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Comprehensive List of BMW Fault Codes
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Is your BMW displaying a mysterious warning light? Understanding BMW fault codes is the first step towards resolving automotive issues efficiently. This comprehensive guide provides an extensive list of BMW fault codes, their meanings, and practical advice for diagnosis and repair, empowering car owners, auto repair shops, and automotive technicians. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a BMW enthusiast, this article will enhance your understanding of BMW diagnostics. AutoExplain is here to guide you through the intricacies of BMW fault codes, ensuring you have the knowledge and tools to keep your BMW running smoothly.
1: Understanding BMW Fault Codes
What are BMW fault codes, and why are they crucial for vehicle maintenance?
BMW fault codes are alphanumeric codes generated by the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic (OBD) system when it detects a malfunction. These codes are standardized across the automotive industry but have BMW-specific extensions for more detailed diagnostics. According to a study by the ASE, accurately interpreting these codes can reduce diagnostic time by up to 60%.
How do BMW fault codes work?
- Detection: Sensors throughout the vehicle monitor various systems and components.
- Logging: When a sensor detects a reading outside the normal range, the ECU (Engine Control Unit) logs a fault code.
- Notification: The fault code triggers a warning light on the dashboard, alerting the driver.
- Retrieval: Technicians use diagnostic tools to retrieve these codes from the ECU, providing insight into the problem.
Understanding these codes is essential for:
- Accurate Diagnosis: Pinpointing the exact issue, reducing guesswork.
- Efficient Repairs: Saving time and money by addressing the problem directly.
- Preventive Maintenance: Identifying potential issues before they become major problems.
2: Common BMW Fault Codes and Their Meanings
What are some of the most frequent BMW fault codes encountered, and what do they indicate?
Here’s a detailed list of BMW fault codes and their common interpretations. Note that specific meanings can vary based on the BMW model and year.
| Code | Description | Possible Causes |
|---|---|---|
| P0171 | System Too Lean (Bank 1) | Vacuum leaks, faulty MAF sensor, defective O2 sensor, fuel pump issues, clogged fuel filter |
| P0174 | System Too Lean (Bank 2) | Similar to P0171, but affecting the second bank of cylinders |
| P0300 | Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected | Faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel injectors, vacuum leaks, low compression |
| P0420 | Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1) | Failing catalytic converter, exhaust leaks, faulty O2 sensors |
| P1120 | Throttle Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction | Faulty throttle position sensor (TPS), wiring issues, ECU problems |
| P1421 | Secondary Air System Bank 1 | Secondary air pump failure, vacuum leaks, faulty check valve |
| P1519 | “A” Camshaft Position Actuator Bank 1 | Faulty VANOS solenoid, oil pressure issues, camshaft position sensor failure |
| P0505 | Idle Control System Malfunction | Dirty or faulty idle air control valve (IACV), vacuum leaks, throttle body issues |
| P0011 | “A” Camshaft Position – Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance Bank 1 | Oil control valve issues, camshaft timing issues, low oil level |
| P0102 | Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Low Input | Dirty or faulty MAF sensor, wiring issues, vacuum leaks |
Oxygen (O2) Sensor Fault Codes
- P1087: O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response in Lean Control Range (Bank 1 Sensor 1)
- P1095: O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Switching From Lean to Rich (Bank 1 Sensor 1)
- P1176: O2 Sensor Slow Response Bank 1
- P1180: O2 Sensor Signal Circuit Slow Switching From Rich to Lean (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
These codes often indicate a failing O2 sensor, which can affect fuel efficiency and emissions.
Fuel Trim Fault Codes
- P1090: Pre-Catalyst Fuel Trim Too Lean Bank 1
- P1091: Pre-Catalyst Fuel Trim Too Rich Bank 1
- P1158: Fuel Trim Additive Bank 1 Low
- P1159: Fuel Trim Additive Bank 1 High
Fuel trim codes suggest issues with the air-fuel mixture, potentially due to vacuum leaks or fuel injector problems.
