BMW Diagnostic Trouble Codes
Common OBD2 fault codes found on BMW vehicles with model-specific causes, known issues, TSBs, and adjusted repair cost estimates. Each guide is tailored for BMW owners.
Electrical
"A" Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1)
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
BMW VANOS solenoids on the N52 and N54 engines are a common failure point. BMW calls this the VANOS ...
Engine Overspeed Condition
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
BMW models with the ZF 8-speed automatic can occasionally log P0219 during aggressive Sport mode dri...
Knock Sensor 1 Circuit Low Input (Bank 1 or Single Sensor)
BMW 3 Series • 2005–2024
BMW N52 inline-6 engines are known for knock sensor failures around 120,000 km, typically affecting ...
Glow Plug / Heater Circuit "A" Malfunction
BMW 320d • 2005-2019
BMW diesels (M47, N47, B47) use a glow plug control module that reports circuit faults. On the N47, ...
Vehicle Speed Sensor "A" Range/Performance
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
E90 and F30 3 Series commonly trigger P0501 from a failing rear ABS wheel speed sensor at around 120...
Vehicle Speed Sensor "A" Circuit Low Input
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
On E90 and F30 3 Series, P0502 typically follows a complete ABS wheel speed sensor failure, often at...
Vehicle Speed Sensor "A" Intermittent/Erratic/High
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
E90 and F30 3 Series tend to set P0503 from a partially failed rear ABS wheel speed sensor that prod...
Brake Switch "A"/"B" Correlation
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
F30 3 Series with push-button start commonly fail to crank when the brake light switch loses correla...
System Voltage Low
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
BMW uses an intelligent battery sensor (IBS) on the negative terminal that can fail and give false l...
ECM/PCM Processor Fault
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
On the E90 and F30 3 Series, the DME (Digital Motor Electronics) sits in the cowl tray under the win...
Glow Plug Control Module Circuit
BMW 320d • 2005-2019
BMW diesels (M47, N47, B47) use a glow plug control module that the DDE engine controller monitors. ...
Cylinder 1 Glow Plug Circuit
BMW 320d • 2005-2019
On the 320d the cylinder 1 plug is monitored by the glow plug control module and reported to the DDE...
Cylinder 2 Glow Plug Circuit
BMW 320d • 2005-2019
On the 320d the cylinder 2 plug is monitored by the glow plug control module and reported to the DDE...
Cylinder 3 Glow Plug Circuit
BMW 320d • 2005-2019
On the 320d the cylinder 3 plug is monitored by the glow plug control module and reported to the DDE...
Cylinder 4 Glow Plug Circuit
BMW 320d • 2005-2019
On the 320d the cylinder 4 plug is monitored by the glow plug control module and reported to the DDE...
Emissions
"A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
The N52 and N54 engines are known for VANOS system issues causing P0011. BMW recommends oil changes ...
Camshaft Position B - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
BMW calls its system VANOS, and the exhaust solenoid is a frequent P0014 trigger on the N20, N26, an...
"A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2005–2024
P0021 on a BMW 3 Series implies a V8 model: the M3 with the S65 V8. The S65 has known VANOS solenoid...
"A" Camshaft Position - Timing Retarded (Bank 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2005–2024
P0022 on a 3 Series implies the M3 with the S65 V8, where bank 2 VANOS solenoid failure is a documen...
O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1, Sensor 1)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
BMW upstream sensors on the N52, N55 and B48 are Bosch units. The N55 and B48 turbo layout sits the ...
O2 Sensor Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1, Sensor 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2006–2024
On N52 and N55 engines, the downstream sensor sits after the integrated manifold/cat. BMW OEM Bosch ...
O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 1, Sensor 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2006–2024
On N52 and N55 engines, the integrated exhaust manifold/catalyst design means any exhaust leak betwe...
O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 1, Sensor 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2006–2024
On the N20 and N55, leaking fuel injectors are a known cause of real rich conditions that trigger P0...
O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response (Bank 1, Sensor 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2006–2024
BMW's catalyst monitoring is strict, and the downstream sensor on N52/N55 commonly triggers P0139 ar...
O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 1, Sensor 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2006–2024
On N52 and N55, the downstream sensor connector clip is fragile and frequently breaks on older cars....
O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1, Sensor 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
BMW uses Bosch sensors. The N52 downstream sensor is accessible but may require removing an underbod...
