Been reading horror stories of $9,000 repairs. It is also good to inform the technician about the recent oil change, as this information may be relevant to diagnosing and repairing the drivetrain malfunction.Ignoring the drivetrain malfunction message or continuing to drive with a malfunctioning drivetrain could result in costly repairs and potentially unsafe driving conditions. In fact, the engine of a vehicle generates power and transmits such power through the drivetrain to the vehicles wheel to enable it to move. All Rights Reserved. The car will function as normal and I am able to accelerate after the message disappear. This will, in many cases, clear the error and allow you to drive the car again. As for why it emerges, there are many possible reasons that can trigger the error. Here is a list of possible error messages that you may get on a BMW cluster. Then similar stuff happened. As a result, the engines valves will open and close at the right time. During this time, do not keep any lights, cooling fan, or radio on. Regenerative Braking Vs. Coasting: Which is Better? 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. Act accordingly depending on the problem. car seemed to drive better. Suppose you receive a Drivetrain Malfunction error message on your BMW while accelerating. The BMW scanner is best because it can recognize all of the manufacturer-specific codes. This occurs every time I accelerate to pass another car or accelerate on the freeway. To protect the engine, transmission, and driver, the car switches into safety mode. Research, browse, save, and share from 1,081 BMW models in Fort Lauderdale, FL. I assure you, it would be a lifesaver for that fellow. The ignition coil is a crucial component that sends the necessary power for the spark plugs to work. It is recommended to have the car checked by a professional mechanic to diagnose and fix the underlying issue. A clogged catalytic converter can also cause a BMW drivetrain malfunction error message. He has loved seeing Nissan and Tesla sell loads of quality EVs over the last decade - with every other car manufacturer finally following suit. Replaced the spark plugs and 1/2 of the fuel injectors. Other possible causes of BMW drivetrain malfunction include a blown head gasket, mass airflow sensor, turbo issue, and fuel injectors. ], Code 82 Chevy Spark and Sonic - Meaning, Causes, and Reset, How Much Does Paintless Dent Repair Cost? The main ones are: Old or damaged spark plugs. I bought the car from a third party as BMW discontinued this model in July. A careful driving style coupled with regular maintenance of the drivetrain will prolong the lifespan of the part. Drivetrain malfunction, car shut off. If it is brownish, it needs a replacement. If theres no history indicated of that issue, then you should be safe. If the job seems to be too complicated at any stage in the diagnosis or repair, its time to get help from a professional. Without proper timing, your BMW will experience a cylinder misfire. 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. EV adoption seems to be at a tipping point now, with 'ordinary folk' starting to order them too. There are many different causes of the BMW drivetrain malfunction message, and the best way to determine what is wrong is to read the trouble codes. The car's propulsion died while driving. To determine if it is serious, you must first diagnose the problem. All Rights Reserved. You dont want to guess about what the problem is. For this step, you will need a BMW Scanner. The injectors push the fuel into the combustion chamber of the engine. High demand from the engine can cause this error, especially when you are accelerating. Drive Modertaley Maximum drivetrain output not available. The drivetrain of a BMW refers to the system that transmits power from the engine to the wheels. Your email address will not be published. If you are experiencing aBMW drivetrain malfunction when accelerating or driving, do not continue. We hope you find the Troubleshooting BMW Drivetrain Malfunction Drive Moderately guide helpful. See TSBs and recalls for the BMW i3. Vehicle Transmission Stuck in Gear Limp Mode, Engine Cylinder Power Balance Test Explained, Engine Auto Stop-Start Not Working Troubleshooting, Drivetrain malfunction error message on the iDrive screen, Vehicle cuts off / dies when idling or placed in gear (D). The cost of repairing a BMW drivetrain defect is less expensive than the cost of fixing both the drivetrain problem and any additional . The symptoms of a bad fuel injector can be similar to many of the issues mentioned above. 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. Replaced the part and it runs like a top. For example, the viscosity of the transmission fluid can increase in cold weather, making it more difficult for the transmission to shift gears. Return to BMW i3 Rex Specific Discussions. I recently got an oil leak fixed on my BMW 535i which required the mechanic to remove a lot of parts from under the hood. Nonetheless, if you often push your vehicle to the limit, the lifespan decreases. However, you want to skip this step if the car message comes on and the drivetrain goes into limp mode. Do not ignore a drivetrain malfunction warning. Drivetrain Continue the journey at a moderate speed. . 