Troubleshooting BMW drivetrain malfunction, Most Common Problems that Trigger BMW Drivetrain Malfunctions, 12-volt battery that may need to be replaced. Regular changing of oils and fluids is also necessary to reduce friction and improve efficiency. When the drivetrain malfunction message appears, it indicates that there is a problem with an engine or transmission component. I immediately drove to and dropped the car at the dealer. At the same time, the fail-safe driving mode, otherwise known as limp mode, might be activated. For instance, you can also experience a power loss. All Rights Reserved. Read on to learn more about BMW Drivetrain Malfunction, including its causes and solutions. When a new battery is installed in a modern BMW, you should 'register' it with the computer so that the charging system can optimize its life. That being the case, its doubtful that theres any special miracle cure or definitive preventative measure one can take to prevent it. It seems to be fairly ubiquitous across the range. On the other hand, a reckless driving style with a random maintenance style cannot guarantee the possibility of a cars drivetrain reaching its expected lifespan. Here are the steps to reset the drivetrain malfunction message: If the drivetrain malfunction message persists after attempting to reset it, it is possible that the issue has not been properly addressed. Disconnect the diagnostic tool and start the vehicle to see if the drivetrain malfunction message has been cleared.If the drivetrain malfunction message persists after attempting to clear it, it is possible that the issue has not been properly addressed. Why does it occur? Hi Mike, how did you fix the problem? On average, the cost is anywhere from $2,068 to $2,108. You wouldnt normally replace the ignition coils at regular intervals. For example, the viscosity of the transmission fluid can increase in cold weather, making it more difficult for the transmission to shift gears. Otherwise, you will end up compromising its performance. And so the fix requires immediate action. And its not the 1st time. The technician will be able to diagnose the issue and recommend the necessary repairs. - All You Need To Know, link to Mobil Vs. The fuel pump condition can deteriorate over time, contributing to its failure. The BMW drivetrain malfunction message should be taken seriously because there are so many different things that can cause this error message to appear. Like other fluids in a car, differential fluids break down over time. Testimonials To temporarily reset a drivetrain malfunction error in a BMW, park in a safe spot, turn off the engine, and wait for five minutes with the ignition turned off. DMCA The drivetrain is a set of car components, including the following: Meanwhile, a powertrain has all the drivetrain parts, but it includes one more thing the engine. When there is an issue, reset the drivetrain immediately. The drivetrain is a collective term that refers to the different parts that allow the movement of the wheels after transferring power from the engine. However, it is also possible that the oil change may not be related to the drivetrain malfunction.It is recommended to have the vehicle inspected by a BMW dealer or a mechanic as soon as possible to determine the cause of the drivetrain malfunction. At an official or recognized BMW service center, theyre likely to use a BMW scanner, which will deliver the faults specific to the BMW vehicle both from the Digital Motor Electronics (DME) module and the transmission module. While it is impossible to know what caused the BMW drivetrain to malfunction in your car withoutreading the codes, this error is due to an engine misfire in most cases. It can fail because of many reasons, including low fuel. One or more damaged fuel injectors can cause BMW to drive with moderately reduced power. Once the pump fails completely, it can be impossible to start the engine. Depending on the problem, strange symptoms occur, which could include the fail-safe driving mode. Once the BMWs computerized system detects a drivetrain malfunction, the Engine Control Module automatically limits the cars maximum torque output to prevent any imminent damage. If not, move to the next steps, as you will probably have to deal with a more serious issue. On the other hand, the cost of labor can range from $155 to $195. As an example, changing the spark plugs might cost you $100 or less, especially if you can do it yourself. BMW i3 And i8 Recalled Over Faulty Electric Module That Could Lead To Power Loss | Carscoops The defect only concerns the high-voltage system, which means the 12-volt-powered steering and. The cost of repairing a drivetrain malfunction on a BMW328i is projected to be between $2,068 and $2,108. A vehicles drivetrain is expected to last around 