2016 BMW M6 Gran Coupe Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes of the Check Engine Light in Your 2016 BMW M6 Gran Coupe and How to Resolve Them

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Reviewed by
Bo Fader
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 M6 Gran Coupe 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 M6 Gran Coupe 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 M6 Gran Coupe?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2016 BMW M6 Gran Coupe, the first step is to assess the situation calmly and safely. If the light is flashing, this signals a critical issue that requires immediate attention; in such cases, it’s best to avoid driving the vehicle to prevent further damage. Begin your diagnostic process by checking for common issues, such as vacuum leaks, which are frequent culprits in triggering the check engine light. Utilizing an OBD-II scanner to retrieve the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) can provide valuable insights into which specific sensor or component is malfunctioning. This step is crucial as it allows you to focus your troubleshooting efforts on the most likely causes. If you’re concerned about diagnostic fees, consider visiting a service center that offers free check engine light analysis. By following these initial steps, you can effectively narrow down the potential issues and take informed actions to resolve the check engine light concern, ensuring your BMW M6 remains in optimal condition.

What common issues trigger the check engine light in a 2016 BMW M6 Gran Coupe?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2016 BMW M6 Gran Coupe, it can be indicative of several common issues that DIYers should be aware of. One prevalent cause is a faulty oxygen sensor, which plays a crucial role in monitoring the oxygen levels in the exhaust system to optimize fuel efficiency and emissions. If this sensor malfunctions, it can lead to poor engine performance and increased emissions, necessitating replacement. Another frequent culprit is a loose or cracked gas cap, which can allow fuel vapors to escape and trigger the warning light. This issue is often easily resolved by simply tightening or replacing the gas cap. Additionally, owners should be cautious of potential oil pump failures, particularly in models manufactured between July and September 2012, as this can lead to severe engine damage if not addressed promptly. By understanding these common problems, DIY enthusiasts can take proactive steps to diagnose and resolve issues before they escalate, ensuring their BMW M6 remains in optimal condition.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2016 BMW M6 Gran Coupe?

When the check engine light appears on your 2016 BMW M6 Gran Coupe, it is essential to understand the urgency of the situation. Ignoring this warning can lead to severe consequences, including potential engine damage and costly repairs. A flashing check engine light is particularly alarming, indicating a critical issue that demands immediate attention. While some problems, like a loose gas cap, may seem minor, others could pose significant risks to your vehicle's performance and safety. To effectively diagnose the issue, using a compatible scanner is crucial, as it will help you identify the specific fault codes associated with the warning light. By addressing the check engine light promptly, you not only safeguard your vehicle's integrity but also ensure a smoother and safer driving experience.

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