Misfire Fault Codes
- P1340: Multiple Cylinder Misfire During Start
- P1343: Misfire Cylinder 1 With Fuel Cut-off
- P1345: Misfire Cylinder 2 With Fuel Cut-off
Misfire codes can result from faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors.
3. List of BMW Fault Codes
Here is a more extensive list of BMW fault codes, beyond the common ones, for comprehensive troubleshooting:
| Code | Description | Possible Causes |
|---|---|---|
| P1083 | Fuel Control Mixture Lean (Bank 1 Sensor 1) | Vacuum leaks, faulty MAF sensor, defective O2 sensor, fuel pump issues, clogged fuel filter |
| P1084 | Fuel Control Mixture Rich (Bank 1 Sensor 1) | Faulty fuel pressure regulator, leaking fuel injectors, defective O2 sensor |
| P1085 | Fuel Control Mixture Lean (Bank 2 Sensor 1) | Vacuum leaks, faulty MAF sensor, defective O2 sensor, fuel pump issues, clogged fuel filter |
| P1086 | Fuel Control Mixture Rich (Bank 2 Sensor 1) | Faulty fuel pressure regulator, leaking fuel injectors, defective O2 sensor |
| P1087 | O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response in Lean Control Range (Bank 1 Sensor 1) | Defective O2 sensor, exhaust leaks |
| P1088 | O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response in Rich Control Range (Bank 1 Sensor 1) | Defective O2 sensor, exhaust leaks |
| P1089 | O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response in Lean Control Range (Bank 1 Sensor 2) | Defective O2 sensor, exhaust leaks |
| P1090 | Pre-Catalyst Fuel Trim Too Lean Bank 1 | Vacuum leaks, faulty MAF sensor, defective O2 sensor |
| P1091 | Pre-Catalyst Fuel Trim Too Rich Bank 1 | Faulty fuel pressure regulator, leaking fuel injectors, defective O2 sensor |
| P1092 | Pre-Catalyst Fuel Trim Too Lean Bank 2 | Vacuum leaks, faulty MAF sensor, defective O2 sensor |
| P1093 | Pre-Catalyst Fuel Trim Too Rich Bank 2 | Faulty fuel pressure regulator, leaking fuel injectors, defective O2 sensor |
| P1094 | O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response in Rich Control Range (Bank 2 Sensor 1) | Defective O2 sensor, exhaust leaks |
| P1095 | O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Switching From Lean to Rich (Bank 1 Sensor 1) | Defective O2 sensor, exhaust leaks |
| P1096 | O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Switching From Lean to Rich (Bank 2 Sensor 1) | Defective O2 sensor, exhaust leaks |
| P1097 | O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response after Coast Down Fuel Cutoff (Bank 1 Sensor 1) | Defective O2 sensor, exhaust leaks |
| P1098 | O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response after Coast Down Fuel Cutoff (Bank 2 Sensor 2) | Defective O2 sensor, exhaust leaks |
| P1111 | Engine Coolant Temperature Radiator Outlet Sensor Low Input | Faulty coolant temperature sensor, wiring issues |
| P1112 | Engine Coolant Temperature Radiator Outlet Sensor High Input | Faulty coolant temperature sensor, wiring issues |
| P1115 | Coolant Temperature Sensor Plausibility | Faulty coolant temperature sensor, wiring issues |
| P1116 | Mass Or Volume Air Flow Circuit Range/Performance Problem (Bank 2) | Dirty or faulty MAF sensor, wiring issues, vacuum leaks |
| P1117 | Mass Or Volume Air Flow Circuit Low Input (Bank 2) | Dirty or faulty MAF sensor, wiring issues, vacuum leaks |
| P1118 | Mass Or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input (Bank 2) | Dirty or faulty MAF sensor, wiring issues, vacuum leaks |
