2016 BMW M5 Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes of the Check Engine Light in Your 2016 BMW M5 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
Emissions System
0%
60% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a 2016 BMW M5 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 2016 BMW M5 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 2016 BMW M5?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2016 BMW M5, the first step is to retrieve the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) using an OBD2 scanner. This tool will help you pinpoint the specific sensor or component that is causing the warning light to illuminate. After obtaining the codes, check the gas cap to ensure it is securely tightened, as a loose cap is a common culprit for triggering the light. If the gas cap is not the issue, proceed with a thorough visual inspection of the engine and surrounding components for any signs of damage or wear. Addressing any visible problems can often resolve the issue without further intervention. Remember, it’s crucial to act promptly; ignoring the check engine light can lead to more severe complications. By following these initial diagnostic steps, you can effectively troubleshoot the problem and maintain the performance of your BMW M5.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to activate in a 2016 BMW M5?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2016 BMW M5, it can signal a range of issues that vary in severity. One of the most common culprits is a loose or faulty gas cap, which can easily be checked and tightened or replaced if necessary. Electrical problems within the vehicle's systems can also trigger the light, often requiring a more in-depth investigation. Additionally, components such as oxygen sensors, mass airflow (MAF) sensors, and catalytic converters are critical to the vehicle's performance and emissions control; any malfunction in these parts can lead to the check engine light activation. The Digital Motor Electronics system, which oversees ignition timing and fuel delivery, may also be at fault, indicating a need for professional diagnostics. While some issues may seem minor, neglecting the check engine light can result in more significant engine damage over time, making it essential for DIY enthusiasts to address the warning promptly. For those looking to troubleshoot, starting with a visual inspection and using an OBD-II scanner can help identify the specific error codes associated with the light, guiding further action.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2016 BMW M5?

Addressing the check engine light in your 2016 BMW M5 is of utmost importance, as it serves as a critical alert for potential issues within your vehicle's engine or emissions system. Ignoring this warning can lead to severe consequences, including significant engine damage, especially if the light is flashing, which indicates an urgent problem that requires immediate attention. Even if your car seems to be running smoothly, the check engine light signifies underlying issues that could escalate if left unresolved. Common triggers for this warning include minor problems like a loose gas cap or more serious concerns such as faulty oxygen sensors. While some issues may be manageable through DIY fixes, others necessitate professional intervention. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize addressing the check engine light promptly to safeguard your vehicle's performance and prevent costly repairs down the line.

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