If the Drivetrain Malfunction error occurs, there could be a problem with the fuel getting to the engine. Replaced the part and it runs like a top. 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. Copyright 2023 Mechanic Base. dollars. My Nissan Leaf Regen Braking is Not Working Whats Going On? 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. Ignoring a drivetrain malfunction or continuing to drive with a malfunctioning drivetrain could result in costly repairs and potentially unsafe driving conditions. Shell Gas: Which One to Go for in 2023. Ignoring the drivetrain malfunction message or continuing to drive with a malfunctioning drivetrain could result in costly repairs and potentially unsafe driving conditions. As soon as you see aBMW x5 drivetrain malfunction warning, the fuel pump is one of the first things to look at. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. To clear the Drivetrain Malfunction error message on a BMW, you will need to address the issue causing the malfunction and then clear the error code from the vehicles computer. Ignoring a drivetrain malfunction or continuing to drive with a malfunctioning drivetrain could result in costly repairs and potentially unsafe driving conditions. Long story short, the car started normally about an hour later. The exposure to heat and contaminants will make it less effective. I drove the vehicle yesterday morning, no issues. Once the pump fails completely, it can be impossible to start the engine. Im Planning on Buying a Used BMW i3 Should I Be Worried? 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. 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. I immediately drove to and dropped the car at the dealer. BMW i3 Drivetrain Malfunction Hello, I have a 2014 i3 with 53k miles. The drivetrain malfunctions, and the car wont start. Your problem could be one plug or multiple. Select the appropriate vehicle model and specs in your scanner. It lubricates the differential gears to reduce friction and reduce heat, resulting in better performance and efficiency. BMW i3 Repairs and Problem Descriptions at TrueDelta All years i3 Problems o Engine (38%) Transmission (2%) Brakes (0%) Suspension (6%) Electrical and AC (35%) Body and Trim (9%) Other (9%) Select a problem area Chart based on 211 repairs. I am getting the Drive Train error. So, make sure to replace spark plugs to keep them working at their peak. So, there are a number of symptoms that herald a drivetrain malfunction to serve as warning signs to the driver or the car owner. This is naturally aided by very expensive gas prices, but also a genuine desire for people to try and improve the environment. The fuel pump may fail to create enough pressure, especially when there is a high demand from the engine. - All You Need To Know, link to Mobil Vs. It can cause a slew of problems, including drivetrain malfunction. 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. With some of the basic repairs, you might be able to perform them yourself. No, a BMW drivetrain is not the same as a transmission. It is best to pull over immediately and inspect the car. Strange indeed. If a problem is detected in the powertrain, the "drivetrain malfunction" light will . Hi, Mine is Active Hybrid 5 series. The foremost cause for the transmission malfunction BMW lies in its mechatronic sleeves, which are placed near the automatic gearbox on the passenger side. Not only should a specialized scanner be used, but some of the repairs go beyond whats ordinary. We recommend using only fuel with at least a 93-octane rating to prevent this problem. A drivetrain malfunction in a BMW refers to a problem with the cars power transfer system, which includes the transmission, driveshaft, and differentials. This will prevent more serious and expensive damage. Drivetrain Continue the journey at a moderate speed. DMCA Ignoring the drivetrain malfunction message or continuing to drive with a malfunctioning drivetrain could result in costly repairs and potentially unsafe driving conditions. You will pay more to visit a BMW mechanic, but the guarantee you get is enough to provide peace of mind. The goal is to prevent any further damage while you get the car to a BMW service center. So, whether it is a drivetrain malfunction on BMW 528i or any other BMW series, take any perceived drivetrain issue with seriousness until you have resolved the issue. 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. A professional repair can cost $2,068 to $2,108, depending on the extent of the problem. The main function of the timing chain is to ensure the synchronous movement of the crankshaft and camshaft. On the contrary, you now know what to do if a similar challenge occurs to your BMW car. Drivetrain malfunction on BMW X3 can be costly to repair if a symptom such as a drivetrain light illumination is ignored for a long time. Step 1: Identify a safe location and park the car. This handy tool will show various error codes to determine what is wrong with the BMW drivetrain. Turn off the ignition and remove the key. Categories: 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. During this time, do not keep any lights, cooling fan, or radio on. - Answered by a verified BMW Mechanic . How much does it cost to fix a BMW drivetrain malfunction? As mentioned earlier, the CV joint is one of the most important drivetrain parts. After five to ten minutes of resting, restart the engine. Green Car Future 2018-2023. It could also keep you from starting the engine. And I hope that this dealer isn't ripping you off!! Wait for at least five minutes, then restart the car. A vehicles drivetrain is expected to last around 1,500 to 3,000 miles. 