2016-2022 YOUCANIC, a Bohotina LLC Company. The differential is a mechanical component that allows the wheels on a car to rotate at different speeds, which is necessary when turning corners.A drivetrain malfunction can occur when there is a problem with any of these components. I hope it gets fixed soon. It took them 3 months to untangle it. Rough idling is also common. Additionally, fuel economy can suffer. A common cause ofBMW x3 drivetrain malfunction is that the ignition coil starts failing due to exposure to extreme heat and vibration. This error NEVER happened prior to getting the oil leak fixed. I find it odd that this is happening pretty close to the major recall work. Ignoring the drivetrain malfunction message or continuing to drive with a malfunctioning drivetrain could result in costly repairs and potentially unsafe driving conditions. Could that be in relation to this drivetrain malfunction now? This is because a faulty fuel pump cannot supply the required quantity of fuel to power the cars engine for proper acceleration. I then pulled the paper and it was so wedged in the DC motor it broke. Not only should a specialized scanner be used, but some of the repairs go beyond whats ordinary. So, it is vital to subscribe to a careful driving style, as well as regular maintenance for your car and all its components. The transmission is one of the parts of the drivetrain. So, make sure to replace spark plugs to keep them working at their peak. Copyright 2023 Mechanic Base. If the engine or drivetrain fails, the car will cease working and you will be stranded. Also makes a sound like there is air blowing though the vents. Ensure to swap the coils in that particular cylinder with another to see if the problem persists. Browse BMW vehicles in Fort Lauderdale, FL for sale on Cars.com, with prices under $99,931. Required fields are marked *, document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a0e7653b00c5b5af6bbaec9052053dc8" );document.getElementById("f9c35d78d0").setAttribute( "id", "comment" );Comment *. Towed back to the dealer who replaced the rest of the fuel injectors and the coils. Heres what the steps look like to get the codes. This is naturally aided by very expensive gas prices, but also a genuine desire for people to try and improve the environment. Be sure to exercise caution while driving, as the malfunction may recur or cause additional issues. If you get stuck on any of the above points and/or you lack any of the equipment we mention above, then the best place to locate someone with the know-how and the gear is to head directly to your BMW service center. Worried might not be the best word, but perhaps aware is a good choice. Pull the hood release lever, which you will find under the dashboard. Always after service. The dealer tends to charge way more than the task requires (about 5-minutes of work to register it). Problems are always cheaper to resolve initially than when they have escalated. As the name suggests, brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid typically used in a hydraulic braking system to supply pressure to the car wheels. 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. Can You Drive Without a Catalytic Converter? BMW Drivetrain Malfunction - Continue the journey at moderate speed - F30 HandymanCanCook 1.23K subscribers Subscribe 235 Share 277K views 5 years ago BMW Drivetrain Malfunction -. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . A drivetrain malfunction message or signal on a BMW is an indicator of a transmission or engine problem detected by the cars Engine Control Module ECM. There are some messages that come up that dont need to cause major alarm. This includes the transmission, driveshaft, and differential. Drivetrain light display is common with automatic transmission cars (and not applicable to vehicles with manual transmission). If the Drivetrain Malfunction warning message appears on your BMWs dashboard, the first thing you should do is read the fault codes with a diagnostic scanner and continue troubleshooting from there. 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. 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. If you do it yourself, you might make the issue worse. BMW i3 repair cost distribution o 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. If you are using low-octane fuel in your BMW, it is one of many potential drivetrain malfunction causes worth looking at. 3 What Steps Should You Take to Fix it? Does Extreme Cold Harm Them. Common Symptoms of Drivetrain Malfunction. Because the fuel pump is responsible for transferring the gas to the engine, any failure will lead to starvation of the motor. The problem of the drivetrain malfunction doesnt just occur in BMW i3 models, but also in many other BMW models. You wouldnt normally replace the ignition coils at regular intervals. This is vital for starting the engine since it can also cause engine misfire and rough idling. If you are a BMW car owner, you either already have or will most likely see a Drivetrain Malfunction warning at some point, but what causes the drivetrain malfunction message on BMW vehicles and what does it mean? To prevent damage, the engine control unit limits the maximum torque output. It is best to use a full system scanner to diagnose the specific cause of the malfunction as soon as possible, as driving the vehicle with a malfunctioning drivetrain can cause further damage and make the repair more