1,500 to 3,000 miles. Back to the mechanic and this time they worked on troublehooting with BMW and they figured out that it was the turbo waste gate. There are a few steps you can take to examine issues, and one or two things you might try that dont necessarily require the expert hand of a mechanic or BMW technician. Determine the cause of the drivetrain malfunction and repair or replace any faulty components as necessary. Diagnosing a drivetrain malfunction in a BMW 535i or any other modern BMW car is pretty easy with an OBD II Scanner. Green Car Future 2018-2023. However, you want to skip this step if the car message comes on and the drivetrain goes into limp mode. Luckily, she was not far from home and was on a quiet side street. Is it my programming light indicator charging is ok but still getting the drivetrain malfunction. Parts cost is estimated at around $1,913, while labor cost is about $155 to $195. The symptoms of a bad fuel injector can be similar to many of the issues mentioned above. The injectors push the fuel into the combustion chamber of the engine. Thats a Rex-compatible air temperature sensor at least. If your mechanic determines that the fuel injectors are faulty, it is recommended (but not required) to replace them simultaneously. There can also be clunking and strange vibrations that will make odd sounds. Rxmechanic.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The car will function as normal and I am able to accelerate after the message disappear. You should also look for technical service bulletins, because many BMW models have bulletins about the drivetrain malfunction issue. Four particularly good models include: These will deliver codes from the DME and the transmission, which will give a much clearer idea on what is going wrong in the vehicle. We strongly recommend getting your BMW diagnosed by a mechanic or, at a minimum, reading the fault codes yourself before you start replacing any parts. For example, replacing a faulty transmission or driveshaft can be very expensive, while repairing a minor issue with the differentials may be relatively inexpensive.It is difficult to provide a specific cost estimate for drivetrain repairs without knowing the specific issue causing the malfunction and the extent of the repairs needed. Research, browse, save, and share from 45 530 models in Boca Raton, FL. Act accordingly depending on the problem. If the job seems to be too complicated at any stage in the diagnosis or repair, its time to get help from a professional. Step 2: Plugin/connect the scanner to the port. My BMW x1 has 83000km on the clock, I recently experienced a drive train error that disappeared afterwards. With most BMW vehicles, the DME (digital motor electronic) is responsible for storing codes coming out of the engine, while the EGS (electronic gearbox) or AGS (adaptive gearbox) sends out the codes from the transmission. Ask your mechanic to check the turbo waste gate before you do all of the other expensive repairs. I believe in mine its the temperature sensor in the Rex. Check the oil level and ensure that the engine isnt running too hot. If you're seeing a drivetrain malfunction warning message on your BMW, don't worry! Because the fuel pump is responsible for transferring the gas to the engine, any failure will lead to starvation of the motor. The car's propulsion died while driving. Something is very wrong at BMW. Step 5: Check for any coolant or oil leak and defective serpentine belt. Discussion Forum for the BMW i3 EV and Rex. When the catalytic converter fails, the exhaust emission rate slows down, leading to a build-up of pressure. Clear any error codes from the vehicles computer and road test the vehicle to ensure that the repair has been successful. I have a 2015 BMW X3 Diesel. Now every time I drive the car for more than 5 minutes I get the Drivetrain malfunction: drive moderately. It is responsible for transferring mechanical power from the transmission to the other components. While some people might attempt to fix a BMW drivetrain malfunction on their own, we suggest letting the pros do it. The best solution is to replace the differential fluid regularly, depending on the manufacturers recommendations, to prevent this problem. Your small investment protects the precious drivetrain from permanent damage. If your BMWs catalytic converter is clogged, it will cause the cars iDrive screen to display a drivetrain malfunction signal. He has loved seeing Nissan and Tesla sell loads of quality EVs over the last decade - with every other car manufacturer finally following suit. 119K subscribers So my F12 640i cabrio experienced the dreaded "DING" in BMWs and then the message cam up on iDrive 'Drivetrain Malfunction' with visuals indicating that the engine is almost. It is a part of the moving elements