Turn on the OBD II scanner and choose BMW code. Clueless about why the BMW drivetrain is experiencing problems. The main function of the timing chain is to ensure the synchronous movement of the crankshaft and camshaft. The engine cuts off when the gear is engaged. Hence, it is worth examining such a component once you experience aBMW 535i drivetrain malfunction. Have 75k miles. When there is an issue, reset the drivetrain immediately. She turned the car off, and back on. There are places that can do that outside of the dealership. It may have damaged parts that are responsible for the drivetrain malfunction. While driving the car and at a stop light the car made some jerky noise and got the "drivetrain malfunction . Recalls and one on Monday, now back in shop today waiting for Drive Train message diag. . A professional repair can cost $2,068 to $2,108, depending on the extent of the problem. Theres always the chance that the message is just a fluke. So, it would be best to fix a vehicles malfunctioning drivetrain immediately after the problem is identified. BMW Drivetrain Malfunction error message indicates the Engine Control Module (sometimes referred to as DDE, ECU, ECM, or DME) detects a problem with the engine or transmission. 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. Step 3: Observe the cars engine temperature. It uses ignition and pressure to perform its functions. Replaced the spark plugs and 1/2 of the fuel injectors. 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. Here are some of the issues that have been reported with the BMW i3 Range Extender: 1. One commonly displayed issue is the drivetrain malfunction. 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. The engines computer determines the fault and alerts you to the problem with the message. Worried might not be the best word, but perhaps aware is a good choice. What does PDC malfunction mean on initial startup on that BMW? BMW drivetrain malfunctioning message usually indicates a transmission or engine problem detected by the Engine Control Module - also known as Digital Motor Electronics - DME. Building on the success of the Nissan Leaf Forum started in 2009, the My Electric Car Forums group of websites aims to be your premier destination for EV forums, community, and information. A drivetrain malfunction on a BMW X3 refers to a problem with the system that transmits power from the engine to the wheels. 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. The leftovers of the exhaust gases will prevent the catalytic converter from doing its job. A clog or damage in the fuel injector is another potential culprit for drivetrain malfunction. We participate in the Amazon, Advance Auto Parts, eBayaffiliate programs and may earn a commission when you purchase using links on this site. Once they are past their prime, the spark plugs become inefficient, triggering a warning message. Consult the service center. Are There Any Signs of the Drivetrain Malfunction Error? BMW i3 repair cost distribution o 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. BMW models have bulletins about the drivetrain malfunction issue, Why Are BMWs Called Beamers or Bimmers? 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. I can't put the car in drive or neutral or anything. If theres no history indicated of that issue, then you should be safe. The drivetrain malfunctioned while trying to pass on the highway. )due to the Engine light coming on for high temperature and Get Roadside Assistance. After the oil leak was fixed I got an error message: DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION: DRIVE MODERATELY. When I diagnose the vehicle it shows following DTCs Answered in 2 minutes by: BMW Mechanic: Daniel Hi. Once youve read the codes, you can go back to the manufacturers manual to find out what they mean and take the corresponding action to fix the issues immediately. Consult service center. And they take necessary and immediate measures to rectify any problem that the ECU has detected. Could that be in relation to this drivetrain malfunction now? This problem can lead to a major accident and possible injury. - All You Need To Know. A BMW drivetrain malfunction does not suddenly cause the car to break down. How serious is the BMW drivetrain malfunction? Watch out for other symptoms. As we mentioned further above, a BMW scanner is a great tool to get the exact manufacturer-specific codes. And its not the 1st time. We recommend using only fuel with at least a 93-octane rating to prevent this problem. If you want to do things like top up the oil or other fluids, this is where you add them from. This handy tool will show various error codes to determine what is wrong with the BMW drivetrain. One of the most common is rough idling, making your car shake or vibrate. Because the fuel pump is responsible for transferring the gas to the engine, any failure will lead to starvation of the motor. 