2015 BMW X5 Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting Common Causes for the Check Engine Light in Your 2015 BMW X5 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 2015 BMW X5 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 2015 BMW X5 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 2015 BMW X5?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2015 BMW X5, the first step is to assess the situation calmly. Begin by checking if the light is flashing; a flashing light signals a serious issue that demands immediate attention, while a steady light may indicate a less urgent problem. Next, consider the severity of the issue; minor concerns, such as a loose gas cap, can often be resolved without professional help, whereas more significant problems may require prompt service. Familiarizing yourself with the common signals associated with the check engine light can also be beneficial; for instance, if the light illuminates briefly upon starting the vehicle and then turns off, this is typically a normal function check. To delve deeper, utilize an OBD2 scanner to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), which will pinpoint the specific sensor or component at fault. Common culprits for the check engine light in BMWs include faulty oxygen sensors, which play a crucial role in monitoring exhaust emissions and fuel efficiency. By following these diagnostic steps, you can effectively identify and address the underlying issues triggering the check engine light, empowering you to take control of your vehicle's maintenance.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2015 BMW X5?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2015 BMW X5, it can signal a range of issues that vary in severity. One of the most frequent culprits is a faulty oxygen sensor, which plays a crucial role in monitoring exhaust emissions. Additionally, wiring problems such as short circuits or damaged connections can also trigger this warning light. A surprisingly simple yet common issue is a loose, damaged, or missing gas cap, which can disrupt the fuel system's pressure. Other potential causes include malfunctions in the emissions system, a defective catalytic converter, or problems with the fuel injection system. A dirty mass airflow sensor or defective spark plugs may also lead to the check engine light illuminating. It’s essential to address these issues promptly, as neglecting them can lead to more significant engine damage or increased emissions. For a thorough diagnosis and appropriate repairs, consulting a professional mechanic is highly recommended.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light on a 2015 BMW X5?

When the check engine light illuminates on your 2015 BMW X5, especially if it starts blinking, it signals a critical issue that demands immediate attention. A blinking light often indicates a severe malfunction, such as engine misfires, which can lead to extensive damage if not addressed promptly. Ignoring this warning can escalate minor problems into major repairs, resulting in costly fixes and potential safety hazards. While it may be tempting to delay action if the vehicle seems to be running smoothly, doing so can exacerbate the underlying issue, leading to further complications down the line. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize a diagnostic check as soon as the check engine light activates, ensuring the longevity and reliability of your BMW X5 while safeguarding your safety on the road.

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