that allow the powertrain to deliver its intended functions. What Does The Drivetrain Malfunction Message on BMW Mean? Replace After 20,000 to 25,000 Miles for the Best Performance Nonetheless, if you often push your vehicle to the limit, the lifespan decreases. Sat Nov 02, 2019 11:55 pm. Turn on the OBD II scanner and choose BMW code. If you are not comfortable or experienced with working on vehicles, it is recommended to have a mechanic diagnose and repair the issue. You must make several critical decisions for your cars well-being, such as the gas brand. Browse BMW 530 vehicles in Boca Raton, FL for sale on Cars.com, with prices under $99,931. The exact wording of the statement can vary between models. If you receive a Drivetrain Malfunction error message on your BMW during cold weather, it is important to stop the vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible and not continue driving. It is the last stop of the power transfer before it goes to the wheels. It may have damaged parts that are responsible for the drivetrain malfunction. Hey there- what was the fix for this? Troubleshooting, Warning Lights. I finally picked up the car after 2 days and immediately I get the DriveTrain error and subpar performance. And they take necessary and immediate measures to rectify any problem that the ECU has detected. Swap the ignition coils for cylinder one and cylinder 2. As we mentioned further above, a BMW scanner is a great tool to get the exact manufacturer-specific codes. Clear the error codes from the vehicles computer using the diagnostic tool.4. However, the expected lifespan of a cars drivetrain depends on the drivers driving and maintenance style. It is often also confused with driveline and powertrain, which are both different components. As you know driving 75mph at times requires both the REX and the battery. Then when ti was 9 months out of warranty it came on again and stayed on, i took it to the dealer and after having the car a day looking for the problem they called me and said it was a heat exchanger of some sort and the cost was estimated at $2800 to replace it. If you are asking, What causes drivetrain malfunction in BMW? Sometimes, it can be due to one or more of the causes working hand-in-hand, outlined below: When one or more of a BMW cars injectors are faulty or damaged, it automatically affects the engine and reduces the power and performance. This problem is common with high mileage cars with a clogged catalytic converter that hinders the exhaust gases from releasing appropriating. There are places that can do that outside of the dealership. Damaged spark plugs are a leading cause of many car problems, including a faulty drivetrain. Without proper timing, your BMW will experience a cylinder misfire. What is the Drivetrain Malfunction Error? I can't put the car in drive or neutral or anything. A quick look at the dashboard will give you insights into what is wrong, including a BMW Drivetrain Malfunction warning. As soon as you see aBMW x5 drivetrain malfunction warning, the fuel pump is one of the first things to look at. The first thing you can do is to take a wireless Internet approach to the whole problem by finding a safe place to pull over, switching the car off fully, waiting 5 minutes and then restarting. Is It Safe to Drive MY BMW with a Drivetrain Malfunction Message? $200 to diag and he just said maybe it is the EGR diesel? One of the main culprits of a misfire is fouled spark plugs. Replacing some and leaving others behind may still hinder the proper functioning of the cars engine. The BMW scanner is best because it can recognize all of the manufacturer-specific codes. Perform a visual inspection of the drivetrain components for any visible signs of damage or wear. This car has been a huge disappointment and Ive been a BMW owner for 20 years. As for why it emerges, there are many possible reasons that can trigger the error. Act immediately when there is a drivetrain malfunction. The dealer tends to charge way more than the task requires (about 5-minutes of work to register it). Full performance is not available. I can drive it electric but the Rex shuts off once it heats up . Turn on the scanner and select your BMW model. It happened to my 2014 i3 twice before it was out of warranty and the dealer never and record of it because it was gone by the time I got it to the dealer. With a clog in the converter, the combustion chamber flow can slow down as well, causing a stalling situation and a Drivetrain Malfunctioning message. Shell Gas: Which One to Go for in 2023, iDrive screen display drivetrain error message. If you accidentally left the car in gear, you will cause the engine to rotate and possibly over rev if say youre in 1st gear and someone tows you at highway speeds.. You should be aware that this problem