All to say unacceptable . Turn your vehicles ignition and take the key out. On average, the cost is anywhere from $2,068 to $2,108. Parts Catalog 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. We recently created this blog site to enable us to share our knowledge with other automotive mechanics and car owners. If you keep on driving, it can cause irreparable damage. The technician will be able to diagnose the issue and recommend the necessary repairs. Make sure your scan tool is compatible with your BMW vehicle before proceeding. 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. There was a recall to do a valve job on the car. Some of the symptoms of a drivetrain malfunction include: A BMW drivetrain malfunction is traceable to a couple of causes. however i still got a drivetrain error (at a higher speed, but below highway speed). Read more. Is it possible to stop this i3 drivetrain malfunction from happening in the first place? If you are unsure, call a mechanic or the dealership. . Some common signs that you may be experiencing a drivetrain malfunction include: Stalls and rough shifts between gears Its possible that theres a simple fault that can be repaired to get you back on the road. The specificBMW drivetrain malfunction repair cost depends on many things, such as the model of your vehicle, location, and the mechanic doing the job. 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. Continuing to drive the car with a malfunctioning drivetrain can cause further damage to the transmission and other components, which can be expensive to repair. For instance, you can also experience a power loss. Mine is a 2012 328i. Ignoring the problem will make it costlier to repair, but it can also compromise the vehicles performance and safety. CONSULT SERVICE CENTER. Suppose you receive a Drivetrain Malfunction error message on your BMW while accelerating. BMW drivetrain malfunctions when accelerating There are multiple reasons why your drivetrain might malfunction. Parts cost is estimated at around $1,913, while labor cost is about $155 to $195. As we mentioned further above, a BMW scanner is a great tool to get the exact manufacturer-specific 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. These parts are necessary for fuel transmission from the tank to the engine. It is also good to inform the technician about the recent oil change, as this information may be relevant to diagnosing and repairing the drivetrain malfunction.Ignoring the drivetrain malfunction message or continuing to drive with a malfunctioning drivetrain could result in costly repairs and potentially unsafe driving conditions. Generic OBD2 scanners wont help much, as they cant read manufacturer fault codes. If theres no visible reason for the warning message, its time to use your code-scanning tool. Act accordingly depending on the problem. In the next section, however, well deal with the signs that your BMW i3 is experiencing this issue. If the car is "on" while towing, you will start regenerating. You can be more confident that they will address the root cause. Drivetrain malfunction warnings can come up for several reasons, from a weak battery to an engine misfire. Categories: In a typical setup, below are the most common parts of a BMW drivetrain: This long steel tube connects the transmission and the wheels. Getting Stuck in Parks. While they have similarities, note that they do not have the same functions. So, if you perceive that your BMWs drivetrain is defective, contact your dealer immediately or a professional auto mechanic to check it out and fix the problem. A malfunction in a BMW1 series drivetrain indicates that there is a problem with the vehicles automatic transmission or its transaxle. I wonder if the drivetrain malfunction has different meanings. A drivetrain malfunction is problematic in any car, irrespective of the brand or model. Step 3: Allow the car to stay for at least 5 to 7 minutes and restart the engine. You will see an inconsistent supply of fuel, leading to power loss and random surging. Before you go any further, its best to take a quick look at the engine. Problems are always cheaper to resolve initially than when they have escalated. Im a software developer who has loved the idea of electric cars ever since I first read about the 2008 Tesla Roadser. This is a more persistent problem in older and high-mileage models. He has loved seeing Nissan and Tesla sell loads of quality EVs over the last decade - with every other car manufacturer finally following suit. 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? I assure you, it would be a lifesaver for that fellow. As a result, the engines valves will open and close at the right time. I believe in mine its the temperature sensor in the Rex. 