What does drivetrain malfunction on a BMW mean? Osuagwu Solomon is a certified mechanic with over a decade of experience in the mechanic garage, and he has over five years of experience in the writing industry. How To Fix The BMW Drivetrain Malfunction Message? A clogged catalytic converter can also cause a BMW drivetrain malfunction error message. This is naturally aided by very expensive gas prices, but also a genuine desire for people to try and improve the environment. If the Drivetrain Malfunction error message appears on your BMW after an oil change, there may be a problem with the vehicles drivetrain system. I am wondering if this is most likely because of the downpipe installed or if I need to upgrade my spark plugs for the higher power the engine is now making? This handy tool will show various error codes to determine what is wrong with the BMW drivetrain. Restart the engine when the BMW Drivetrain Malfunction error message comes up. Not confident driving this car. 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. With the codes in hand, you should have a better idea about what should be fixed. If theres no fluid in the brake reservoir, the brakes will Mobil Vs. Browse BMW 530 vehicles in Boca Raton, FL for sale on Cars.com, with prices under $99,931. Does anyone have experience with this? 1 What is the "Drivetrain Malfunction" Error? Every now and then do a longer trip.last week drove 200mile R/T from Brooksville to Sanford to pick up an '04 Jag Vanden Plas.or like tomorrow I'm driving to St Pete.when the battery gets to less than 75% I turn on the range extender. Run the car until the check engine light comes back on. Ignoring a drivetrain malfunction or continuing to drive with a malfunctioning drivetrain could result in costly repairs and potentially unsafe driving conditions. So, it is vital to subscribe to a careful driving style, as well as regular maintenance for your car and all its components. I have the same issue, 1301 York Rd #800Timonium Maryland 21093 USA, About Could have bought 2 Subarus. It can cause the engine to misfire or sputter. For instance, you can also experience a power loss. I am very interested in eco-friendly lifestyles: from recycling to solar panels, and from heat pumps to you guessed it green cars! Many people often misunderstand it. I have a 650I w/53700 miles on it. Anyone have that part number?? The ignition coil is a crucial component that sends the necessary power for the spark plugs to work. Not under warranty. I'm Daniel, I'll be the mechanic assisting you today. Any suggestions. 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. The error comes and goes and I do not have any shaking or anything. The fuel pump may fail to create enough pressure, especially when there is a high demand from the engine. It is best to pull over immediately and inspect the car. The YOUCANIC scanner can diagnose the problem, allowing you to read the fault codes from the Digital Motor Electronics (DME) and transmission (EGS) modules. a few hours later i went to check on the car and see how it was doing. To fix the BMW drivetrain malfunction message, you need to read the error codes from the engine and transmission control modules with an OBD2 scanner to determine what is causing the problem. I bought the car from a third party as BMW discontinued this model in July. As an example, changing the spark plugs might cost you $100 or less, especially if you can do it yourself. A drivetrain malfunction in a BMW refers to a problem with the cars power transfer system, which includes the transmission, driveshaft, and differentials. Review your warranty paperwork or call BMW to determine if your vehicle is still covered by their warranty. Not to limit here, these smart systems reveal the signals immediately on the vehicles dashboard. I can drive it electric but the Rex shuts off once it heats up . It is also common to find metal shaving in oil. Tristan is a software developer who is passionate about eco-friendly lifestyles - and products, such as green cars! There can also be clunking and strange vibrations that will make odd sounds. The catalytic converter is a critical component to ensure the peak performance of the exhaust and emission systems in a BMW. The engine cuts off when the gear is engaged. 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. We recommend using only fuel with at least a 93-octane rating to prevent this problem. The bill to fix was around 12,000 It may have damaged parts that are responsible for the drivetrain malfunction. My warming about the Drivetrain Malfunction happen yesterday. Instead, you would deal with a misfiring engine, stalling, strange vibrations and a rough idle. He started writing automotive articles to share his garage experience with car enthusiasts and armature mechanics. Read more. Hi Mike, how did you fix the problem? When the coils go bad, power cant be distributed to the spark plugs. Worn spark plugs are often the cause of drivetrain malfunction in BMW vehicles. Its possible that theres a simple fault that can be repaired to get you back on the road. It can be a problem with the vehicle's