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. Replaced the spark plugs and 1/2 of the fuel injectors. The catalytic converter is a critical component to ensure the peak performance of the exhaust and emission systems in a BMW. Ouch, sorry to hear that John. The foremost cause for the transmission malfunction BMW lies in its mechatronic sleeves, which are placed near the automatic gearbox on the passenger side. The ignition coil is a crucial component that sends the necessary power for the spark plugs to work. Yikes, Im really sorry to hear that. Yesterday afternoon I get in and I have the drivetrain malfunction lights on. This limits the overall engine output saving it from further damage. If you own a BMW 328i and you are experiencing a drivetrain problem, the cost of fixing the problem is relatively inexpensive. Either of these things among others can cause the drivetrain (or any of the drivetrain components) to malfunction. You must make several critical decisions for your cars well-being, such as the gas brand. First Gear Glitches. For example, the viscosity of the transmission fluid can increase in cold weather, making it more difficult for the transmission to shift gears. It is crucial for the proper engine combustion timing. Thanks for that information its good to be aware of that. 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. Turn off the ignition and remove the key. Restart the engine when the BMW Drivetrain Malfunction error message comes up. This guide will learn more about this problem and diagnose it using a BMW scanner. Turn on the OBD II scanner and choose BMW code. Certified Automotive Diagnostic Technician. Im a software developer who has loved the idea of electric cars ever since I first read about the 2008 Tesla Roadser. Run the car until the check engine light comes back on. It is often also confused with driveline and powertrain, which are both different components. There can also be clunking and strange vibrations that will make odd sounds. Sat Nov 02, 2019 11:55 pm. 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. If you are unsure, call a mechanic or the dealership. Gearbox Vibrations. A BMW uses different fluids to ensure its peak performance. 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. I wonder if the drivetrain malfunction has different meanings. There are symptoms that help draw the drivers attention to the imminent problem so that corrective measures can be taken ASAP. 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. Drivetrain malfunction after getting the out of temp range . What is this error? The Engine Control Module is sometimes referred to as Digital Motor Electronics DME, or Engine Control Unit ECU. Step 2: Plugin/connect the scanner to the port. A clogged catalytic converter can also cause a BMW drivetrain malfunction error message. Therefore, you shouldnt judge newer cars as immune from the issue. This includes the transmission, driveshaft, and differential. While most fuel injectors can last as long as the vehicle, you must change it after 50,000 to 100,000 miles in real-world situations. She had a full battery charge and was not using the range extender. In old BMWs that display the Drivetrain Malfunction message, one of the most common causes is an aging spark plug. If the Drivetrain Malfunction error occurs, there could be a problem with the fuel getting to the engine. This mode ensures that no further damage occurs to the engine or transmission, giving you the time needed to get your car to a safe location for repair. If you notice anything obvious, you have a better idea of what needs to happen next. BMW I3 Drivetrain Error High Voltage Insulation - YouTube AboutPressCopyrightContact usCreatorsAdvertiseDevelopersTermsPrivacyPolicy & SafetyHow YouTube worksTest new features 2022. It has 35 miles left on the batteries, but when plugged in it will not charge. BMW i3 Change Vehicle Compare Average Retail Price $13,800 - $18,000 Join for Ratings and Reviews With its space-age body, super-efficient powertrain, and laser focus on its urban mission, the. Restart the engine. Why does it occur? This is a more persistent problem in older and high-mileage models. If you are experiencing aBMW drivetrain malfunction when accelerating or driving, do not continue. I have a 650I w/53700 miles on it. This is because a faulty fuel pump cannot supply the required quantity of fuel to power the cars engine for proper acceleration. The error comes and goes and I do not have any shaking or anything. The best solution is to replace the differential fluid regularly, depending on the manufacturers recommendations, to prevent this problem. When the coils go bad, power cant be distributed to the spark plugs. If you want to do things like top up the oil or other fluids, this is where you add them from. Always after service. This is vital for starting the engine since it can also cause engine misfire and rough idling. 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. Two weeks later got car back. 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. Aside from poor engine performance, fuel economy also suffers. Consult service center. No error codes detected! 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. Now I'm worried that my beloved i3 and I are screwed. Step 2: Open the hood by pulling the hood-release component beneath the dashboard. 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. Thats why its important to perform tune-ups at regular service intervals. In that case, when your BMWs drivetrain malfunctions, it will be practically impossible for the engine power to reach the wheels. Do not start the engine. This problem is common with high mileage cars with a clogged catalytic converter that hinders the exhaust gases from releasing appropriating. Lets say you get cylinder one misfire. I wish you luck in your complaint, thats really frustrating. 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. He has been working as a car mechanic for over 10 years, and the majority of them specialized in advanced car diagnostics and troubleshooting. On the other hand, replacing the catalytic converter could run $950 to $2,500, even if you dont need a professional. VIN Decoder. 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. The drivetrain may be small, but it is an integral part of a BMW and other car brands. 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. Yes, this vehicle shows drivetrain malfunction Mechanic's Assistant: Anything else you want the Mechanic to know before I connect you? Obviously, the first and clearest sign that your car has this problem is that you see the warning on your dash display, but lets say that the error message hasnt come up yet. Like other fluids in a car, differential fluids break down over time. Here is a list of possible error messages that you may get on a BMW cluster. This will prevent more serious and expensive damage. A cylinder misfire indicates that the ignition coil attached to that cylinder is bad. It is the last stop of the power transfer before it goes to the wheels. Act immediately when there is a drivetrain malfunction. ! In that case, stopping the vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible is important so as not to continue driving. The car will function as normal and I am able to accelerate after the message disappear. 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. After five to ten minutes of resting, restart the engine. I immediately drove to and dropped the car at the dealer. The catalytic converter is a vital part of the emissions system. It can be one of the leading causes ofBMW i3 drivetrain malfunction as it wears. A drivetrain is a collection of different components vital to a BMWs performance. A clog or damage in the fuel injector is another potential culprit for drivetrain malfunction. You can do so by restarting the engine. Finally we come to the question of prevention. BMW TPM Malfunction How to Reset and Fix This Issue, Are Volvos Expensive to Repair? Yikes! These are all practical steps you can take. It is best to replace ignition coils after running 20,000 to 25,000 miles for the best performance. Drivetrain and powertrain are two terms that many people use interchangeably. They are only replaced when they go bad. For those experiencing a drivetrain malfunction, endeavor to contact an expert auto mechanic immediately if you cant fix the problem yourself. You can also try restarting the engine and inspecting the engine quickly. If you are getting a cylinder misfire for one particular cylinder, there is a chance that the ignition coil to that cylinder is defective. 3 What Steps Should You Take to Fix it? Suppose you receive a Drivetrain Malfunction error message on your BMW while accelerating. Here is a more detailed list of how to fix the BMW drivetrain malfunction warning message: When the error first pops up on the dash, you want to pull over safely to the side of the road. 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