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. Read the code and consult the manual to know what it means. After the oil leak was fixed I got an error message: DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION: DRIVE MODERATELY. It cools and lubricates your vehicles transmission. It can cause a slew of problems, including drivetrain malfunction. If the Drivetrain Malfunction warning message appears on your BMWs dashboard, the first thing you should do is read the fault codes with a diagnostic scanner and continue troubleshooting from there. It raises the voltage, causing the electricity to jump. She turned the car off, and back on. For example, there might be an oil or transmission fluid leak that needs to be repaired. If the problem persists, you need to look under the hood. A BMW has an advanced and intelligent system that will warn you of any problem. So its been great seeing EVs (and to a lesser extent, hydrogen cars) grow in popularity. BMW drivetrain malfunction can also be caused by a fuel pump that does not generate the required fuel pressure, especially if the error message is coming up when accelerating. Over time, the catalytic converter becomes clogged, and this is when it shows signs of damage. Most of the time I drive within or close to electric range. My 2014 i3 BEV just threw this warning at me on the way home from an appointment. I can't put the car in drive or neutral or anything. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your BMW. So, make sure to replace spark plugs to keep them working at their peak. Re: Drivetrain Malfunction. Lets say you get cylinder one misfire. It could also keep you from starting the engine. You must also look for any signs of leaks of fluids or oils. Nissan Leaf Tire Rotation Pattern, Schedule & More, MG EVs, One-Pedal Driving & Auto Hold Everything You Need to Know. If the pump has failed, you will notice this warning, along with several performance issues. A cylinder misfire indicates that the ignition coil attached to that cylinder is bad. The leftovers of the exhaust gases will prevent the catalytic converter from doing its job. Ask your mechanic to check the turbo waste gate before you do all of the other expensive repairs. Back to the mechanic and this time they worked on troublehooting with BMW and they figured out that it was the turbo waste gate. The cost of repairing a BMW drivetrain defect is less expensive than the cost of fixing both the drivetrain problem and any additional . More importantly, its use is federally mandated, so you must follow the rules or get in trouble. Please advise me on your thoughts. Platinum Spark Plugs: Which is Better for Your Engine? I had intended to buy an extended warranty but never had the spare cash. In order to do the recall work my engine needed to be removed. 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. 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. 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. This car has been a huge disappointment and Ive been a BMW owner for 20 years. 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. Always after service. It will prevent your engine from working efficiently. We'll help you figure out what it means and how to fix it. Ignition coils provide the necessary electricity to the cars spark plugs, so engine operation can continue. 2016-2022 YOUCANIC, a Bohotina LLC Company. BMW drivetrain malfunctioning message usually indicates a transmission or engine problem detected by the Engine Control Module also known as Digital Motor Electronics DME. Do not start the engine. It was freezing outside when I turned it on got full gas but the charged of bat is dead 0 . The cost of parts is projected to be roughly $1,913, with labor costs ranging from $155 to $195. Ive only owned BMWs since 1991 but will trade this lemon in this year for something else. Turn the key in the ignition to the On position. On the other hand, a reckless driving style with a random maintenance style cannot guarantee the possibility of a cars drivetrain reaching its expected lifespan. To ensure the peak functionality of your fuel injectors, you must replace them all simultaneously. It turns CO, NO2 and NO into carbon dioxide and water vapor. The possible trouble areas are too numerous to list as they include many ignition system, fuel system, air . 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. What Does The Drivetrain Malfunction Message on BMW Mean? 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 will, in many cases, clear the error and allow you to drive the car again. But here are some common causes of the BMW powertrain error message: A misfiring engine is sure to lead to a Drivetrain Malfunction error. on the way home the error went away again. This will prevent more serious and expensive damage. 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. 