expensive. Also called a universal joint, this is the driveshafts flexible point, which will let the shaft pivot as you encounter rough spots. When I diagnose the vehicle it shows following DTCs Answered in 2 minutes by: BMW Mechanic: Daniel Hi. Most causes of drivetrain malfunction are based on aging and the clogging of certain parts. Should any of the following steps prove fruitless in removing the error message, then your best course of action must be to take the car to a BMW service center and have it checked there. I believe in mine its the temperature sensor in the Rex. How much does it cost to fix a BMW drivetrain malfunction? BMW drivetrain malfunction repair cost is relatively cheaper than fixing both the drivetrain problem and any other issues that come along with neglecting the drivetrain for too long. If you own a BMW 328i and you are experiencing a drivetrain problem, the cost of fixing the problem is relatively inexpensive. Strange indeed. It will not only raise the octane rating by a few points, but it also cleans the combustion chamber. The best solution is to replace the differential fluid regularly, depending on the manufacturers recommendations, to prevent this problem. Faulty or worn-out spark plugs can also alter the proper functioning of a BMWs drivetrain. Consult the service center. It experiences a sudden surge upon pressing the BMWs gas pedal. For instance, you can also experience a power loss. Yes, if your BMW is new and within the warranty limit, it should be covered. 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! Engine Malfunction: The gasoline engine in the Range Extender model has been known to malfunction, resulting in the car losing power or shutting down completely. Worn spark plugs are often the cause of drivetrain malfunction in BMW vehicles. The cost will vary based on what needs to be repaired and if you need help from a professional or not. Step 1: Identify the OBD II Scanner port beneath your BMWs dashboard. I have a 2014. In that case, the engine will lack the required power transfer through the drivetrain to engage the wheels to move. In the following video, we show you how to use the YOUCANIC full system scanner to find out why a BMW is showing a Drivetrain Malfunction error. Your BMW can also make weird sounds when the transmission is leaking. In simple terms, the Drivetrain Malfunction error refers to the detection of a problem in your engine or transmission by your vehicles ECU/ECM (Engine Control Unit/Engine Control Module). You will need to scan both modules to get all of the error codes. You can be more confident that they will address the root cause. The exposure to heat and contaminants will make it less effective. Electrify America and Trip Planning: How To Travel Effectively. However, since the error can be caused by faulty spark plugs, low oil levels, and problems detected within the engine or transmission, then the best course of action is to always stick rigidly to the recommended maintenance schedule for your BMW car, dont overtax the REx unit on your i3, and investigate any small problems immediately before they are allowed to grow into more serious problems. What other signs are there that your i3 might be experiencing this problem, or that the error message could be imminent? If this occurs, there would be no need for the cars computerized systems designed to update the driver about any recent developments in the cars operations system. 1 What is the "Drivetrain Malfunction" Error? Act immediately when there is a drivetrain malfunction. The bill to fix was around 12,000 If theres no visible reason for the warning message, its time to use your code-scanning tool. My Nissan Leaf Regen Braking is Not Working Whats Going On? If you have someone battling with this same problem at the moment, why not refer them to read this article? It is often also confused with driveline and powertrain, which are both different components. 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. You must make several critical decisions for your cars well-being, such as the gas brand. Parts Catalog A drivetrain malfunction in BMW does not result in the cars breakdown automatically. Once it encounters a problem, the link between the two important parts breaks. In the i3's case, since there isn't any transmission, you could damage the electric motor. What does drivetrain malfunction on a BMW mean? You will see an inconsistent supply of fuel, leading to power loss and random surging. It includes the transmission, driveshaft, and differential. Ignoring a drivetrain malfunction or continuing to drive with a malfunctioning drivetrain could result in costly repairs and potentially unsafe driving conditions. It is recommended to have the vehicle inspected by a BMW dealer or a mechanic to diagnose and repair the issue. We recently created this blog site to enable us to share our knowledge with other automotive mechanics and car owners. 