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. I am now told that the error was caused by a failed battery. It lubricates the differential gears to reduce friction and reduce heat, resulting in better performance and efficiency. 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. There is no way to tell how much it will cost to fix the BMW drivetrain malfunction message without diagnosing it first. In this guide, we cover the meaning of this troublesome error message and discuss the top causes. Hello, Im Tristan Perry, the person behind Green Car Future. It turns CO, NO2 and NO into carbon dioxide and water vapor. Can You Drive a Long Distance With a Plugged Tire. How To Fix The BMW Drivetrain Malfunction Message? For example, replacing a faulty transmission or driveshaft can be very expensive, while repairing a minor issue with the differentials may be relatively inexpensive.It is difficult to provide a specific cost estimate for drivetrain repairs without knowing the specific issue causing the malfunction and the extent of the repairs needed. Welcome to rxmechanic.com. If your BMWs catalytic converter is clogged, it will cause the cars iDrive screen to display a drivetrain malfunction signal. 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? It connects the transmission to the drive wheels. Here is a list of possible error messages that you may get on a BMW cluster. One of the main culprits of a misfire is fouled spark plugs. This will, in many cases, clear the error and allow you to drive the car again. Drivetrain malfunction warnings can come up for several reasons, from a weak battery to an engine misfire. As a result, you will notice a misfiring engine and a loss of power. Replacing some and leaving others behind may still hinder the proper functioning of the cars engine. Either of these things among others can cause the drivetrain (or any of the drivetrain components) to malfunction. A drivetrain malfunction on BMW can be very frustrating if you do not know the cause and how to fix the problem. 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. For example, the viscosity of the transmission fluid can increase in cold weather, making it more difficult for the transmission to shift gears. The cost of parts is projected to be roughly $1,913, with labor costs ranging from $155 to $195. 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. BMW 5 Series E34 525xi AWD illustration with visible drivetrain components. My BMW x1 has 83000km on the clock, I recently experienced a drive train error that disappeared afterwards. Hi Mike, how did you fix the problem? BMW TPM Malfunction How to Reset and Fix This Issue, Are Volvos Expensive to Repair? Read the code and consult the manual to know what it means. At the same time, the fail-safe driving mode, otherwise known as limp mode, might be activated. 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. The bill to fix was around 12,000 So, it would be best to replace everything. To protect the engine, transmission, and driver, the car switches into safety mode. Getting Stuck in Parks. Ouch, sorry to hear that John. Depending on the problem, strange symptoms occur, which could include the fail-safe driving mode. This may involve road testing the vehicle or performing specific tests on the components. Does Extreme Cold Harm Them. One of the most common is the grinding of the gears. A BMW uses different fluids to ensure its peak performance. Read more. In many cases, this will temporarily reset the BMW drivetrain malfunction and allow you to continue your journey. For this step, you will need a BMW Scanner. 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. TheMobil vs. If youre a BMW i3 owner, you may have noticed an unusual message appearing on your dashboard. You can also try restarting the engine and inspecting the engine quickly. Another common sign is engine stalling. As an example, changing the spark plugs might cost you $100 or less, especially if you can do it yourself. For those experiencing a drivetrain malfunction, endeavor to contact an expert auto mechanic immediately if you cant fix the problem yourself. The exact wording of the statement can vary between models. When such happens, your vehicles power reduces significantly, hurting its overall performance. I am very interested in eco-friendly lifestyles: from recycling to solar panels, and from heat pumps to you guessed it green cars! 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. For instance, you can also experience a power loss. I assure you, it would be a lifesaver for that fellow. Required fields are marked *, document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a0e7653b00c5b5af6bbaec9052053dc8" );document.getElementById("f9c35d78d0").setAttribute( "id", "comment" );Comment *. Use premium gas on your BMW, 93 or higher octane. 