| P1120 | Pedal Position Sensor Circuit | Faulty pedal position sensor, wiring issues |
| P1121 | Pedal Position 1 Range/Performance Problem | Faulty pedal position sensor, wiring issues |
| P1122 | Pedal Position 1 Low Input | Faulty pedal position sensor, wiring issues |
| P1123 | Pedal Position 1 High Input | Faulty pedal position sensor, wiring issues |
| P1132 | O2 Sensor Heater Control Circuit (Bank 1 Sensor 1) | Faulty O2 sensor heater, wiring issues |
| P1133 | O2 Sensor Heater Control Circuit (Bank 2 Sensor 1) | Faulty O2 sensor heater, wiring issues |
| P1134 | O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Signal Intermittent (Bank 1 Sensor 2) | Faulty O2 sensor heater, wiring issues |
| P1135 | O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 1) | Faulty O2 sensor heater, wiring issues |
| P1136 | O2 Sensor Heater Circuit High Voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 1) | Faulty O2 sensor heater, wiring issues |
| P1137 | O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Signal Intermittent (Bank 1 Sensor 2) | Faulty O2 sensor heater, wiring issues |
| P1138 | O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 2) | Faulty O2 sensor heater, wiring issues |
| P1139 | O2 Sensor Heater Circuit High Voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 2) | Faulty O2 sensor heater, wiring issues |
| P1140 | Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Range/Performance Problem | Dirty or faulty MAF sensor, wiring issues, vacuum leaks |
| P1145 | Solenoid Valve Running Losses Control Circuit Electrical | Faulty solenoid valve, wiring issues |
| P1151 | O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Signal Intermittent (Bank 2 Sensor 1) | Faulty O2 sensor heater, wiring issues |
| P1152 | O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 2 Sensor 1) | Faulty O2 sensor heater, wiring issues |
| P1153 | O2 Sensor Heater Circuit High Voltage (Bank 2 Sensor 1) | Faulty O2 sensor heater, wiring issues |
| P1155 | O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Intermittent (Bank 2 Sensor 2) | Faulty O2 sensor heater, wiring issues |
| P1156 | O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 2 Sensor 2) | Faulty O2 sensor heater, wiring issues |
| P1157 | O2 Sensor Heater Circuit High Voltage (Bank 2 Sensor 2) | Faulty O2 sensor heater, wiring issues |
| P1158 | Fuel Trim Additive Bank 1 Low | Vacuum leaks, faulty MAF sensor, defective O2 sensor |
| P1159 | Fuel Trim Additive Bank 1 High | Faulty fuel pressure regulator, leaking fuel injectors, defective O2 sensor |
| P1160 | Fuel Trim Additive Bank 2 Low | Vacuum leaks, faulty MAF sensor, defective O2 sensor |
| P1161 | Fuel Trim Additive Bank 2 High | Faulty fuel pressure regulator, leaking fuel injectors, defective O2 sensor |
| P1162 | Fuel Trim Additive Per Ignition Bank 1 Low | Vacuum leaks, faulty MAF sensor, defective O2 sensor |
| P1163 | Fuel Trim Additive Per Ignition Bank 1 High | Faulty fuel pressure regulator, leaking fuel injectors, defective O2 sensor |
| P1164 | Fuel Trim Additive Per Ignition Bank 2 Low | Vacuum leaks, faulty MAF sensor, defective O2 sensor |
| P1165 | Fuel Trim Additive Per Ignition Bank 2 High | Faulty fuel pressure regulator, leaking fuel injectors, defective O2 sensor |
| P1174 | Fuel Trim Adaptation Additive Bank 1 Malfunction | Vacuum leaks, faulty MAF sensor, defective O2 sensor, fuel injector issues |
| P1175 | Fuel Trim Adaptation Additive Bank 2 Malfunction | Vacuum leaks, faulty MAF sensor, defective O2 sensor, fuel injector issues |
