In old BMWs that display the Drivetrain Malfunction message, one of the most common causes is an aging spark plug. This question continues yesterday's question about problem with RDC/TPMS Malfunction warning in my 2003 745i BMW. It could also keep you from starting the engine. The dealer tends to charge way more than the task requires (about 5-minutes of work to register it). I then pulled the paper and it was so wedged in the DC motor it broke. Replaced the part and it runs like a top. It is an indication of a problem that can be costly to repair if not taken as a matter of urgency. Any suggestions. If you are getting a cylinder misfire for one particular cylinder, there is a chance that the ignition coil to that cylinder is defective. You must also look for any signs of leaks of fluids or oils. Ignoring a drivetrain malfunction or continuing to drive with a malfunctioning drivetrain could result in costly repairs and potentially unsafe driving conditions. A drivetrain malfunction in BMW does not result in the cars breakdown automatically. 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. What does PDC malfunction mean on initial startup on that BMW? Required fields are marked *, document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a0e7653b00c5b5af6bbaec9052053dc8" );document.getElementById("f9c35d78d0").setAttribute( "id", "comment" );Comment *. If you own a BMW 328i and you are experiencing a drivetrain problem, the cost of fixing the problem is relatively inexpensive. I find it odd that this is happening pretty close to the major recall work. 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. Modern BMW cars come with sophisticated computerized systems that track any form of malfunction within a few seconds. We are an automotive mechanic blog that helps mechanics and car users to find the most recent and accurate technical and repair information for their cars. If not, move to the next steps, as you will probably have to deal with a more serious issue. Does Extreme Cold Harm Them. Discussion Forum for the BMW i3 EV and Rex. Inside the catalytic converter, there are precious metals that help to convert dangerous gases into products that can be dispersed into the environment. A quick look at the dashboard will give you insights into what is wrong, including a BMW Drivetrain Malfunction warning. Drivetrain malfunction drives moderately. Diagnosing a drivetrain malfunction in a BMW 535i or any other modern BMW car is pretty easy with an OBD II Scanner. The 2014 BMW i3 has 8 NHTSA complaints for the engine at 21,514 miles average. You should always take the BMW drivetrain malfunction message seriously, to the stage of critical importance. We recently created this blog site to enable us to share our knowledge with other automotive mechanics and car owners. Your problem could be one plug or multiple. Locate the diagnostic port under the dashboard. They can diagnose the specific issue and provide a detailed quote for the repair. If the Drivetrain Malfunction error occurs, there could be a problem with the fuel getting to the engine. Yes, this vehicle shows drivetrain malfunction Mechanic's Assistant: Anything else you want the Mechanic to know before I connect you? If a problem is detected in the powertrain, the "drivetrain malfunction" light will . Is it possible to stop this i3 drivetrain malfunction from happening in the first place? To prevent damage, the engine control unit limits the maximum torque output. 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. Drivetrain malfunction on BMW328i can be fixed with an estimated cost of $2,068 to $2,108. Turn the ignition on, but you should not start the engine. Below is a quick list of the potential culprits: All rights reserved 2023 Copyright RoadSumo.com. What Does The Drivetrain Malfunction Message on BMW Mean? To fix a drivetrain malfunction on a BMW, it is necessary to diagnose the specific issue causing the malfunction. Green Car Future 2018-2023. Understanding a BMW drivetrain warning meaning will save you a lot of trouble from the problem. . When the drivetrain light illuminates on the dashboard, it is a sign that the cars computerized system has detected a problem in the cars transaxle or automatic transmission. Act accordingly depending on the problem. Yikes! The engines computer determines the fault and alerts you to the problem with the message. [Volvo Repair Costs], Malfunction Indicator Lamp [What Does It Mean? The drivetrain malfunction message would usually appear when I am slowing down for less than 10 seconds and then disappear on its own. Team Hello, Im Tristan Perry, the person behind Green Car Future. 2016-2022 YOUCANIC, a Bohotina LLC Company. Wait for at least five minutes, then restart the car. Source: BMW Group Fast Facts The "Drivetrain malfunction" usually means there is a fault in either engine or transmission. Depending on a fault severity, the engine and transmission will switch to limp home mode to prevent further damage. 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. Once the pump fails completely, it can be impossible to start the engine. I have learned that most of the drive train on the I3 are often malfunction and is expensive to repair. Test the transmission, driveshaft, and differentials to see if they function properly. 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. Not only should a specialized scanner be used, but some of the repairs go beyond whats ordinary. There are places that can do that outside of the dealership. The Story Behind, BMW DSC Light Meaning, Causes (& How To Fix It), How to Unlock Your Car Door Without A Key, Slip Light - Meaning, Causes & How to Fix it, P0507 Code - What It Means And How To Fix It, P0174 Code - What It Means and How To Fix It, 4 Symptoms Of Bad or Worn Brake Shoes and Replacement Cost, Symptoms Of A Bad Airbag Sensor and Replacement Cost, 6 Symptoms Of A Bad Valve Seal and Replacement Cost, 4 Symptoms Of A Bad Starter Relay and Replacement Cost, ABS Light: What It Means And How To Fix It, What Does BMW Stand For? The cost of repairing a BMW drivetrain defect is less expensive than the cost of fixing both the drivetrain problem and any additional . 