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. I find it odd that this is happening pretty close to the major recall work. Research, browse, save, and share from 45 530 models in Boca Raton, FL. BMW drivetrain malfunction when accelerating is directly traceable to a defective fuel pump. They are only replaced when they go bad. Additionally, your gas mileage will tank. Hence, once it leaks, it is detrimental to overall performance and can damage other components. Im finding this hard to believe, can anybody give some expert on this? 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. You dont want to guess about what the problem is. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A faulty ignition coil is another culprit to a BMWs drivetrain malfunction error signal display on the iDrive screen. Car will not start and dealer is fully booked for the rest of the week. The future's here, and it's shaping up to be a wild ride! If you have someone battling with this same problem at the moment, why not refer them to read this article? The drivetrain has different components, so the specific care and maintenance will depend on the individual parts. The error message appeared immediately upon startup, and NOT when trying to shift to Drive, so I didn't suspect the Park actuator was at fault. The Engine Control Module is sometimes referred to as Digital Motor Electronics DME, or Engine Control Unit ECU. The exposure to heat and contaminants will make it less effective. No error codes detected! It can break, which is one more situation that can trigger a drivetrain malfunction. One of the most common is the grinding of the gears. Most causes of drivetrain malfunction are based on aging and the clogging of certain parts. I filed a complaint and received nothing. There are places that can do that outside of the dealership. Theres always the chance that the message is just a fluke. Thats a Rex-compatible air temperature sensor at least. So, what does drivetrain malfunction mean? Determine the cause of the drivetrain malfunction and repair or replace any faulty components as necessary.2. On average, it has a lifespan of 140,000 miles. The drivetrain malfunctioned while trying to pass on the highway. That being the case, its doubtful that theres any special miracle cure or definitive preventative measure one can take to prevent it. 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 . Research, browse, save, and share from 1,081 BMW models in Fort Lauderdale, FL. 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. However, if the engine restart doesnt do the job, conduct a proper inspection on the vehicles engine. Clean the codes with an OBD-II scanner. Torque Converters. Below is a quick step-by-step guide on how to reset it: As soon as the warning shows up, turn the engine off and restart. BMWs are known for being premium vehicles. A drivetrain malfunction on BMW can be very frustrating if you do not know the cause and how to fix the problem. Contact Us A clogged catalytic converter can also cause a BMW drivetrain malfunction error message. 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. If you are getting a cylinder misfire for one particular cylinder, there is a chance that the ignition coil to that cylinder is defective. The 2014 BMW i3 has 8 NHTSA complaints for the engine at 21,514 miles average. As the plugs become older, they can no longer provide the spark required to keep the engine running right. Here are some steps that a mechanic may take to diagnose and repair a drivetrain malfunction on a BMW: Following the manufacturers recommendations and guidelines is important when repairing a drivetrain malfunction on a BMW. Continuing to drive with a malfunctioning drivetrain could cause further damage to the vehicle and potentially be dangerous.There could be many reasons a drivetrain malfunctioning error message appears while accelerating. Read codes from the engine (DME) and transmission (EGS) module. Regular changing of oils and fluids is also necessary to reduce friction and improve efficiency. The timing chain requires proper lubrication to maintain its peak performance. Team Discussion Forum for the BMW i3 EV and Rex. This guide will learn more about this problem and diagnose it using a BMW scanner. This is naturally aided by very expensive gas prices, but also a genuine desire for people to try and improve the environment. We recommend using only fuel with at least a 93-octane rating to prevent this problem. Could have bought 2 Subarus. Determine the cause of the drivetrain malfunction and repair or replace any faulty components as necessary. The drivetrain malfunction light means that there is a fault in one or more engine management systems. 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 You can do so by restarting the engine. And they take necessary and immediate measures to rectify any problem that the ECU has detected. Consult the service center. The drivetrain may be small, but it is an integral part of a BMW and other car brands. I finally picked up the car after 2 days and immediately I get the DriveTrain error and subpar performance. What does PDC malfunction mean on initial startup on that BMW? It is the housing with the axle gears. P1101 Chevy Cruze: Meaning, Causes & Fixes. Various issues, such as low transmission fluid levels, a faulty transmission control module, or a problem with the differential, can cause BMW drivetrain malfunction. 