| P1176 | O2 Sensor Slow Response Bank 1 | Defective O2 sensor, exhaust leaks |
| P1177 | O2 Sensor Slow Response Bank 2 | Defective O2 sensor, exhaust leaks |
| P1178 | O2 Sensor Signal Circuit Slow Switching From Rich to Lean (Bank 1 Sensor 1) | Defective O2 sensor, exhaust leaks |
| P1179 | O2 Sensor Signal Circuit Slow Switching From Rich to Lean (Bank 2 Sensor 1) | Defective O2 sensor, exhaust leaks |
| P1180 | O2 Sensor Signal Circuit Slow Switching From Rich to Lean (Bank 1 Sensor 2) | Defective O2 sensor, exhaust leaks |
| P1181 | O2 Sensor Signal Circuit Slow Switching From Rich to Lean (Bank 2 Sensor 2) | Defective O2 sensor, exhaust leaks |
| P1182 | O2 Sensor (Bank 1 Sensor 2) Open Circuit During Coast Down Fuel Cut-off | Defective O2 sensor, wiring issues |
| P1183 | O2 Sensor (Bank 2 Sensor 2) Open Circuit During Coast Down Fuel Cut-off | Defective O2 sensor, wiring issues |
| P1186 | O2 Sensor Heater Control Circuit (Bank 1 Sensor 2) | Faulty O2 sensor heater, wiring issues |
| P1187 | O2 Sensor Heater Control Circuit (Bank 2 Sensor 2) | Faulty O2 sensor heater, wiring issues |
| P1188 | Fuel Control (Bank 1 Sensor 1) | Vacuum leaks, faulty MAF sensor, defective O2 sensor, fuel pump issues, clogged fuel filter |
| P1189 | Fuel Control (Bank 2 Sensor 1) | Vacuum leaks, faulty MAF sensor, defective O2 sensor, fuel pump issues, clogged fuel filter |
| P1190 | Pre-catalyst Fuel Trim System Bank 1 | Vacuum leaks, faulty MAF sensor, defective O2 sensor |
| P1191 | Pre-catalyst Fuel Trim System Bank 2 | Vacuum leaks, faulty MAF sensor, defective O2 sensor |
| P1192 | Post-catalyst Fuel Trim System Bank 1 | Exhaust leaks, faulty O2 sensor |
| P1193 | Post-catalyst Fuel Trim System Bank 2 | Exhaust leaks, faulty O2 sensor |
| P1221 | Pedal Position Sensor 2 Range/Performance Problem | Faulty pedal position sensor, wiring issues |
| P1222 | Pedal Position Sensor 2 Low Input | Faulty pedal position sensor, wiring issues |
| P1223 | Pedal Position Sensor 2 High Input | Faulty pedal position sensor, wiring issues |
| P1270 | Control Module Self-Test, Torque Monitoring | Internal control module failure |
| P1271 | Ambient Air Pressure Sensor Electrical | Faulty ambient air pressure sensor, wiring issues |
| P1283 | Switching Solenoid for Air Assisted Injection Valves Bank 1 Control Circuit Electrical | Faulty solenoid valve, wiring issues |
| P1284 | Switching Solenoid for Air Assisted Injection Valves Bank 1 Control Circuit Signal Low | Faulty solenoid valve, wiring issues |
| P1285 | Switching Solenoid for Air Assisted Injection Valves Bank 1 Control Circuit Signal High | Faulty solenoid valve, wiring issues |
| P1287 | Switching Solenoid for Air Assisted Injection Valves Bank 2 Control Circuit Electrical | Faulty solenoid valve, wiring issues |
| P1288 | Switching Solenoid for Air Assisted Injection Valves Bank 2 Control Circuit Signal Low | Faulty solenoid valve, wiring issues |
| P1289 | Switching Solenoid for Air Assisted Injection Valves Bank 2 Control Circuit Signal High | Faulty solenoid valve, wiring issues |
| P1313 | “A” Camshaft Position Plausibility | Faulty camshaft position sensor, timing issues |
| P1317 | “B” Camshaft Position Plausibility | Faulty camshaft position sensor, timing issues |
| P1327 | Knock Sensor 2 (Bank 1) Low Input | Faulty knock sensor, wiring issues |
| P1328 | Knock Sensor 2 (Bank 1) High Input | Faulty knock sensor, wiring issues |
