2019 BMW X1 Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting Common Causes for the Check Engine Light in Your 2019 BMW X1 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 2019 BMW X1 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 2019 BMW X1 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 2019 BMW X1?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2019 BMW X1, it's essential to approach the diagnosis methodically. Start by checking the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap is a common culprit that can easily 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 underlying issue. If the light persists, using an OBD-II scanner is a crucial step; this tool will help you retrieve error codes from the vehicle's computer, providing specific information about the problem. Additionally, inspect the condition of your spark plugs, as worn or faulty plugs can also cause the check engine light to illuminate. Finally, ensure that all essential fluid levels—such as oil, coolant, and transmission fluid—are adequate, as low levels can lead to engine complications. By following these steps, you can effectively narrow down the potential causes of the check engine light and take appropriate action to resolve the issue.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2019 BMW X1?

When the check engine light comes on in a 2019 BMW X1, it can be a source of concern for any DIY car owner. One of the most straightforward issues to check is the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap can easily trigger the light, so ensuring it is secure is a good first step. If the gas cap is fine, the next common culprit could be the oxygen sensor, which monitors the exhaust and can fail over time, affecting fuel efficiency and emissions. Another potential issue is the catalytic converter, which can become clogged or damaged, leading to performance problems and triggering the light. Additionally, a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, causing the engine to run poorly. Spark plugs and ignition coils are also critical components; if they are worn or faulty, they can lead to misfires, which will illuminate the check engine light. Lastly, an engine misfire itself, stemming from various factors like fuel delivery issues, can be a significant concern. Addressing these issues promptly is essential not only for the vehicle's performance but also to prevent further damage, making it wise for DIY enthusiasts to familiarize themselves with these common problems.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2019 BMW X1?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2019 BMW X1, it is crucial to recognize the urgency of the situation. This warning indicator is not merely a nuisance; it signifies that your vehicle's engine or emissions system may be experiencing issues that could compromise performance and safety. Ignoring this light can lead to more severe problems, such as a malfunctioning oxygen sensor or a failing catalytic converter, which can escalate into costly repairs if left unaddressed. Moreover, driving with the check engine light on can diminish fuel efficiency and potentially cause further damage to the engine, leading to a breakdown or safety hazard on the road. For those inclined to take a DIY approach, it is advisable to conduct a thorough diagnostic check as soon as possible. This proactive step not only helps in identifying the root cause of the issue but also ensures that your BMW X1 remains reliable and efficient. Addressing the check engine light promptly is essential for maintaining the vehicle's overall health and preventing more significant complications down the line.

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