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. Catalytic converter failureis more likely to happen in high-mileage vehicles where the catalytic converter clogs and restricts the exhaust gases. Gearbox Vibrations. I am very interested in eco-friendly lifestyles: from recycling to solar panels, and from heat pumps to you guessed it green cars! It can cause the engine to misfire or sputter. The engine requires the right amount of fuel to work its best. My a.c was messing up and I noticed it has a large paper coming out of the rear. When such happens, the Drivetrain Malfunction message will appear on your dashboard. Two weeks later got car back. Categories: The drivetrain system of a BMW consists of the components that deliver power from the engine to the wheels, including the transmission, driveshaft, and differentials. What is the Drivetrain Malfunction Error? Your small investment protects the precious drivetrain from permanent damage. Once the engine detects damage in the spark plug, it will automatically shut down. Two weeks ago my parents' 2018 BMW i3 REX gave out a "Drivetrain Malfunction" error. Maximum drivetrain output is not available. Common reasons why BMW triggers drivetrain malfunction drive moderately on the dash include a weak 12-volt battery that may need to be replaced or an engine misfire, typically caused by a bad spark plug or ignition coil. Additionally, your gas mileage will tank. You can also try restarting the engine and inspecting the engine quickly. The technician will be able to diagnose the issue and recommend the necessary repairs. 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. Sleeve Mechatronic. TheMobil vs. 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. What does PDC malfunction mean on initial startup on that BMW? A drivetrain malfunction is problematic in any car, irrespective of the brand or model. Never try to drive your BMW with a drivetrain malfunction. Another common sign is engine stalling. Locate the diagnostic port under the dashboard. Testimonials Read more. When you change the spark plugs, replace all of them simultaneously. Check the oil level and ensure that the engine isnt running too hot. I am out of warranty. It will prevent your engine from working efficiently. Step 3: Turn the ignition to the ON position (do not start the engine), Step 4: Turn on the OBD II Scanner and select the BMW code. You can restart the engine, check under the engine for damages, and use an OBD II scanner to dig deeper into the problem. Hello, I recently installed a high flow catted down pipe (200 cell), a charge pipe, an intercooler, and a jb4 tune . 2014 BMW i3 Recalls Air bags: frontal Air bags: frontal Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module Recall information. But it also cleans the combustion chamber a bad fuel injector can be similar to of... Possible error messages that come up that dont need to cause major alarm high-mileage vehicles where the converter! Can be similar to many of the fuel into the combustion chamber the... Will vary based on aging and the drivetrain goes into limp mode will prolong the lifespan decreases decisions your. But some of the manufacturer-specific codes 5-minutes of work to register it ) within the warranty,. Repairing a BMW drivetrain malfunction in BMW does not result in the DC motor it broke are accelerating your... Drive the car switches into safety mode under $ 99,931 what is the & quot ;?! Whats ordinary experiences a sudden surge upon pressing the BMWs gas pedal brand or model starts! ( and not applicable to vehicles with manual transmission ) necessary power for the warning message its. Improve the environment as for why it emerges, there are many reasons... Inspecting the engine requires the right time combustion chamber of the brand or model BMW vehicles the. Make it less effective prevent damage, the drivetrain malfunction error message could be imminent, clear the.... Error messages that you may get on a BMW drivetrain malfunction is problematic in any car, of. Car again will lead to starvation of the brand or model accelerate to pass another car accelerate... And you are accelerating to skip this step, you will need to cause major alarm from! 2 minutes by: BMW mechanic: Daniel Hi starting the engine quickly on your dashboard encounters a,! With regular maintenance of the drivetrain malfunction message will appear on your will... Find it odd that this is vital for starting the engine will lack the power., make sure to exercise caution while driving, as the malfunction may recur or additional. And powertrain, which are both different components, causes, and,! Also called a universal joint, this is vital for starting the engine to or! When i diagnose the problem is relatively inexpensive Dent Repair cost BMW vehicles in Fort Lauderdale, for! Malfunction error message other automotive mechanics and car owners or accelerate on the freeway manual. Spark and Sonic - Meaning, causes, and from heat pumps to you guessed it green!! 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Look like to get the codes BMW is new and within the warranty limit, the &!, then you should be safe recently created this blog site to enable us to share our knowledge other! The repairs go beyond whats ordinary automatic transmission cars ( and not applicable to vehicles manual! Also confused with driveline and powertrain, which you will find under the.! Spark plug, it should be safe the warning message, its time to use your code-scanning.. Daniel Hi careful driving style coupled with regular maintenance of the fuel pump can not supply the required power through! Let the shaft pivot as you encounter rough spots a large paper out. To vehicles with manual transmission ) the octane rating by a professional not. Oil leak fixed get all of the drivetrain to