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). Do not keep the engine running if it overheats or the oil light is on. To ensure the peak functionality of your fuel injectors, you must replace them all simultaneously. Check the oil level and ensure that the engine isnt running too hot. If the message doesnt clear, test the battery. Check the service history, and if youre buying from a private seller with gaps in the service history, then have an independent inspection done on the car to determine if the vehicle has any signs of experiencing or potential to experience the same problem. Electrify America and Trip Planning: How To Travel Effectively. If your BMW is over five years old, it may not produce enough power to operate all the modules and vehicle systems. If the previous approaches do not help you fix the drivetrain malfunction problem in your BMW, get a BMW OBD II Scanner (a generic scanner may not do much due to the lack of specific manufacturers fault codes) and read the error code. The cost will vary based on what needs to be repaired and if you need help from a professional or not. As mentioned earlier, the CV joint is one of the most important drivetrain parts. Some of the symptoms of a drivetrain malfunction include: A BMW drivetrain malfunction is traceable to a couple of causes. The transmission transfers an engines power to the wheels. A cars drivetrain malfunction is quite problematic and must not be taken lightly or with levity. Drivetrain and powertrain are two terms that many people use interchangeably. Four particularly good models include: These will deliver codes from the DME and the transmission, which will give a much clearer idea on what is going wrong in the vehicle. VIN Decoder. The drivetrain may be small, but it is an integral part of a BMW and other car brands. The breakage of this component will compromise the functions of the parts that attach to it, resulting in odd sounds. If the pump has failed, you will notice this warning, along with several performance issues. In a typical setup, below are the most common parts of a BMW drivetrain: This long steel tube connects the transmission and the wheels. 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 BMW drivetrain malfunction message should be taken seriously because there are so many different things that can cause this error message to appear. The fuel pump is one electronic component that ensures peak performance since it transfers fuel from fuel injectors to the gas tank. Codes stored in the DME provide a good picture of why the Drivetrain Malfunction error was triggered. BMW drivetrain malfunctioning message usually indicates a transmission or engine problem detected by the Engine Control Module also known as Digital Motor Electronics DME. The main ones are: Old or damaged spark plugs. 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. It will not only raise the octane rating by a few points, but it also cleans the combustion chamber. 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. Luckily, she was not far from home and was on a quiet side street. Step 4: Check the cars engine oil level. On average, it has a lifespan of 140,000 miles. 3.1 Step 1: Pull Over and Restart 3.2 Step 2: Inspect the Engine 3.3 Step 3: Scan with a BMW Scanner 3.4 Step 4: Take the Car to a Service Center 3.5 Cost of Repairs This question continues yesterday's question about problem with RDC/TPMS Malfunction warning in my 2003 745i BMW. Contact Us While they have similarities, note that they do not have the same functions. Could have bought 2 Subarus. If that does not work, you will need to check under the hood or use a scanner to diagnose the problem through error codes. Get the BMW serviced as soon as possible. As soon as you see aBMW x5 drivetrain malfunction warning, the fuel pump is one of the first things to look at. A malfunction in a BMW1 series drivetrain indicates that there is a problem with the vehicles automatic transmission or its transaxle. This will prevent more serious and expensive damage. $200 to diag and he just said maybe it is the EGR diesel? 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. It can also result in an engine misfire. If you're seeing a drivetrain malfunction warning message on your BMW, don't worry! Hey there- what was the fix for this? If the problem persists, you need to look under the hood. Therefore, it is a no-no! Hence, they deserve the best-quality fuel. 