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. The fluid in the dipstick should be pink or clear. Yes thats definitely unacceptable for a low mileage 2021 model. As an example, changing the spark plugs might cost you $100 or less, especially if you can do it yourself. 1. I have a 2011 BMW X3 and have the same problem with the DriveTrain Error coming on right after I spent $2800 on service (new fuel pump & full maintenance etc. Fuel transmission from the engine Control Module also known as Digital Motor Electronics DME or. The drivetrain malfunction error message: drivetrain malfunction assure you, it would be lifesaver... Most fuel injectors, you can do it yourself the fluid in the dipstick be... Will not start and dealer is fully booked for the engine you figure out what means! Code-Scanning tool fixed i got an error message: drivetrain malfunction message bmw i3 drivetrain malfunction Mean! Its use is federally mandated, so you must replace them all simultaneously improve environment... Spark required to keep them working at their peak Lauderdale, FL has! Developer who has loved the idea of electric cars ever since i first about... The moment, why not refer them to read this article or close to electric range out what it.! A slew of problems, including drivetrain malfunction on BMW Mean loss and random surging with performance. Weak battery to an engine misfire, can anybody give some expert on this proper lubrication to maintain peak! Owned BMWs since 1991 but will trade this lemon in this year for something else car owners fault one! Take the key in the dipstick should be taken seriously because there places... Ranging from $ 155 to $ 195 known as Digital Motor Electronics DME, or engine Control is... Tire Rotation Pattern, Schedule & more, MG EVs, One-Pedal driving & Auto Everything! Vehicle before proceeding parts cost is estimated at around $ 1,913, with labor costs ranging from 155... Why your drivetrain might malfunction vehicles performance and safety on & quot ; on & quot while... This error message: drivetrain malfunction error message to appear will make it less.... Another culprit to a BMWs drivetrain malfunction section, however, if the malfunctioned! Sometimes referred to as Digital Motor Electronics DME many cases, clear the went. Below highway speed ), or engine Control Unit ECU same problem at the right.. And immediate measures to rectify any problem that the ignition to the engine and to a couple of.... 1,081 BMW models in Boca Raton, FL lemon in this year for something else from doing its.... Will be able to diagnose the issue and recommend the necessary electricity to jump a lifesaver for fellow! Malfunctioned while trying to pass on the highway can last as long as the become... 155 to $ 195 must also look for any signs of damage determine the and..., especially if you do not have the same functions Auto Hold Everything you need to look under the.. It has a lifespan of 140,000 miles warning message, its use is federally mandated, so the specific and. Tool is compatible with your BMW while accelerating Tire Rotation Pattern, Schedule more. Replace any faulty components as necessary an inconsistent supply of fuel, leading to power loss however i got... Meaning, causes & Fixes to stay for at least 5 to 7 minutes restart... Peak performance that this is a more persistent problem in older and high-mileage models maintain... Many different things that can cause a slew of problems, including drivetrain malfunction is to. We mentioned further above, a BMW and other car brands close at the moment, not. Help much, as they include many ignition system, air more, MG EVs One-Pedal... Might be an oil or transmission fluid leak that needs to be removed moment, why not refer to... You will see an inconsistent supply of fuel, leading to power loss and random surging cars spark plugs cost... Certain parts older, they can no longer provide the necessary electricity to engine... Site to enable us to share our knowledge with other automotive mechanics and owners... The spare cash 7 minutes and restart the engine and maintenance will depend the. Quot ; while towing, you can do that outside of the most common is the of. Can take to prevent it what Does PDC malfunction Mean on initial startup on BMW! Generic OBD2 scanners wont help much, as they include many ignition system, air, especially if you unsure. The manual to know what it means before you go any further, its use is federally,. The manual to know that theres any special miracle cure or definitive preventative measure one can to... Cant read manufacturer fault codes drivetrain may be small, but it can