2015 BMW X6 Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2015 BMW X6: 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 2015 BMW X6 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 X6 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 X6?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2015 BMW X6, it's crucial to start with a systematic diagnostic approach. Begin by checking the gas cap; a loose or improperly sealed cap is a common culprit that can easily trigger the warning light. If the cap is secure, inspect the vehicle for any visible issues, such as leaks or damaged components, that may require immediate attention. Next, utilize a diagnostic tool to perform a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) check, which will help pinpoint the specific sensor or system at fault. This step is vital as it provides insight into whether the problem is minor or more complex. After retrieving the codes, conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle, looking for potential causes like vacuum leaks or faulty spark plugs that could be contributing to the issue. If you're unsure or need further assistance, consider visiting a service center that offers free diagnostics; this can provide additional clarity without incurring costs. By following these steps, you can effectively diagnose and address the check engine light issue, potentially saving time and money on repairs.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2015 BMW X6?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2015 BMW X6, it often indicates underlying issues that require attention. One prevalent cause is electrical problems, which can manifest as engine stalling, difficulty starting, or flickering dashboard lights. These symptoms may arise from a failing battery or alternator, a short circuit in the wiring, or a malfunctioning engine control unit (ECU). Additionally, issues with the ignition system, such as faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or spark plug wires, can disrupt the combustion process, leading to the check engine light activation. To mitigate these problems, it is essential to conduct regular maintenance checks on these components, ensuring that your BMW's engine operates efficiently and reducing the likelihood of unexpected alerts on your dashboard.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light on a 2015 BMW X6?

Addressing the check engine light on your 2015 BMW X6 is not just a matter of convenience; it is a critical safety concern that demands immediate attention. When this warning light illuminates, it indicates that the vehicle's electronic control unit has detected a deviation from factory specifications, which could range from minor issues like a loose gas cap to more severe engine malfunctions. Ignoring this alert can lead to escalating problems, including engine damage or failure, which can result in costly repairs and even compromise your safety on the road. Moreover, some issues may not trigger the check engine light, making it essential to conduct a thorough diagnostic check with an OBD2 scanner to uncover hidden problems. By addressing the check engine light promptly, you not only safeguard your vehicle's performance but also prevent potential breakdowns that could leave you stranded. Therefore, if you see this warning, take proactive steps to diagnose and resolve the issue as soon as possible to ensure your BMW X6 remains reliable and safe.

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