2018 BMW M6 Gran Coupe Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2018 BMW M6 Gran Coupe: Common Causes and Solutions

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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 2018 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 2018 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 2018 BMW M6 Gran Coupe?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2018 BMW M6 Gran Coupe, it's essential to approach the diagnosis methodically. Start by checking the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap is a common and easily fixable issue that can trigger the light. Next, take a moment to review your dashboard for any additional alerts or warning lights, as these can offer further insights into the problem. Utilizing an OBD-II scanner is a crucial step, as it allows you to retrieve error codes from the vehicle's computer, pinpointing specific issues that need attention. After that, inspect the condition of your spark plugs, since worn or faulty plugs can also activate the check engine light. Additionally, ensure that all essential fluid levels—such as oil, coolant, and transmission fluid—are adequate, as low levels can lead to engine performance problems. Finally, examine the wiring and connections in the engine bay for any signs of damage or corrosion, which could indicate electrical issues. By following these steps, you can effectively narrow down the cause of the check engine light and take appropriate action to resolve it.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to activate in a 2018 BMW M6 Gran Coupe?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2018 BMW M6 Gran Coupe, it often signals underlying issues that can be addressed with some basic automotive knowledge. One of the most frequent culprits is a faulty oxygen sensor, which is essential for monitoring the air-fuel mixture and can significantly affect engine performance if malfunctioning. Another common issue is a loose or damaged gas cap; this seemingly minor problem can lead to fuel vapor leaks, triggering the warning light. Additionally, problems with the catalytic converter, such as inefficiency or failure, can also cause the check engine light to activate, indicating a need for further inspection. The mass airflow sensor is another critical component; if it fails, it can disrupt the engine's air intake, leading to performance issues. Lastly, issues with spark plugs or ignition coils can result in engine misfires, which are often signaled by the check engine light. While these problems can be diagnosed at home with an OBD-II scanner, it’s advisable to consult a professional mechanic for a thorough evaluation to ensure accurate repairs and maintain the vehicle's performance.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2018 BMW M6 Gran Coupe?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2018 BMW M6 Gran Coupe, it is essential to recognize the urgency of the situation. This warning indicator is not merely a nuisance; it signifies potential issues within the engine or emissions system that could adversely affect your vehicle's performance and fuel efficiency. Ignoring this light can lead to more severe problems, such as a malfunctioning oxygen sensor or a failing catalytic converter, which may result in costly repairs if left unaddressed. For DIY enthusiasts, the first step is to use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes, which can provide insight into the specific issue at hand. However, it is crucial to understand that while some minor issues may be manageable at home, others may require professional intervention to prevent further damage. Therefore, taking immediate action when the check engine light appears is vital not only for maintaining your vehicle's reliability but also for ensuring your safety on the road.

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2018 BMW M6 Gran Coupe Check Engine Light Guide | RepairPal