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. If the pump has failed, you will notice this warning, along with several performance issues. 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. It is important to address drivetrain malfunctions as soon as possible to avoid potentially damaging the cars transmission or other components. Consult the service center. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your BMW. Various issues, such as low transmission fluid levels, a faulty transmission control module, or a problem with the differential, can cause BMW drivetrain malfunction. Unsure if it is the ignition coil you should blame? If you notice anything obvious, you have a better idea of what needs to happen next. Before doing this, make sure that the engine has cooled down and park where you wont disturb others on the road. Does Extreme Cold Harm Them. For example, there might be an oil or transmission fluid leak that needs to be repaired. 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. The Check Engine Light can also turn on. This time I took it to my BMW mechanic (not the dealer), and he tested and replaced the battery because it failed all tests seriously in a 4 year old car Got it back and the drivetrain malfunction came on again, this time as I was going out of town on a long road trip. Ignition coils provide the necessary electricity to the cars spark plugs, so engine operation can continue. It transfers power from the transmission to the wheels, allowing it to move forward. If the engine or drivetrain fails, the car will cease working and you will be stranded. Parts Catalog The Engine Control Module is sometimes referred to as Digital Motor Electronics - DME, or Engine Control Unit - ECU. If he is not in the garage fixing challenging mechanical problems, he is writing automotive repair guides, buyers guides, and car and tools comparisons. What Does The Drivetrain Malfunction Message on BMW Mean? i could get to higher rpms/speed without the hesitation. Nonetheless, if you often push your vehicle to the limit, the lifespan decreases. Hey there- what was the fix for this? 2016-2022 YOUCANIC, a Bohotina LLC Company. Its best to turn the engine off and let it sit for a moment. It will result in better consistency. 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. Additionally, driving the vehicle longer than necessary could cause bigger mechanical issues, even with the motor in a limp mode. I bought the car from a third party as BMW discontinued this model in July. Drivetrain malfunction drives moderately. a few hours later i went to check on the car and see how it was doing. If you are unsure, call a mechanic or the dealership. I believe in mine its the temperature sensor in the Rex. If you want to do things like top up the oil or other fluids, this is where you add them from. . The transmission is one of the parts of the drivetrain. It seems to be fairly ubiquitous across the range. If the message doesnt clear, test the battery. If youve seen this message or a variant of it, then youre actually in a club of many BMW i3 and other BMW owners who have experienced the same. Find more information in our list of all car dashboard symbols. To keep the differential of your BMW running at its peak, change the differential fluid after running 20,000 to 50,000 miles. The engine requires the right amount of fuel to work its best. The catalytic converter is a vital part of the emissions system. Consult service center. What does drivetrain malfunction on a BMW mean? Once it encounters a problem, the link between the two important parts breaks. 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? A common cause of BMW x3 drivetrain malfunction is that the ignition coil starts failing due to exposure to extreme heat and vibration. Anyone have that part number?? Worried might not be the best word, but perhaps aware is a good choice. 1 What is the "Drivetrain Malfunction" Error? About a week later, I got the "Drivetrain Malfunction - Contact Service" message after a stop mid-commute. Inside the catalytic converter, there are precious metals that help to convert dangerous gases into products that can be dispersed into the environment. 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). When the catalytic converter fails, the exhaust emission rate slows down, leading to a build-up of pressure. A failed ignition coil can cause engine misfireand BMW error message drivetrain malfunction on iDrive. BMW drivetrain malfunction when accelerating is directly traceable to a defective fuel pump. Otherwise, you will end up compromising its performance. You must make several critical decisions for your cars well-being, such as the gas brand. In most cases, it will require regular cleaning. For instance, you can also experience a power loss. Clear the error codes from the vehicles computer using the YOUCANIC diagnostic tool. When the drivetrain malfunction message appears, it indicates that there is a problem with an engine or transmission component. The cost of