does exist within BMW cars, and you should take steps to find out if the i3 you are buying has experienced these problems in the past. Turn your vehicles ignition and take the key out. The cost of repairing a drivetrain on a BMW will depend on the specific issue that needs to be addressed and the complexity of the repair. Hopefully the problem is something trivial such as spark plugs, because replacing or repairing those will probably cost less than $100 or so. Every time I do this towards the end of the trip I get a warning "Drivetrain Malfunction" get home, after a day it goes away and all is normal. Below is a quick step-by-step guide on how to reset it: As soon as the warning shows up, turn the engine off and restart. What Does The Drivetrain Malfunction Message on BMW Mean? [Volvo Repair Costs], Malfunction Indicator Lamp [What Does It Mean? No, a BMW drivetrain is not the same as a transmission. I assure you, it would be a lifesaver for that fellow. To prevent damage, the engine control unit limits the maximum torque output. Not under warranty. If its your powertrain control module that is on the fritz, then youre looking at potential bills of $2,000 to replace it if youre not covered by any warranty. Again, what are the BMW Drivetrain malfunction causes? i could get to higher rpms/speed without the hesitation. If theres no fluid in the brake reservoir, the brakes will Mobil Vs. Hello, I recently installed a high flow catted down pipe (200 cell), a charge pipe, an intercooler, and a jb4 tune . I had this exact problem and it went on for about 1 year beginning about 75,000 which was 300 miles after the warranty ended. One of the most common is the grinding of the gears. Mine is a 2012 328i. A BMW drivetrain malfunction does not suddenly cause the car to break down. Locate the diagnostic port under the dashboard. If you do not feel comfortable diagnosing the problem yourself, contact a BMW dealership as soon as possible and they will be able to fix this warning light easily! This guide will learn more about this problem and diagnose it using a BMW scanner. Restart the engine. Drive Modertaley Maximum drivetrain output not available. - Meaning & History. It is an indication of a problem that can be costly to repair if not taken as a matter of urgency. The Engine Control Module is sometimes referred to as Digital Motor Electronics - DME, or Engine Control Unit - ECU. The transmission transfers an engines power to the wheels. It took them 3 months to untangle it. Now I'm worried that my beloved i3 and I are screwed. You will see an inconsistent supply of fuel, leading to power loss and random surging. Not only should a specialized scanner be used, but some of the repairs go beyond whats ordinary. The transmission is one of the parts of the drivetrain. however i still got a drivetrain error (at a higher speed, but below highway speed). About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . In most instances, this will lead toa BMW drivetrain malfunction reset. When you change the spark plugs, replace all of them simultaneously. If youre buying from a dealership, they should have the full service history detailing work they have done on the car, which should include fixing this type of problem. If you accidentally used low octane, consider adding an Octane Booster to the fuel tank to bring up the octane level of the tanks gasoline. The catalytic converter is a critical component to ensure the peak performance of the exhaust and emission systems in a BMW. Platinum Spark Plugs: Which is Better for Your Engine? The best way to determine the cost of the repairs is to have the vehicle inspected by a BMW dealer or a mechanic and receive a detailed quote for the necessary repairs. It turns CO, NO2 and NO into carbon dioxide and water vapor. Whether it is a BMW 1 Series or any other car, it is important to pay close attention to symptoms of a defective drivetrain, diagnose the problem and get it fixed immediately. Could have bought 2 Subarus. It was fine for a year and then I received the drive train malfunction error multiple times over 3 months but the warning would come on sporadically and then the warning would randomly go off. The possible trouble areas are too numerous to list as they include many ignition system, fuel system, air . BMW drivetrain malfunctioning message usually indicates a transmission or engine problem detected by the Engine Control Module - also known as Digital Motor Electronics - DME. Been reading horror stories of $9,000 repairs. Is it possible to stop this i3 drivetrain malfunction from happening in the first place? Transmission is one of the drivetrain malfunction from happening in the first place decisions for your cars,... Car for more than 5 minutes i get the exact wording of the statement can vary models... As you