| P1332 | Knock Sensor 4 Low Input | Faulty knock sensor, wiring issues |
| P1333 | Knock Sensor 4 High Input | Faulty knock sensor, wiring issues |
| P1340 | Multiple Cylinder Misfire During Start | Faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel injectors, vacuum leaks, low compression |
| P1341 | Multiple Cylinder Misfire With Fuel Cut-off | Faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel injectors, vacuum leaks, low compression |
| P1342 | Misfire During Start Cylinder 1 | Faulty spark plug, ignition coil, fuel injector, low compression |
| P1343 | Misfire Cylinder 1 With Fuel Cut-off | Faulty spark plug, ignition coil, fuel injector, low compression |
| P1344 | Misfire During Start Cylinder 2 | Faulty spark plug, ignition coil, fuel injector, low compression |
| P1345 | Misfire Cylinder 2 With Fuel Cut-off | Faulty spark plug, ignition coil, fuel injector, low compression |
| P1346 | Misfire During Start Cylinder 3 | Faulty spark plug, ignition coil, fuel injector, low compression |
| P1347 | Misfire Cylinder 3 With Fuel Cut-off | Faulty spark plug, ignition coil, fuel injector, low compression |
| P1348 | Misfire During Start Cylinder 4 | Faulty spark plug, ignition coil, fuel injector, low compression |
| P1349 | Misfire Cylinder 4 With Fuel Cut-off | Faulty spark plug, ignition coil, fuel injector, low compression |
| P1350 | Misfire During Start Cylinder 5 | Faulty spark plug, ignition coil, fuel injector, low compression |
| P1351 | Misfire Cylinder 5 With Fuel Cut-off | Faulty spark plug, ignition coil, fuel injector, low compression |
| P1352 | Misfire During Start Cylinder 6 | Faulty spark plug, ignition coil, fuel injector, low compression |
| P1353 | Misfire Cylinder 6 With Fuel Cut-off | Faulty spark plug, ignition coil, fuel injector, low compression |
| P1354 | Misfire During Start Cylinder 7 | Faulty spark plug, ignition coil, fuel injector, low compression |
| P1355 | Misfire Cylinder 7 With Fuel Cut-off | Faulty spark plug, ignition coil, fuel injector, low compression |
| P1356 | Misfire During Start Cylinder 8 | Faulty spark plug, ignition coil, fuel injector, low compression |
| P1357 | Misfire Cylinder 8 With Fuel Cut-off | Faulty spark plug, ignition coil, fuel injector, low compression |
| P1358 | Misfire During Start Cylinder 9 | Faulty spark plug, ignition coil, fuel injector, low compression |
| P1359 | Misfire Cylinder 9 With Fuel Cut-off | Faulty spark plug, ignition coil, fuel injector, low compression |
| P1360 | Misfire During Start Cylinder 10 | Faulty spark plug, ignition coil, fuel injector, low compression |
| P1361 | Misfire Cylinder 10 With Fuel Cut-off | Faulty spark plug, ignition coil, fuel injector, low compression |
| P1362 | Misfire During Start Cylinder 11 | Faulty spark plug, ignition coil, fuel injector, low compression |
| P1363 | Misfire Cylinder 11 With Fuel Cut-off | Faulty spark plug, ignition coil, fuel injector, low compression |
| P1364 | Misfire During Start Cylinder 12 | Faulty spark plug, ignition coil, fuel injector, low compression |
| P1365 | Misfire Cylinder 12 With Fuel Cut-off | Faulty spark plug, ignition coil, fuel injector, low compression |
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Milebah Bruno
Milebah Bruno is a seasoned automotive expert and technical writer at AutoExplain. With a background as an automotive technician, he brings hands-on experience and deep industry knowledge to his writing.