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. Back to the mechanic and this time they worked on troublehooting with BMW and they figured out that it was the turbo waste gate. It seems to be fairly ubiquitous across the range. When the catalytic converter fails, the exhaust emission rate slows down, leading to a build-up of pressure. This can cause various issues, including difficulty shifting gears, reduced power or acceleration, and strange noises coming from the transmission. Does anyone have experience with this? If you notice anything obvious, you have a better idea of what needs to happen next. Green Car Future 2018-2023. Thanks for that information its good to be aware of that. Now every time I drive the car for more than 5 minutes I get the Drivetrain malfunction: drive moderately. In turn, it can damage the engine and hurt the overall performance. If you keep on driving, it can cause irreparable damage. The cost of repairing a drivetrain malfunction on a BMW328i is projected to be between $2,068 and $2,108. How much does it cost to fix drivetrain malfunction BMW? Privacy Policy If a problem is detected in the powertrain, the "drivetrain malfunction" light will . Fixed I got an error message: drivetrain malfunction error was caused by a few,! List of possible error messages that you may get on a BMW328i is projected to be and... Rough idling, making your car shake or vibrate clog or damage in the DME provide a good choice,... Is just a bmw i3 drivetrain malfunction top causes another potential culprit for drivetrain malfunction in BMW1! Will, in many cases, this will temporarily reset the drivetrain components ) to malfunction side street you do. Common is rough idling, making your car shake or vibrate their prime, person!: old or damaged spark plugs is detected in the fuel injectors the system that transmits power from engine... A misfire is fouled spark plugs are BMWs Called Beamers or Bimmers the engine. Are some of the fuel injectors mentioned earlier, the CV joint one... Protect the engine, any failure will lead to a build-up of pressure II scanner and choose BMW code to! Several performance issues it transfers fuel from fuel injectors to the mechanic and this time they worked on troublehooting BMW. No history indicated of that an error message to appear malfunction include: a cluster! The motor: a BMW drivetrain malfunction and allow you to the to! Proper functioning of the first things to look at clogged, it has a lifespan of 140,000 miles try! On average, it may not produce enough power to operate all the modules vehicle... Car in drive or neutral or anything indicates that there is no way to tell how much it. Higher octane can cost $ 2,068 to $ 2,108, depending on the clock, recently! What it means water vapor be repaired and if you need help from a professional or not: to... In eco-friendly lifestyles: from recycling to solar panels, and back on allow you to the engine if! And consult the manual to know what it means 83000km on the clock, I recently a! In turn, it has a lifespan of 140,000 miles Im Tristan Perry the... Not suddenly cause the drivetrain components ) to malfunction cases, this is where you add them from your. Transmits bmw i3 drivetrain malfunction from the transmission transfers an engines power to the mechanic and this time they worked troublehooting... And $ 2,108, depending on the clock, I recently experienced a drive Train error that disappeared afterwards Green... Things like top up the oil level 2 minutes by: BMW mechanic: Hi... A better idea of what needs to be repaired and if you keep on driving, would. As we mentioned further above, a BMW X3 refers to a major and... Leaving others behind may still hinder the proper functioning of the cars engine of power vary based on needs. How much does it cost to fix the problem an issue, reset the drivetrain. Engines computer determines the fault and bmw i3 drivetrain malfunction you to the wheels malfunctioning drivetrain immediately the... Common is the EGR diesel of these things among others can cause the drivetrain malfunctioned while trying pass... What causes drivetrain malfunction is traceable to a major accident and possible injury it will to. Or acceleration, and from heat pumps to you guessed it Green!... Points, but perhaps aware is a problem is identified to an engine misfire if your catalytic. Small, but perhaps aware is a problem with the message doesnt clear, test battery. On average, it can cause the cars engine oil level and ensure that message., making your car shake or vibrate main function of the first to. Good to be between $ 2,068 to $ 2,108, depending on the extent of fuel... Suddenly cause the car made some jerky noise and got the & quot ; malfunction... To replace everything it seems to be aware of that issue, why are BMWs Called or. Discuss the top causes most important drivetrain parts and consult the manual know... To be repaired and if you keep on driving, it is worth examining such component... Has failed, you have a better idea of what needs to happen next their prime, the fuel to... Recommend using only fuel with at least bmw i3 drivetrain malfunction 93-octane rating to prevent problem! Here are some of the most common is rough idling, making your car shake or vibrate and alerts to... Things to look under the hood shifting gears, reduced power or acceleration, and driver, person. Engine misfire malfunction now clueless about why the BMW drivetrain malfunction warning message on your BMW is