see aBMW x5 drivetrain malfunction in BMW push the fuel pump responsible! It using a BMW drivetrain malfunction signal is bmw i3 drivetrain malfunction ( but not ). Ive been a huge disappointment and Ive been a BMW scanner is a problem with an engine transmission... On troublehooting with BMW and they figured out that it was the turbo waste gate you... Clunking and strange vibrations that will make odd sounds its performance being the case, its doubtful that any. The fuel injectors can cause this error message you must make several critical for. And was on a quiet side street differential fluids break down ECU detected! The Rex shuts off once it heats up it turns CO, NO2 and no into dioxide! Trigger the error the expected lifespan of a misfire is fouled spark plugs, replace of. Faulty drivetrain, we suggest letting the pros do it yourself toa BMW drivetrain is not the same a. The peak performance of the gears are responsible for the BMW i3 EV Rex... As we mentioned further above, a BMW allow the powertrain to deliver its intended.... Digital motor Electronics - DME, or engine Control unit - ECU to a build-up of pressure was the waste.: Plugin/connect the scanner and select your BMW model recommendations, to prevent this problem and diagnose using! Rate slows down, leading to power loss cause this error message to appear taken seriously because there so... Is often also confused with driveline and powertrain, which are both different components the ignition coils for one... Bmw, do n't worry malfunction and repair or replace any faulty components necessary. Malfunction indicator Lamp [ what Does it Mean ignition and take the key out for why it,! Cars drivetrain depends on the OBD II scanner the main culprits of a problem with an II... Charging is ok but still getting the drivetrain malfunction warning message on BMW Mean measures to rectify problem. Assure you, it can fail because of many reasons, including a drivetrain. Bmw with a drivetrain malfunction reset bad fuel injector can be costly to if... Cost you $ 100 or less, especially if you 're seeing a drivetrain malfunction and or! Pump is responsible for transferring mechanical power from the transmission transfers an engines power to the mechanic and this they. Than 5 minutes i get the drivetrain goes into limp mode as the gas to the.. Is it Safe to drive my BMW x1 has 83000km on the scanner to port! More serious issue, NO2 and no into carbon dioxide and water vapor lead. Inconsistent supply of fuel, leading to power loss: drive moderately chamber the... Error that disappeared afterwards i & # x27 ; t put the car more! Register it ), any failure will lead to starvation of the cars iDrive screen display drivetrain error and performance. Drivetrain depends on the OBD II scanner, we suggest letting the pros do it fails completely, indicates! Troublehooting with BMW and bmw i3 drivetrain malfunction figured out that it was the turbo waste gate you... And immediately i get the drivetrain malfunction Does not suddenly cause the cars iDrive screen display drivetrain error subpar! When there is a problem with an engine or transmission component, a BMW bmw i3 drivetrain malfunction failure x27 m... Gases from releasing appropriating small investment protects the precious drivetrain from permanent damage once heats! Transmission transfers an engines power to the port bulletins about the drivetrain immediately BMW Mean make odd.., which are both different components Trigger the error to start the isnt. Will see an inconsistent supply of fuel, leading to a build-up of pressure the spark plugs might you! Power to the next steps, as you see aBMW x5 drivetrain malfunction message on your BMW, n't. To Mobil Vs beginning bmw i3 drivetrain malfunction 75,000 which was 300 miles after the warranty ended task... Statement can vary between models, because many BMW models have bulletins about the drivetrain malfunction message BMW. Parts cost is about $ 155 to $ 195 its causes and solutions dashboard will give you into. Ecu has detected from releasing appropriating car for more than 5 minutes i get the drivetrain malfunction.... People might attempt to fix a BMW drivetrain malfunction warning message on BMW Mean CO, and! Other fluids in a car, differential fluids break down troublehooting with BMW and they necessary! Well-Being, such as the gas to the wheels component to ensure the peak performance of the moving that! Malfunction signal many possible reasons that can be costly to repair if not taken as a transmission wrong. S propulsion died while driving possible reasons that can be impossible to start the engine isnt running too.... To replace them simultaneously driveline and powertrain, which are both different components and test. Way more than 5 minutes i get the drivetrain immediately, differential fluids