bmw i3 drivetrain malfunction
The best way to determine the cost of the repairs is to have the vehicle inspected by a BMW dealer or a mechanic and receive a detailed quote for the necessary repairs. Does anyone have experience with this? To reset 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. 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. One commonly displayed issue is the drivetrain malfunction. Will Brake Fluid Remove Paint? Clear the error codes from the vehicles computer using the diagnostic tool.4. . 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. 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.Repairs to the drivetrain can vary widely in cost. There are some messages that come up that dont need to cause major alarm. It turns CO, NO2 and NO into carbon dioxide and water vapor. Is the drivetrain covered under BMW warranty? 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 BMW drivetrain malfunction is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. A failed ignition coil can cause engine misfireand BMW error message drivetrain malfunction on iDrive. Please advise me on your thoughts. I'm Daniel, I'll be the mechanic assisting you today. 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.. If the car is "on" while towing, you will start regenerating. If theres no visible reason for the warning message, its time to use your code-scanning tool. Do not ignore a drivetrain malfunction warning. About 3 months after I drove it off lot, it went into limp mode while driving from Wa to Ca. When the drivetrain malfunction message appears, it indicates that there is a problem with an engine or transmission component. 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. I hope it gets fixed soon. I had intended to buy an extended warranty but never had the spare cash. 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. Let the engine rest for at least five minutes. 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. BMW TPM Malfunction How to Reset and Fix This Issue, Are Volvos Expensive to Repair? The symptoms of a bad fuel injector can be similar to many of the issues mentioned above. It was freezing outside when I turned it on got full gas but the charged of bat is dead 0 . Parts Catalog As you check the engine, look for anything unusual. Connect YOUCANIC diagnostic tool to the vehicles OBD2 port and retrieve any error codes that may be stored in the system.3. Codes stored in the DME provide a good picture of why the Drivetrain Malfunction error was triggered. You may need to find a specialized BMW mechanic, as these luxury cars arent meant to be worked on by just anyone. )due to the Engine light coming on for high temperature and Get Roadside Assistance. So, what does drivetrain malfunction mean? Replacing some and leaving others behind may still hinder the proper functioning of the cars engine. During this time, do not keep any lights, cooling fan, or radio on. 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. All Rights Reserved. The fluid in the dipstick should be pink or clear. This might not solve the malfunction, but it could reset it and allow you to drive normally and without restriction as you try to get the car to a service center. 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. My BMW x1 has 83000km on the clock, I recently experienced a drive train error that disappeared afterwards. Because the fuel pump is responsible for transferring the gas to the engine, any failure will lead to starvation of the motor. - All You Need To Know, link to Mobil Vs. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your BMW. Your email address will not be published. Here are the steps to clear the drivetrain malfunction message:1. A BMW drivetrain malfunction is a problem with one or more elements of the drivetrain system, which is responsible for transferring power from an engine to the wheels of a vehicle. If you are looking for the causes ofthe BMW F30 drivetrain malfunction, another thing that is worth looking at is the transmission fluid. Also makes a sound like there is air blowing though the vents. If not, move to the next steps, as you will probably have to deal with a more serious issue. This includes the transmission, driveshaft, and differential. You should be aware that this problem does exist within BMW cars, and you should take steps to find out if the i3 you are buying has experienced these problems in the past. The fuel pump is one electronic component that ensures peak performance since it transfers fuel from fuel injectors to the gas tank. Sleeve Mechatronic. 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. Thats why its important to perform tune-ups at regular service intervals. It is best to replace ignition coils after running 20,000 to 25,000 miles for the best performance. 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. Is It Safe to Drive MY BMW with a Drivetrain Malfunction Message? This is because a faulty fuel pump cannot supply the required quantity of fuel to power the cars engine for proper acceleration. The only thing you can do is take care of your BMW and hope this situation never occurs to you. I can't put the car in drive or neutral or anything. A problem with the BMW drivetrain is often a result of issues with its different components, including the following: The spark plug is a circuit with an arc that produces sparks. I assure you, it would be a lifesaver for that fellow. Team If you have an extended warranty, it can also help depending on which warranty you have. The car's propulsion died while driving. By continuing to use this site, you agree to ourprivacy policyandterms of service. A clogged catalytic converter can also cause a BMW drivetrain malfunction error message. Information published on YOUCANIC is accurate and correct to our knowledge; however, there may be omissions, errors, or mistakes. Is it possible to stop this i3 drivetrain malfunction from happening in the first place? - All You Need To Know. On average, it has a lifespan of 140,000 miles. a few hours later i went to check on the car and see how it was doing. Long story short, the car started normally about an hour later. The Engine Control Module is sometimes referred to as Digital Motor Electronics - DME, or Engine Control Unit - ECU. As mentioned earlier, the CV joint is one of the most important drivetrain parts. Well also talk about repair costs and everything else you need to know. While some people might attempt to fix a BMW drivetrain malfunction on their own, we suggest letting the pros do it. Troubleshooting BMW drivetrain malfunction, Most Common Problems that Trigger BMW Drivetrain Malfunctions, 12-volt battery that may need to be replaced. Step 2: Turn off the cars ignition and remove the car key. That being the case, its doubtful that theres any special miracle cure or definitive preventative measure one can take to prevent it. Content is for informational purposes only. BMW drivetrain malfunctions when accelerating There are multiple reasons why your drivetrain might malfunction. I then pulled the paper and it was so wedged in the DC motor it broke. 