O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 1, Sensor 3)
BMW 3 Series • 2006–2024
This code applies primarily to specific engine configurations. On the 3 Series, P0143 is rare and al...
O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 1, Sensor 3)
BMW 3 Series • 2006–2024
This code applies primarily to specific engine configurations. On the 3 Series, P0144 is rare and ap...
O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response (Bank 1, Sensor 3)
BMW 3 Series • 2006–2024
This code applies primarily to specific engine configurations. On the 3 Series, P0145 is rare and ap...
O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 1, Sensor 3)
BMW 3 Series • 2006–2024
This code applies primarily to specific engine configurations. On the 3 Series, P0146 is rare and sh...
O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1, Sensor 3)
BMW 3 Series • 2006–2024
This code applies primarily to specific engine configurations. On the 3 Series, P0147 is rare and ap...
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Flow Insufficient
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
BMW diesels (N47, B47) are notably prone to EGR trouble, and the valve and cooler are often sold as ...
Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Excessive Detected
BMW 3 Series • 2007–2024
The 320d with N47 and later B47 engines is notorious for EGR-related faults. Carbon buildup at the E...
Exhaust Gas Recirculation Control Circuit Malfunction
BMW 3 Series • 2007–2024
The N47 and B47 diesel EGR valve solenoid is a frequent failure point on the 320d and 318d. The conn...
Exhaust Gas Recirculation Control Circuit Range/Performance
BMW 3 Series • 2007–2024
On the N47 and B47 320d, P0404 typically appears around 100,000–130,000 km as carbon accumulates at ...
Exhaust Gas Recirculation Sensor "A" Circuit Low
BMW 3 Series • 2007–2024
The N47 and B47 320d EGR position sensor sits in a heat-soaked location near the turbo, and is integ...
Exhaust Gas Recirculation Sensor "A" Circuit High
BMW 3 Series • 2007–2024
The N47 and B47 320d EGR sensor fails high (P0406) less often than low (P0405), but when it does it ...
Exhaust Gas Recirculation Sensor "B" Circuit Low
BMW 3 Series • 2014–2024
P0407 on a 3 Series typically appears on the 330d and 335d with B57 inline-6 diesel, which uses two ...
Exhaust Gas Recirculation Sensor "B" Circuit High
BMW 3 Series • 2014–2024
On the 330d and 335d with B57 inline-6 diesel, P0408 most often points to the low-pressure EGR posit...
Secondary Air Injection System Malfunction
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2020
The N52 and N55 engines use an electric secondary air pump that commonly fails after 80,000-120,000 ...
Secondary Air Injection System Incorrect Flow Detected
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2020
On the N52 engine, P0411 is frequently caused by a deteriorated check valve that allows exhaust gas ...
Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
On 3 Series with N52 and N55 engines, P0420 often appears alongside VANOS-related codes that cause r...
Warm Up Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
On BMW 3 Series with N52, N55, and B58 inline-6 engines, the warm-up catalyst is integrated into the...
Main Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
P0422 on BMW 3 Series with N52, N55, or B58 inline-6 engines typically points to the main underfloor...
Heated Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
BMW 3 Series • 2019-2024
P0423 on the F30 and G20 BMW 3 Series with B48 turbo-4 and B58 inline-6 engines almost always points...
Heated Catalyst Temperature Below Threshold (Bank 1)
BMW 3 Series • 2019-2024
On F30 LCI and G20 3 Series with B48 turbo-4 and B58 inline-6 engines, P0424 is closely tied to the ...
Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
BMW inline-6 engines (N52, N55, B58) are single-bank and will not produce a true P0430. The V8 model...
Warm Up Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2007-2013
P0431 on the 3 Series specifically applies to V8 variants such as the E90 and E92 M3 (S65 V8). The S...
Main Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2007-2013
P0432 on the 3 Series applies to V8 variants like the E90 and E92 M3 (S65 V8) and earlier V8 sport m...
Heated Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2020-2024
P0433 on the G20 3 Series applies to the M3 (S58 twin-turbo inline-6) and high-output xDrive variant...
Heated Catalyst Temperature Below Threshold (Bank 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2020-2024
On G20 M3 (S58) and high-output xDrive variants, P0434 is closely tied to the Bank 2 heater control ...
Diesel Particulate Filter Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
The E90/F30/G20 320d and 330d are widespread diesel models in Europe that commonly trigger P2002. BM...