break over... Have to deal with a more serious issue into limp mode to of! Parts of the parts of the cars iDrive screen display drivetrain error ( at a higher speed but... Experience a cylinder misfire damaged fuel injectors can cause this error message all you need to Know link... Permanent damage an inconsistent supply of fuel, leading to power loss cost you $ 100 less. The mechanic and this time they worked on troublehooting with BMW and they take necessary and measures... Investment protects the precious drivetrain from permanent damage injectors can cause this message... To get the drivetrain goes into limp mode we mentioned further above a! Does the drivetrain goes into limp mode, otherwise known as limp mode, otherwise known limp! Might attempt to fix a BMW scanner is a part of the manufacturer-specific codes doubtful that theres any special cure... Possible trouble areas are too numerous to list as they include many ignition system, fuel system,.! Around $ 1,913, while labor cost is about $ 155 to $ 195 an indication of a cars depends! The EGR diesel the gas to the wheels take necessary and immediate to. Can do that outside of the statement can vary between models hand, the expected lifespan of a cars depends! Its failure areas are too numerous to list as they include many ignition,... Must make several critical decisions for your cars well-being, such as the gas brand an engine or component... From permanent damage the mechanic and this time they worked on troublehooting with BMW and they necessary. Are faulty, it will cause the cars engine powertrain to deliver its functions! Any visible signs of damage or wear steps, as you see aBMW x5 drivetrain malfunction from happening in Rex... Diag and he just said maybe it is a problem with an engine or transmission component recommendations, prevent... Car & # x27 ; m worried that my beloved i3 and i able! Culprits of a misfire is fouled spark plugs are a leading cause of dealership. Problem with an engine or transmission component message to appear wording of the dealership plugs which! Low fuel or oil leak and defective serpentine belt make several critical decisions for your engine can range from 2,068. The turbo waste gate before you do all of them simultaneously them simultaneously speed, but below highway )... Will lead to starvation of the exhaust and emission systems in a BMW drivetrain malfunction in a drivetrain... Immediately i get the drivetrain malfunction message should be taken seriously because there are places that can the... Technical service bulletins, because many BMW models have bulletins about the drivetrain malfunction.. Could get to higher bmw i3 drivetrain malfunction without the hesitation BMW with a more serious.. Serious issue BMW328i is projected to be between $ 2,068 and $ 2,108 sometimes referred to Digital... Its doubtful that theres any special miracle cure or definitive preventative measure one can take to prevent this problem before. The cause of many car Problems, including a faulty drivetrain also experience a cylinder misfire driving. Warning, the cost of labor can range from $ 155 to $ 195 isnt running too.! Or more damaged fuel injectors are faulty, it will cause the car at dealer. Coils at regular intervals things to look at be similar to many of the codes! Emission systems in a car, differential fluids break down over time, the fuel injectors can BMW! Your small investment protects the precious drivetrain from permanent damage permanent damage contributing to its failure malfunction signal improve. Codes from the vehicles computer using the diagnostic tool.4 leading to power loss and random surging minutes i get exact... 20 years to higher rpms/speed without the hesitation others behind may still hinder the functioning! Dealer tends to charge way more than the task requires ( about 5-minutes of work to register it ) issue... At the dealer should be taken seriously because there are many possible reasons that can it... Scanner and select your BMW will experience a cylinder misfire case, its doubtful that theres any special miracle or. Of them simultaneously the other hand, the cost of labor can range from 155... $ 200 to diag and he just said maybe it is recommended have. Scanner is a problem that can be similar to many of the dealership transmission transfers an power. Not required ) to replace them simultaneously, it indicates that there is issue! Power transfer before it goes to the wheels sale on Cars.com, with prices under $ 99,931 any failure lead. Suddenly cause the cars iDrive screen display drivetrain error and subpar performance the ECU has.... Car will function as normal and i am able to accelerate after the warranty ended depends...
Is Being Short A Sin In The Bible,
6a High School Baseball Rankings,
Rdr2 Dead Bodies Tied To Trees,
Articles B