repairing a BMW drivetrain defect is less expensive than the cost of fixing both the drivetrain problem and any additional . You may need to find a specialized BMW mechanic, as these luxury cars arent meant to be worked on by just anyone. A drivetrain malfunction in BMW does not result in the cars breakdown automatically. There was a recall to do a valve job on the car. When such happens, the Drivetrain Malfunction message will appear on your dashboard. While they have similarities, note that they do not have the same functions. It is recommended to have the vehicle inspected by a BMW dealer or a mechanic to diagnose and repair the issue. On the other hand, replacing the catalytic converter could run $950 to $2,500, even if you dont need a professional. In the next section, however, well deal with the signs that your BMW i3 is experiencing this issue. I then pulled the paper and it was so wedged in the DC motor it broke. At this point, if you cannot still identify the root cause of the problem, use an OBD II scanner. Most causes of drivetrain malfunction are based on aging and the clogging of certain parts. 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. I know of other users that have experienced this as well. So its been great seeing EVs (and to a lesser extent, hydrogen cars) grow in popularity. To prevent damage, the engine control unit limits the maximum torque output. Regular changing of oils and fluids is also necessary to reduce friction and improve efficiency. It is recommended to have the vehicle inspected by a BMW dealer or a mechanic to diagnose and repair the issue. There is no way to tell how much it will cost to fix the BMW drivetrain malfunction message without diagnosing it first. If you are getting a cylinder misfire for one particular cylinder, there is a chance that the ignition coil to that cylinder is defective. 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. Test the transmission, driveshaft, and differentials to see if they function properly. The accumulation of dirt and debris can put too much strain on the moving components. 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. Recalls and one on Monday, now back in shop today waiting for Drive Train message diag. Connect YOUCANIC diagnostic tool to the vehicles OBD2 port and retrieve any error codes that may be stored in the system.3. Drivetrain Malfunction message on BMWs may appear: Drivetrain Malfunction Drive Moderately can show any time but is more likely to pop up during cold weather if you have an old battery or come on under extreme driving conditions. 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. In this guide, we cover the meaning of this troublesome error message and discuss the top causes. 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.. Because the fuel pump is responsible for transferring the gas to the engine, any failure will lead to starvation of the motor. Step 2: Plugin/connect the scanner to the port. Will Brake Fluid Remove Paint? 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! The breakage of this component will compromise the functions of the parts that attach to it, resulting in odd sounds. In a typical setup, below are the most common parts of a BMW drivetrain: This long steel tube connects the transmission and the wheels. Worn-out spark plugs result in different malfunctions in cars, including engine misfire, rough idling, engine refusal to start, etc. It can fail because of many reasons, including low fuel. More importantly, its use is federally mandated, so you must follow the rules or get in trouble. The only thing you can do is take care of your BMW and hope this situation never occurs to you. The ignition coil is a crucial component that sends the necessary power for the spark plugs to work. 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 . For those experiencing a drivetrain malfunction, endeavor to contact an expert auto mechanic immediately if you cant fix the problem yourself. 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. It raises the voltage, causing the electricity to jump. He started writing automotive articles to share his garage experience with car enthusiasts and armature mechanics. Make sure your scan tool is compatible with your BMW vehicle before proceeding. How to Reset Drivetrain Malfunction on a BMW? If theres no history indicated of that issue, then you should be safe. Maximum drivetrain output not available. A drivetrain malfunction is problematic in any car, irrespective of the brand or model. The bmw report they sent me said it would be $23,000 to repair!! Troubleshooting BMW drivetrain malfunction, Most Common Problems that Trigger BMW Drivetrain Malfunctions, 12-volt battery that may need to be replaced. Testimonials Since most of the error messages are caused by fairly minor problems, you shouldnt expect skyrocketing auto shop bills when dealing with this problem. 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. 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. Worn spark plugs are often the cause of drivetrain malfunction in BMW vehicles. A cars drivetrain malfunction is quite problematic and must not be taken lightly or with levity. car seemed to drive better. Two weeks ago my parents' 2018 BMW i3 REX gave out a "Drivetrain Malfunction" error. 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