O2 Sensor Signal Biased/Stuck Lean (Bank 1, Sensor 1)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
BMW 3 Series engines, especially the N20 and N52, are prone to vacuum and crankcase ventilation leak...
Diesel Particulate Filter Differential Pressure Too Low (Bank 1)
BMW 3 Series Diesel • 2009-2024
BMW 3 Series diesel models (320d, 330d, 335d) with the N47, N57, B47 and B57 engines commonly throw ...
Diesel Particulate Filter Differential Pressure Too High (Bank 1)
BMW 3 Series Diesel • 2009-2024
BMW diesels with the N47, N57 and B47 engines are sensitive to short-trip duty cycles. P244B on a BM...
DEF (AdBlue) System: Time Limit For Restricted Operation Mode Exceeded
BMW 3 Series Diesel • 2014-2024
BMW 320d, 330d and 335d with Euro 6 emissions standard (registered from September 2015) use SCR with...
Ignition
Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
The N47 diesel (if applicable) and N20/N26 4-cylinder turbos are known for timing chain issues. The ...
Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B)
BMW 3 Series • 2005–2024
The N47 diesel and N20 4-cylinder turbo petrol are the major P0017 risk engines. The N47 has the tim...
Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2 Sensor A)
BMW 3 Series • 2005–2024
P0018 on a BMW 3 Series implies a V8 or V10 model: the M3 with the S65 V8 or rare M5 sedan variants ...
Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2 Sensor B)
BMW 3 Series • 2005–2024
P0019 on a 3 Series implies the M3 with the S65 V8 (E90/E92 era) or a sedan equipped with a V8. The ...
Knock Sensor 1 Circuit High Input (Bank 1 or Single Sensor)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
BMW N52 and N55 commonly log P0328 from wiring damage in the knock sensor harness routed under the i...
Crankshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Malfunction
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
The N46 and N52 engines have the crankshaft sensor at the rear of the block near the flywheel, requi...
Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
BMW inline-6 and four-cylinder engines (N52, N55, B48, B58) run intake and exhaust CMP sensors, and ...
Camshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Low Input (Bank 1 or Single Sensor)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
The N52 commonly sets P0342 after the intake cam sensor wiring fatigues at the back of the cam cover...
Camshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit High Input (Bank 1 or Single Sensor)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
N52 and N55 3 Series can set P0343 after the intake or exhaust cam sensor fails open. The sensors ar...
Fuel System
Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too Low
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
The N54 twin-turbo engine is notorious for high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures causing P0087. BM...
Mass Air Flow Sensor Range/Performance
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
BMW uses Bosch MAF sensors. The N52 intake boot (between MAF and throttle body) is a notorious failu...
Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Low Input
BMW 3 Series • 2006–2024
BMW N52, N54, and N55 engines use Bosch hot-film MAF sensors that degrade reliably around 120,000 km...
Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input
BMW 3 Series • 2006–2024
BMW N52, N54, and N55 MAF sensors can fail high (P0103) after roughly 120,000 km, often presenting a...
System Too Lean (Bank 1)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
The 3 Series with the N52 engine is notorious for DISA valve and intake manifold flap failures causi...
System Too Rich (Bank 1)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
On the N52 and N55 a sticking VANOS solenoid can shift valve timing enough to push the mixture rich ...
Fuel Trim Malfunction (Bank 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
335i and 335d with the N54 inline-six are technically single-bank engines, but BMW V8 M3 (E92) and 6...
System Too Lean (Bank 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
The common BMW inline-six engines (N52, N55, B58) are single-bank and set P0171, not P0174. Only the...
System Too Rich (Bank 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2015
Earlier 3 Series with the N62 V8 and the legacy M3 V8 logged P0175 most often from a single leaking ...
Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
The N54 and N55 engines have a fuel rail pressure sensor that can fail and mimic HPFP symptoms. BMW ...
Injector Circuit / Open - Cylinder 1
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
Direct-injection petrol engines (N20, N52, N55, B48) use solenoid or piezo injectors with connectors...
Injector Circuit / Open - Cylinder 2
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
Direct-injection petrol engines (N20, N52, N55, B48) use solenoid or piezo injectors with connectors...
Injector Circuit / Open - Cylinder 3
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
Direct-injection petrol engines (N20, N52, N55, B48) use solenoid or piezo injectors with connectors...
Injector Circuit / Open - Cylinder 4
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
Direct-injection petrol engines (N20, N52, N55, B48) use solenoid or piezo injectors with connectors...
