2016 BMW M235i Tire Pressure Warning Light Stays On

Common Causes for the Tire Pressure Warning Light in Your 2016 BMW M235i and How to Resolve Them

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Reviewed by
Devin Cabugcal
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 2016 BMW M235i 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 tire 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 2016 BMW M235i 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.

What are the initial steps to diagnose a persistent tire pressure warning light on a 2016 BMW M235i?

To effectively diagnose a persistent tire pressure warning light on your 2016 BMW M235i, start by checking the tire pressure in all four tires using a reliable tire pressure gauge. Ensure that the readings align with the recommended specifications found in your owner's manual or on the placard located on the driver's side door frame. If the tire pressures are correct but the warning light remains illuminated, it may indicate a malfunction within the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) or another underlying tire issue. Understanding that the TPMS is designed to alert you to low tire pressure, it’s crucial to monitor the light after adjusting the pressures. If the light does not turn off, consider resetting the TPMS system, which can often be done with a scanner or by following the specific reset procedure for your vehicle model. By systematically addressing these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and potentially resolve the tire pressure warning light issue on your BMW.

What could be causing the tire pressure warning light to stay on in a 2016 BMW M235i?

When the tire pressure warning light remains illuminated in a 2016 BMW M235i, it can be attributed to several common problems that DIYers should be aware of. First and foremost, it’s essential to check the actual tire pressure, as low inflation is the most frequent cause of this warning. If the pressure is adequate, the issue may lie with the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) itself. Malfunctioning sensors can lead to incorrect readings, so inspecting each tire's sensor for damage or disconnection is crucial. Additionally, environmental factors such as sudden temperature changes can affect tire pressure, causing the warning light to activate even when tires appear fine. A slow air leak, which may not be immediately visible, can also trigger the light, necessitating a thorough inspection of each tire for any signs of air loss. Lastly, if the sensors have lost their programmed data or are damaged, they may require reprogramming or replacement. By systematically addressing these potential issues, DIYers can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the tire pressure warning light problem in their BMW M235i.

How urgent is it to address the tire pressure warning light on a 2016 BMW M235i?

Addressing the tire pressure warning light on your 2016 BMW M235i is not just a matter of convenience; it is a critical safety concern that demands immediate attention. Ignoring this warning can lead to severe consequences, including compromised vehicle handling, increased tire wear, and the risk of a blowout, all of which can endanger your safety on the road. Proper tire pressure is essential for optimal vehicle performance and fuel efficiency, and driving with under-inflated tires can significantly impact both. The warning light may indicate low tire pressure due to slow leaks or temperature changes, or it could signal a malfunction in the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Therefore, it is imperative to check your tire pressure and address any issues as soon as the warning light illuminates. Taking prompt action not only ensures your safety but also helps maintain the longevity and efficiency of your vehicle.

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