor or a need for professional diagnostics. By following this structured approach, you can effectively troubleshoot the tire pressure warning light and maintain optimal tire performance for safe driving.

How to Diagnose a Tire Pressure Warning Light in a BMW i8?

When diagnosing a tire pressure warning light in your BMW i8, it's essential to understand the common problems that may be at play. One frequent issue is a simple drop in tire pressure due to natural air loss or temperature changes, which can cause the warning light to illuminate. Additionally, punctures or leaks in the tires can lead to significant pressure loss, necessitating a thorough visual inspection and the use of a tire pressure gauge to confirm the air levels. Another potential culprit is a malfunctioning Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which may fail to accurately read tire pressure or may not activate correctly when pressure is outside the recommended range. In some cases, the warning light may remain on even after correcting the tire pressure, indicating a need for system recalibration or further diagnostics. By being aware of these common issues, you can take proactive steps to ensure your tires are in optimal condition, enhancing both safety and performance on the road.

Why is the Tire Pressure Warning Light Staying On in a BMW i8?

When the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) warning light remains illuminated in your BMW i8, it is crucial to address the issue without delay. Ignoring this warning can lead to unsafe driving conditions, as under-inflated tires can significantly affect vehicle handling, increase tire wear, and reduce fuel efficiency. Additionally, a malfunctioning TPMS sensor may not only fail to alert you to low tire pressure but could also indicate other underlying issues that might compromise your vehicle's safety. For instance, if the sensors are damaged due to impacts or wear, they may not function correctly, leaving you unaware of critical tire conditions. Therefore, it is essential to diagnose the cause of the persistent warning light, whether it be a simple tire pressure adjustment or a more complex sensor malfunction. Taking immediate action not only ensures your safety on the road but also helps prevent further damage to your vehicle, making it a vital step in your DIY maintenance routine.

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