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. Yes thats definitely unacceptable for a low mileage 2021 model. Ignition coils provide the necessary electricity to the cars spark plugs, so engine operation can continue. It can break, which is one more situation that can trigger a drivetrain malfunction. 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. Magnus is the owner and main author of Mechanicbase. After five to ten minutes of resting, restart the engine. It has 35 miles left on the batteries, but when plugged in it will not charge. While some people might attempt to fix a BMW drivetrain malfunction on their own, we suggest letting the pros do it. The breakage of this component will compromise the functions of the parts that attach to it, resulting in odd sounds. The drivetrain malfunctions, and the car wont start. In that case, stopping the vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible is important so as not to continue driving. Welcome to rxmechanic.com. 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. If you keep on driving, it can cause irreparable damage. Ouch, sorry to hear that John. Not confident driving this car. Can You Drive a Long Distance With a Plugged Tire. Yes, if your BMW is new and within the warranty limit, it should be covered. It is recommended to have the vehicle inspected by a BMW dealer or a mechanic to diagnose and repair the issue. Lets say you get cylinder one misfire. Shell Gas: Which One to Go for in 2023, iDrive screen display drivetrain error message. 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. It typically goes something like this: Drivetrain Malfunction: Drive moderately. You will see an inconsistent supply of fuel, leading to power loss and random surging. Find more information in our list of all car dashboard symbols. 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. 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. Over time, the catalytic converter becomes clogged, and this is when it shows signs of damage. It is recommended to have the vehicle inspected by a BMW dealer or a mechanic to diagnose and repair the issue. One commonly displayed issue is the drivetrain malfunction. A BMW uses different fluids to ensure its peak performance. Pull the hood release under the dashboard and inspect the engine for leaks and unusual smells, indicating a damaged serpentine belt, oil leak, or coolant leak. 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. BMWs are known for being premium vehicles. car seemed to drive better. The drivetrain may be small, but it is an integral part of a BMW and other car brands. Back to the mechanic and this time they worked on troublehooting with BMW and they figured out that it was the turbo waste gate. Determine the cause of the drivetrain malfunction and repair or replace any faulty components as necessary.2. Continuing to drive with a malfunctioning drivetrain could cause further damage to the vehicle and potentially be dangerous.Cold weather can affect the performance of a vehicles drivetrain in several ways. Information published on YOUCANIC is accurate and correct to our knowledge; however, there may be omissions, errors, or mistakes. If restarting the engine didnt fix Drivetrain Malfunction, Drive Moderately, park the vehicle safely, and turn off the engine again. Swap the ignition coils for cylinder one and cylinder 2. The drivetrain is an important part of the cars powertrain and plays a crucial role in the cars performance and handling.The transmission is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the driveshaft, which delivers power to the wheels through the differential. I'm Daniel, I'll be the mechanic assisting you today. 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. Read more. This limits the overall engine output saving it from further damage. You can restart the engine, check under the engine for damages, and use an OBD II scanner to dig deeper into the problem. You should go for a reputable dealer that assures you of high quality. If youre a BMW i3 owner, you may have noticed an unusual message appearing on your dashboard. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your BMW. The cost of parts is projected to be roughly $1,913, with labor costs ranging from $155 to $195. And they take necessary and immediate measures to rectify any problem that the ECU has detected. If one gets damaged, the fuel wont get where it needs to go. There can also be clunking and strange vibrations that will make odd sounds. 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. Get it towed to BMW. Contact Us For this step, you will need a BMW Scanner. Been reading horror stories of $9,000 repairs. 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. Your BMW can also make weird sounds when the transmission is leaking. Rough idling is also common. 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. Parts Catalog I hope it gets fixed soon. I am concerned that the mechanic may have forgotten to connect something or knocked a sensor out of place. Full performance not available Have the problem checked by service Error message. You can also try restarting the engine and inspecting the engine quickly. It is best to pull over immediately and inspect the car. If you restart the engine and the transmission has already switched to limp mode, you can carefully drive the car to a repair shop or home, but keep in mind that the maximum speed will be limited to 40 mph. Small, but you should always take the BMW i3 EV and Rex unacceptable for a dealer. Is the owner and main author of Mechanicbase do it of a BMW, it should be.. 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