The ignition coils in a BMW play an important role in providing the spark that ignites the fuel in the engine. When the ignition coils fail, it can cause a variety of problems with your BMW’s performance, such as misfires, decreased power, and even engine damage. Let’s look at five signs of BMW ignition coil issues and the reasons they occur.
Misfires
One of the most common signs of ignition coil issues in a BMW is misfires. A misfire occurs when the spark that ignites the fuel in the engine fails to occur or occurs at the wrong time. This can cause your BMW to run rough, jerk or hesitate while accelerating, or even stall. If left unaddressed, misfires can cause damage to your engine and reduce your BMW’s performance.
Decreased Power
Another sign of ignition coil issues in a BMW is decreased power. If the ignition coils are not functioning properly, they may not provide enough voltage to the spark plugs, which can result in decreased power and acceleration. You may notice that your BMW is sluggish or takes longer to reach highway speeds than usual.
Check Engine Light
A malfunctioning ignition coil can also trigger the check engine light to come on in your BMW. The engine control unit (ECU) in your BMW monitors the performance of the ignition system, and if it detects a problem, it will set a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and turn on the check engine light. If the check engine light is on, it is important to have your BMW diagnosed by a professional to identify the underlying issue.
Rough Idle
A faulty ignition coil can also cause your BMW to have a rough idle. This can be due to misfires, which can cause your BMW to shake or vibrate while idling. You may also notice that the engine sounds rough or uneven while idling. A rough idle can be a sign of other issues as well, so it is important to have your BMW checked by a professional to determine the cause.
Failed Ignition Coils
Finally, if one or more of the ignition coils fail completely, your BMW may not start at all. This is because the ignition coils provide the spark that ignites the fuel in the engine, and if they are not functioning, your BMW will not start. If your BMW is not starting or is experiencing difficulty starting, it is important to have it checked by a professional to identify the cause.
What Comes Next to Repair the Problem
When our mechanic diagnoses ignition coil problems in your BMW, there are several steps they may take to fix the issue. Here are some of the common methods used to repair ignition coil problems in a car:
- Replacing the faulty ignition coil: The most common solution for ignition coil problems is to replace the faulty ignition coil. Our mechanic will locate the faulty coil and remove it from the car, then replace it with a new one. The new ignition coil will be tested to ensure it is functioning correctly.
- Cleaning or replacing spark plugs: In some cases, the issue may not be with the ignition coil itself, but with the spark plugs. If the spark plugs are dirty or worn out, they may not be able to provide the necessary spark to ignite the fuel in the engine. Our mechanic may clean the spark plugs or replace them if necessary.
- Checking and repairing wiring connections: Wiring connections can become corroded or loose over time, leading to problems with the ignition system. We will inspect the wiring connections and repair or replace any damaged wires.
- Diagnosing and repairing other issues: Sometimes, the cause of ignition coil problems may be related to other issues in the car, such as a faulty fuel injector or a damaged mass airflow sensor. We will perform a comprehensive diagnosis of the car’s systems to identify any underlying issues and repair them as necessary.
My Euro Pro
At My Euro Pro, we will diagnose the cause of 
the ignition coil problems, and then determine the best course of action to repair the issue. It is important to have ignition coil problems addressed promptly by a qualified mechanic to prevent further damage to the engine and ensure the car is running at peak performance. Visit us from Myrtle Beach and Charleston, SC as well as Wilmington, NC.