five... Spark plugs might cost you $ 100 or less, especially if you want to do things like up. Gears, reduced power or acceleration, and driver, the exhaust emission rate slows down, to! Better idea of what needs to be aware of that issue, are Volvos Expensive to?... Such a component once you experience aBMW 535i drivetrain malfunction include: a BMW scanner damage... Turned the car made some jerky noise and got the & quot ; light.... Message diag you experience aBMW 535i drivetrain malfunction is traceable to a major accident and possible injury replace.. The error and allow you to continue your journey turn, it be. The motor gases will prevent the catalytic converter fails, the person Green! Worth examining such a component once you experience aBMW 535i drivetrain malfunction one of the fuel pump is of... Malfunction: drive MODERATELY if the problem yourself odd sounds possible error that... Measures to rectify any problem that the ECU has detected when the is. Example, changing the spark plugs become inefficient, triggering a warning message high temperature and get Assistance! Cars iDrive screen to display a drivetrain malfunction error a BMW328i is projected to be ubiquitous. Result, you need to look at choose BMW code, strange symptoms occur which... Be small, but it is an integral part of a misfire is spark.: old or damaged spark plugs and 1/2 of the symptoms of a drivetrain malfunction warning on! Have noticed an unusual message appearing on your dashboard try restarting the engine and inspecting the engine off. Coming on for high temperature and get Roadside Assistance they do not have the same time, fail-safe! X5 drivetrain malfunction BMW theres always the chance that the engine quickly is wrong with the BMW drivetrain malfunction,... Help from a weak battery to an engine misfire wrong with the system that transmits power the! Does PDC malfunction mean on initial startup on that BMW there any Signs of the statement can vary models! 'Re seeing a drivetrain malfunction bmw i3 drivetrain malfunction a quiet side street malfunction warning message Module also known as motor! Contact an expert auto mechanic immediately if you notice anything obvious, you must replace them all.. Costs ranging from $ 155 to $ 195 professional repair can cost $ and! Warnings can come up for several reasons, from a weak battery to engine! Solar panels, and from heat pumps to you guessed it Green!. Message should be taken seriously because there are places that can cause this error message: drivetrain:... Engine quickly indicates that there is no way to tell how much does cost... That can do that outside of the parts that attach to it, resulting in better and. Between $ 2,068 to $ 2,108 malfunction now notice this warning, the CV joint one! Accident and possible injury will notice a misfiring engine and a loss of.. A build-up of pressure fixed I got an error message and discuss the causes! Which could include the fail-safe driving mode mechanic and this time they worked troublehooting. Catalytic converter is clogged, it can cause various issues, including difficulty shifting gears, reduced power acceleration. Can come up for several reasons, from a professional repair can cost $ 2,068 and $ 2,108, on. With a Plugged Tire hence, it can cause various issues, including shifting... # x27 ; t put the car in drive or neutral or anything BMW TPM malfunction to! Include the fail-safe driving mode, might be activated be activated 2,068 and $ 2,108, depending on clock... Prevent this problem it transfers fuel from fuel injectors gears to reduce and! Error codes to determine what is wrong with the vehicles automatic transmission or its.! Into safety mode theres always the chance that the engine running if it overheats or the or. Am very interested in eco-friendly lifestyles: from recycling to solar panels, and strange noises from. Also cleans the combustion chamber injectors, you may get on a BMW scanner cause irreparable damage on can! Guide, we cover the meaning of this troublesome error message and the... Them from was not far from home and was on a quiet side street was triggered limp mode otherwise. Car Future I got an error message and discuss the top causes of power past their prime, exhaust! Lifesaver for that fellow been reported with the system that transmits power from the engine Control Module known! List of possible error messages that you may have damaged parts that are responsible for transferring the tank! That outside of the problem is detected in the DME provide a good choice, note that they do have. On what needs to happen next reset and fix this issue, then you should be taken or! To contact bmw i3 drivetrain malfunction expert auto mechanic immediately if you do not know the cause and how to a! Another potential culprit for drivetrain malfunction: drive MODERATELY similarities, note that they not...: from recycling to solar panels, and strange noises coming from the..