ignition or fuel system but is sometimes a problem with the transmission. The catalytic converter is a vital part of the emissions system. She had a full battery charge and was not using the range extender. Getting Stuck in Parks. Step 3: Allow the car to stay for at least 5 to 7 minutes and restart the engine. Replacing some and leaving others behind may still hinder the proper functioning of the cars engine. Im finding this hard to believe, can anybody give some expert on this? Never try to drive your BMW with a drivetrain malfunction. When such happens, the Drivetrain Malfunction message will appear on your dashboard. If a problem is detected in the powertrain, the "drivetrain malfunction" light will . Its best to turn the engine off and let it sit for a moment. A vehicles drivetrain is expected to last around 1,500 to 3,000 miles. Since most of the error messages are caused by fairly minor problems, you shouldnt expect skyrocketing auto shop bills when dealing with this problem. These parts are necessary for fuel transmission from the tank to the engine. Therefore, it is a no-no! )due to the Engine light coming on for high temperature and Get Roadside Assistance. Castrol Edge vs. Mobil 1 Oil: Differences & Which Is Better? Bad Batteries. Jiffy Lube Vs. Valvoline Oil Change: Differences & Which Is Better? Certified Automotive Diagnostic Technician. Of course, for many BMW models, checking the engine is as simple as lifting the hood, but in the case of the i3 REx, you have to access the engine from the trunk, lifting up first the floor mat, and then unscrewing the metal engine bay covering. On the other hand, replacing the catalytic converter could run $950 to $2,500, even if you dont need a professional. If you realize that you have filled your cars fuel tank with low-quality octane gasoline, ensure to add an octane booster immediately to step up the fuel quality for the car. Required fields are marked *, document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a0e7653b00c5b5af6bbaec9052053dc8" );document.getElementById("f9c35d78d0").setAttribute( "id", "comment" );Comment *. Yes, this vehicle shows drivetrain malfunction Mechanic's Assistant: Anything else you want the Mechanic to know before I connect you? Hey guys, my 2015 BMW i3 has been amazing until just a few moth ago the same thing happened to me. This can cause various issues, including difficulty shifting gears, reduced power or acceleration, and strange noises coming from the transmission. This cause ofBMW 528i drivetrain malfunction can result in more problems if you do not address it properly. Driving is not recommended if the engine is shaking and there is reduced power or limp mode. The drivetrain of a BMW refers to the system that transmits power from the engine to the wheels. To prevent damage, the engine control unit limits the maximum torque output. On the other hand, the cost of labor can range from $155 to $195. Consult the service center. 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. BMW drivetrain malfunctioning message usually indicates a transmission or engine problem detected by the Engine Control Module also known as Digital Motor Electronics DME. It will prevent your engine from working efficiently. In most instances, this will lead toa BMW drivetrain malfunction reset. At the same time, when the dipstick shows that it is low, it is a sign that it is leaking, and hence, you will need a refill. For example, there might be an oil or transmission fluid leak that needs to be repaired. To determine if it is serious, you must first diagnose the problem. A drivetrain malfunction message or signal on a BMW is an indicator of a transmission or engine problem detected by the car's Engine Control Module - ECM. Content is for informational purposes only. It is important to address drivetrain malfunctions as soon as possible to avoid potentially damaging the cars transmission or other components. 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. Step 4: Check the cars engine oil level. [Full Guide], Scratched Rims Repair Cost [How Much to Fix a Scratched, SRS Light Honda What It Means and How to Reset. Here is a list of possible error messages that you may get on a BMW cluster. Read codes from the engine (DME) and transmission (EGS) module. Ensure to swap the coils in that particular cylinder with another to see if the problem persists. Drive Modertaley Maximum drivetrain output not available. While they have similarities, note that they do not have the same functions. Other causes along this line include; mass airflow sensor, blown head gasket, or defective turbo. This might not solve the malfunction, but it could reset it and allow you to drive normally and without restriction as you try to get the car to a service center. If you own a BMW 328i and you are experiencing a drivetrain problem, the cost of fixing the problem is relatively inexpensive. A failed ignition coil can cause engine misfireand BMW error message drivetrain malfunction on iDrive. This occurs every time I accelerate to pass another car or accelerate on the freeway. They are only replaced when they go bad.