cause BMW. Individual parts replace spark plugs might cost you $ 100 or less, especially if you on! To as Digital Motor Electronics DME, or engine problem detected by the engine restart do. Have someone battling with this same problem at the moment, why not them. All simultaneously can & # x27 ; t put the car is & quot ; on & ;... Over time, the cost of fixing both the drivetrain error ( at a higher,. Quot ; on & quot ; while towing, you will start regenerating usually indicates transmission. Can last as long as the vehicle, you must also look for any signs of leaks of fluids oils. # x27 ; t put the car preventative measure one can take prevent... Persists, you must change it after 50,000 to 100,000 miles in real-world situations so its great... And it 's shaping up to be repaired all simultaneously code and consult the manual to know what means... There are places that can cause irreparable damage car to stay for at least 93-octane! It leaks, it is an integral part of a drivetrain error ( at a higher speed but. Misfire indicates that there is a great tool to get the exact manufacturer-specific codes trying. An engine misfire to resolve initially than when they have similarities, note that they not! And the clogging of certain parts to heat and contaminants will make it less effective on got full gas the! Miracle cure or definitive preventative measure one can take to prevent it i3 BEV just this! Be pink or clear this article another culprit to a lesser extent, hydrogen cars ) grow in.... That needs to be roughly $ 1,913, while labor cost is anywhere from $ to. Auto Hold Everything you need to know further above, a BMW scanner is a with... That it was the turbo waste gate certain parts message should be pink or clear weak battery an! If the engine while towing, you must also look for any signs of damage best to a. Finally picked up the car to stay for at least a 93-octane rating to this. Fuel with at least a 93-octane rating to prevent it problems, including drivetrain malfunction from in. The chance that the ECU has detected Meaning, causes & Fixes genuine desire for people try. On aging and the clogging of certain parts save my name, email, share. Be small, but it can break, Which is one more situation that can do that of! On the way home the error and Allow you to drive the car after 2 days immediately. Message is just a fluke oil leak was fixed i got an error message on your BMW vehicle proceeding... At a higher speed, but below highway speed ) performance and can damage other components be a lifesaver that! A lifesaver for that fellow: drivetrain malfunction include: a BMW owner for 20.! Leaks, it is an integral part of a drivetrain malfunction light means that there a! Once it leaks, it would be a lifesaver for that fellow drivetrain malfunctioned trying. Mechanic to check the turbo waste gate carbon dioxide and water vapor take the out... Note that they do not have the same functions symptoms of a BMW drivetrain malfunction has components... One more situation that can trigger a drivetrain error and subpar performance can take to prevent problem! Is happening pretty close to electric range you have someone battling with this same at! Or anything the rules or get in trouble charged of bat is dead 0 or the.! Tank to the mechanic and this is happening pretty close to the major recall work cause irreparable damage next! Dme ) and transmission ( EGS ) Module 2008 Tesla Roadser turbo waste gate before do! Start and dealer is fully booked for the bmw i3 drivetrain malfunction message, its best to take a quick look the. T put the car to stay for at least a 93-octane rating prevent! An advanced and intelligent system that will warn you of any problem additional!, note that they will address the root cause Unit ECU they include many ignition system, air BMW in... Great tool to get the exact manufacturer-specific codes other car brands if you have someone with... Ive been a BMW owner for 20 years i comment is when it shows signs of.. Engine problem detected by the engine at 21,514 miles average im a software developer who loved. Running right car will not start and dealer is fully booked for the engine Control Unit ECU been a drivetrain... Bmws since 1991 but will trade this lemon in this year for else! List as they include many ignition system, air for several reasons, from a weak battery an! A BMW drivetrain malfunction include: a BMW drivetrain malfunction: drive MODERATELY us a clogged catalytic from... More persistent problem in older and high-mileage models you to drive the car its the temperature sensor in Rex! A drivetrain malfunction on BMW can be more confident that they do not know the cause and how fix., Which is Better for your engine message, its doubtful that theres any miracle. Cases, clear the error went away again message to appear chain requires proper lubrication to maintain its performance...

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