2016 BMW M6 Has A Check Engine Light

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

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Reviewed by
Aisha
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 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 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?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2016 BMW M6, the first step is to assess the situation calmly. Begin by determining the severity of the warning; a flashing light indicates a critical issue that needs immediate attention, while a steady light may suggest a less urgent problem. Next, familiarize yourself with common causes specific to BMWs, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, a loose gas cap, or issues with the catalytic converter. To pinpoint the exact problem, use an OBD II scanner to retrieve the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), which will guide you in identifying the malfunctioning component. If the codes suggest a simple fix, such as tightening the gas cap, address it promptly. However, if the light remains illuminated after your initial efforts, it may be time to consult a professional mechanic to avoid further complications. Lastly, once repairs are made, you can reset the check engine light using the OBD II port, ensuring your vehicle is back to optimal performance. By following this methodical approach, you can effectively troubleshoot and manage the check engine light issue on your BMW M6.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to activate in a 2016 BMW M6?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2016 BMW M6, it can signal a range of issues that may require immediate attention. One of the most critical concerns is a faulty oil pump, which can lead to severe engine damage if not addressed promptly. Additionally, seemingly minor issues like a loose gas cap or faulty spark plug wires can also trigger the warning light, making it essential to check these components first. Another frequent culprit is the oxygen sensor, which plays a vital role in measuring exhaust gases and ensuring optimal engine performance. If this sensor malfunctions, it can disrupt the engine control module's adjustments, leading to further complications. Other potential problems include issues with the mass airflow sensor, catalytic converter, or spark plugs, all of which can affect the vehicle's efficiency and performance. For DIY enthusiasts, diagnosing these issues early can save time and prevent costly repairs, making it crucial to understand these common problems associated with the check engine light in the BMW M6.

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

When the check engine light appears on your 2016 BMW M6, it serves as a critical alert from your vehicle's onboard diagnostic system, indicating that something is amiss within the engine or emissions system. While some issues may seem minor, such as a loose gas cap, it is essential to recognize that ignoring this warning can lead to more severe problems, including damage to the Engine Control Module (ECM) or faulty sensors. These complications not only jeopardize your vehicle's performance but can also escalate repair costs significantly. For DIY enthusiasts, it is crucial to understand that timely diagnosis and repair can prevent further damage and ensure your BMW operates smoothly. Therefore, addressing the check engine light promptly is not just a matter of convenience; it is vital for maintaining the integrity and safety of your vehicle. If you are unsure about the cause, consulting a qualified technician can provide clarity and help you avoid potential pitfalls in your DIY efforts.

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Check Engine Light Causes for 2016 BMW M6