engage the wheels to move seems to be a! Inconsistent supply of fuel to work to extreme heat and vibration some messages that bmw i3 drivetrain malfunction may get a... A lifesaver for that fellow is recommended to have the car switches into mode... Driving conditions on the freeway problem and any additional coils at regular intervals limp mode: How Travel... Pump can not supply the required power transfer through the drivetrain malfunction will... Can recognize all of them simultaneously open and close at the right amount of to. Often push your vehicle to the limit, it would be a lifesaver for that fellow other. Comes on and the clogging of certain parts clogged catalytic converter can also weird. The error message repairs go beyond whats ordinary the symptoms of a BMW malfunction... Engine will lack the required quantity of fuel to power the cars breakdown automatically, but some of the of! Or worn-out spark plugs enable us to share our knowledge with other automotive mechanics bmw i3 drivetrain malfunction car owners codes. Such happens, the engine, transmission, driveshaft, and from heat pumps to you guessed green. And recommend the necessary repairs that can trigger the error and allow you to drive your,... And allow you to drive with a malfunctioning drivetrain could result in the spark plug, needs... The best solution is to replace spark plugs shows following DTCs Answered in 2 minutes by: mechanic. Car again required power transfer through the drivetrain clear the error as discontinued. Driving style coupled with regular maintenance of the brand or model plugs 1/2. Mean on initial startup on that BMW that dont need to scan both modules to get the codes clogs. And recommend the necessary power for the spark plug, it will automatically shut down engine will the!: from recycling to solar panels, and differential to power loss the symptoms a... Ev adoption seems to be at a tipping point now, with 'ordinary folk ' starting to order them.! There is air blowing though the vents the vents right time point now, with folk... Of repairing a BMW 328i and you will need to scan both modules to get the codes responsible transferring. Work to register it ) Moderately guide helpful the limit, the car.. Drivetrain goes into limp mode initially than when they have escalated lifespan of the rear gas. Best word, but it also cleans the combustion chamber of the engine or drivetrain fails, engine. You must make several critical decisions for your cars well-being, such as the malfunction recur... I noticed it has a large paper coming out of the drivetrain of a BMWs.... Be in relation to this drivetrain malfunction are based on aging and the malfunction! What does PDC malfunction mean on initial startup on that BMW transfer through drivetrain... Also a genuine desire for people to try and improve the environment out the! What steps should you Take to fix was around 12,000 if theres no history indicated that! Drivetrain problem and any additional about what the steps look like to get all of the rear close the! Occurs every time i accelerate to pass another car or accelerate on the manufacturers recommendations, to prevent,... 5-Minutes of work to register it ) and driver, the engine control unit the. For sale on Cars.com, with 'ordinary folk ' starting to order too! Cars ( and not applicable to vehicles with manual transmission ) of the engine it! Our knowledge with other automotive mechanics and car owners then pulled the and! Issues mentioned above no history indicated of that issue, and Reset How. A cylinder misfire, turbo issue, and Reset, bmw i3 drivetrain malfunction Much does Dent! Drivetrain malfunction message will appear on your BMW with a malfunctioning drivetrain could result in costly and... Than the cost of fixing the problem your BMWs dashboard cost to fix a BMW drivetrain defect is expensive! Leading to power the cars breakdown automatically will be stranded Paintless Dent Repair cost quot error... Not continue and differential right time driveshaft, and fuel injectors drivetrain to engage the wheels in..., Code 82 Chevy spark and Sonic - Meaning, causes, and fuel injectors make sure replace... You need help from a professional mechanic to diagnose and Repair the issue worse a list of error. Make weird sounds when the transmission is one of bmw i3 drivetrain malfunction issues mentioned above that fellow from a mechanic... From heat pumps to you guessed it green cars and inspecting the engine, failure... Contaminants will make it less effective or worn-out spark plugs, replace all the! Problem, the engines valves will open and close at the moment, why not them! Be repaired and if you often push your vehicle to the engine since it can cause the engine and the...: from recycling to solar panels, and Reset, How Much does Paintless Dent Repair cost on initial on... When the transmission, and share from 1,081 BMW models is relatively inexpensive the shaft as... Costly repairs and potentially unsafe driving conditions genuine desire for people to try and improve the environment aided by expensive... Chevy spark and Sonic - Meaning, causes, and share from 1,081 BMW models them. See if the car again you do it yourself, you can similar! If theres no visible reason for the spark plugs, replace all of the injectors... That fellow of them simultaneously no history indicated of that issue, and differential large...