What does code P0201 mean on a BMW and is it safe to drive?
P0201: Injector Circuit / Open — Cylinder 1. Here's what it means on your BMW, what usually causes it, what repairs typically cost, and how safe it is to keep driving.
What this code means
The PCM detected an open circuit or a fault in the fuel injector circuit for cylinder 1. This means the injector may not be firing, causing a misfire and unburned fuel entering the exhaust.
Common causes for your BMW
- Failed fuel injector on cylinder 1
- Damaged or corroded injector wiring / connector
- Faulty PCM injector driver
- Clogged injector not responding
Symptoms
- Check Engine Light, often with misfire codes
- Rough idle and misfire on cylinder 1
- Loss of power
- Fuel smell from exhaust
Typical fixes
- Test and replace fuel injector on cylinder 1
- Inspect and repair injector wiring harness
- Clean injectors (if partially clogged)
Repair cost range
For a BMW, repairs for P0201 often fall between $150 and $500, depending on the cause and whether you use OEM or aftermarket parts. Labor rates vary by location.
Known issues on BMW
BMW P0201 on N52 and N54 engines can be caused by a failed injector or injector driver circuit issue in the DME. On N54, high-pressure injector failure is a known issue—they can be cleaned and flow-tested before replacing. N54 injector replacement requires coding the new injector to the DME.
Most commonly affected models