Injector Circuit / Open - Cylinder 5
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
The inline-6 petrol (N52, N54, N55, B58) and diesel (M57, N57) engines all have a cylinder 5. Petrol...
Injector Circuit / Open - Cylinder 6
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
The inline-6 petrol (N52, N54, N55, B58) and diesel (M57, N57) engines all have a cylinder 6. Petrol...
Turbocharger/Supercharger "A" Overboost Condition
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
The N54 twin-turbo engine uses electronic wastegate actuators that can fail, causing overboost. The ...
Idle Control System RPM Higher Than Expected
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
BMW electronic throttle bodies on N52/N55/B48 can develop carbon deposits. The N52 is especially pro...
System Too Lean at Idle (Bank 1)
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
The E90/F30 with N52 and N55 engines is prone to P2187 due to the DISA valve (intake manifold flap) ...
System Too Rich at Idle (Bank 1)
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
The E90/F30 with N52 and N55 engines can trigger P2188 from leaking direct fuel injectors and a faul...
Cooling System
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Circuit
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
On BMW 3 Series engines the coolant temperature sensor sits in the cylinder head or, on many models,...
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Circuit Range / Performance
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
BMW 3 Series engines commonly use an electrically heated map thermostat that can fail and cause slow...
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Circuit Low
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
On BMW 3 Series engines a shorted coolant sensor will trigger the cooling fan to run at full speed, ...
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Circuit High
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
On BMW 3 Series engines, P0118 can come from connector fretting or a failed sensor in the cylinder h...
Coolant Thermostat Below Regulating Temperature
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
BMW uses electronically controlled, map-controlled thermostats on most modern engines such as the N5...
Misfire
Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
The N54 and N55 turbo engines are well known for ignition coils and spark plugs failing early and tr...
Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
The N54, N55, and B58 turbo engines are well known for ignition coil and plug wear. Cylinder 1 sits ...
Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
On the N52 and N54 engines, cylinder 3 is centrally located and tends to run hotter than outer cylin...
Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
The E90 330i with the N52 inline-six is famous for failing the cylinder 6 ignition coil first becaus...
EVAP System
Evaporative Emission Control System Malfunction
BMW 3 Series • 2005–2024
BMW uses a leak detection pump (LDP) mounted near the charcoal canister to actively test the EVAP sy...
Evaporative Emission System: Incorrect Purge Flow
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
On the BMW 3 Series the purge valve (BMW calls it the tank vent valve) is a frequent P0441 cause, pa...
Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected (Small Leak)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
BMW vehicles use a leak detection pump (LDP) to test the EVAP system. A failing LDP can falsely trig...
Evaporative Emission System Vent Control Circuit
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
BMW EVAP systems are more complex than most, with multiple valves and a fuel tank leak detection pum...
Evaporative Emission Control System Vent Control Circuit Open
BMW 3 Series • 2005–2024
BMW E90/F30 vehicles use a leak detection pump assembly that combines the vent valve and a pump moto...
Evaporative Emission Control System Vent Control Circuit Shorted
BMW 3 Series • 2005–2024
BMW E90/F30 vehicles use the leak detection pump assembly with an integrated vent valve. P0448 is le...
Evaporative Emission Control System Vent Valve/Solenoid Circuit Malfunction
BMW 3 Series • 2005–2024
BMW vehicles set P0449 frequently when the leak detection pump assembly fails. The LDP combines the ...
Evaporative Emission Control System Pressure Sensor Intermittent
BMW 3 Series • 2005–2024
BMW E90/F30 fuel tank pressure sensor is integrated with the fuel level sensor on top of the tank. A...
Evaporative Emission System: Very Small Leak
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
BMW 3 Series and 1 Series with the DMTL pump (Diagnostic Module Tank Leakage, fault code 2A17 on the...
Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (Fuel Cap Loose/Off)
BMW 3 Series • 2005–2024
BMW E90 uses a screw-type fuel cap that should click multiple times when properly tightened. Newer F...
Evaporative Emission System: High Purge Flow
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
On the 3 Series the purge (tank vent) valve is the most common P0496 cause, and it often sticks open...
Transmission
Transmission Control System Malfunction
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
The F30/G20 3 Series uses the ZF 8HP automatic transmission, which is generally reliable but can tri...
Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance/Stuck Off
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
The F30/G20 3 Series with the ZF 8HP automatic transmission can develop P0741 when transmission flui...
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