If your BMW shakes while idling, hesitates during acceleration, or illuminated the check engine light, it may be trying to tell you something important – it may very well be a sign of failing ignition coils. Ignition coils play a major role in how smoothly your engine runs, and when one starts to fail, performance can drop quickly. They create the high voltage necessary for the spark plugs to generate the sparks that ignite air-fuel mixture that powers your vehicle.
BMW is designed to use a coil-on-plug ignition system, meaning each cylinder has its own ignition coil. These coils convert low-voltage power from the battery into the high-voltage spark needed to ignite the fuel-air mixture. When a coil weakens or fails, that cylinder may misfire, causing rough idling, sluggish power, or difficulty starting. Left unchecked, a bad ignition coil can lead to more serious problems such as damaged spark plugs or a failing catalytic converter.
Common warning signs of ignition coils failing include engine misfires, rough or shaky idling, reduced power during acceleration, poor fuel economy, and trouble starting the engine. You may also notice the check engine light turning on due to misfire-related fault codes. If any of these symptoms sound familiar, professional diagnostics are important to pinpoint the exact cause and prevent further damage.
Our ASE-certified technicians are highly skilled in BMW diagnostics. We use OEM parts or high-quality alternatives when repairing your BMW. All repairs come with a 36-month / 36,000-mile nationwide warranty for your peace of mind. So if your BMW isn’t running as smoothly as it should, don’t wait for a small ignition issue to turn into a costly repair. So call our San Leandro shop and let our friendly team bring your BMW’s performance to its former glory.