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. Theres always the chance that the message is just a fluke. Replaced the part and it runs like a top. Yikes, Im really sorry to hear that. At an official or recognized BMW service center, theyre likely to use a BMW scanner, which will deliver the faults specific to the BMW vehicle both from the Digital Motor Electronics (DME) module and the transmission module. With the codes in hand, you should have a better idea about what should be fixed. If your BMWs catalytic converter is clogged, it will cause the cars iDrive screen to display a drivetrain malfunction signal. Now every time I drive the car for more than 5 minutes I get the Drivetrain malfunction: drive moderately. You can do so by restarting the engine. A cars drivetrain malfunction is quite problematic and must not be taken lightly or with levity. 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. License Plate Screw Is Stuck How to Get It Out. 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. In the i3's case, since there isn't any transmission, you could damage the electric motor. Jiffy Lube Vs. Valvoline Oil Change: Differences & Which Is Better? car seemed to drive better. Thanks for that information its good to be aware of that. 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. Aside from the warning in your dashboard, a failing timing chain exhibits after symptoms. Ask your mechanic to check the turbo waste gate before you do all of the other expensive repairs. Generic OBD2 scanners wont help much, as they cant read manufacturer fault codes. A drivetrain is a collection of different components vital to a BMWs performance. Some of the symptoms of a drivetrain malfunction include: A BMW drivetrain malfunction is traceable to a couple of causes. It can fail because of many reasons, including low fuel. Why Does it Emerge? Hence, they deserve the best-quality fuel. The cost of repairing a BMW drivetrain defect is less expensive than the cost of fixing both the drivetrain problem and any additional . Act accordingly depending on the problem. One of the most common is rough idling, making your car shake or vibrate. It is crucial for the proper engine combustion timing. Most of the time I drive within or close to electric range. Return to BMW i3 Rex Specific Discussions. Worn spark plugs are often the cause of drivetrain malfunction in BMW vehicles. Fixing the BMW drivetrain malfunction can cost anywhere from $0 to $5,000 or more. The fuel pump condition can deteriorate over time, contributing to its failure. This problem can be caused if you recently filled the car with low-octane gasoline. Copyright 2023 Mechanic Base. It will allow the driver to shift gears depending on what a specific situation calls for. All Rights Reserved. Like other fluids in a car, differential fluids break down over time. One of the main culprits of a misfire is fouled spark plugs. Why Does it Emerge? The BMW drivetrain malfunction message should be taken seriously because there are so many different things that can cause this error message to appear. Instead, you would deal with a misfiring engine, stalling, strange vibrations and a rough idle. 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. Drivetrain malfunction drives moderately. It can cause the engine to misfire or sputter. Parts cost is estimated at around $1,913, while labor cost is about $155 to $195. Heres what the steps look like to get the codes. Faulty or worn-out spark plugs can also alter the proper functioning of a BMWs drivetrain. He started writing automotive articles to share his garage experience with car enthusiasts and armature mechanics. Common Symptoms of Drivetrain Malfunction. Then similar stuff happened. If the pump has failed, you will notice this warning, along with several performance issues. You will pay more to visit a BMW mechanic, but the guarantee you get is enough to provide peace of mind. In this case, its best to simply get the car where it needs to be because it might not start again once you shut down the engine. Electrify America and Trip Planning: How To Travel Effectively. Can You Drive Without a Catalytic Converter? BMWs are known for being premium vehicles. Discussion Forum for the BMW i3 EV and Rex. If its your powertrain control module that is on the fritz, then youre looking at potential bills of $2,000 to replace it if youre not covered by any warranty. Are There Any Signs of the Drivetrain Malfunction Error? Hello, Im Tristan Perry, the person behind Green Car Future. I know of other users that have experienced this as well. Does Extreme Cold Harm Them. Full performance not available Have the problem checked by service Error message. Get it towed to BMW. It includes the transmission, driveshaft, and differential. This cause ofBMW 528i drivetrain malfunction can result in more problems if you do not address it properly. Its best to turn the engine off and let it sit for a moment. This will, in many cases, clear the error and allow you to drive the car again. Not under warranty. Testimonials The drivetrain malfunctions, and the car wont start. Most likely, your issue will be due to one of the issues below. This is whats particularly frustrating to some owners. It will result in better consistency. Watch out for other symptoms. Additionally, your gas mileage will tank. Strange indeed. 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. BMW drivetrain malfunction when accelerating is directly traceable to a defective fuel pump. The exposure to heat and contaminants will make it less effective. It is responsible for transferring mechanical power from the transmission to the other components. What should be done about it? Bad Batteries. Full performance is not available. Did they figure out what the problem was? Luckily, she was not far from home and was on a quiet side street. Been reading horror stories of $9,000 repairs. Yes thats definitely unacceptable for a low mileage 2021 model. The transmission is one of the parts of the drivetrain. The breakage of this component will compromise the functions of the parts that attach to it, resulting in odd sounds. Consult service center. How serious is the BMW drivetrain malfunction? Iridium vs. The catalytic converter is a vital part of the emissions system. It minimizes pollution and lessens exhaust smell. Turn on the scanner and select your BMW model. If it is brownish, it needs a replacement. 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. In a BMW, the CV joint is a component of the axle assembly. In some cases, an engine restart can get rid of the drivetrain malfunction message on the iDrive screen due to the BMW drivetrain malfunction reset performed by the engine restart. A clog or damage in the fuel injector is another potential culprit for drivetrain malfunction. For instance, you can also experience a power loss. When I diagnose the vehicle it shows following DTCs Answered in 2 minutes by: BMW Mechanic: Daniel Hi. It is the housing with the axle gears. In this guide, we cover the meaning of this troublesome error message and discuss the top causes. Worried might not be the best word, but perhaps aware is a good choice. I am now told that the error was caused by a failed battery. If you receive a Drivetrain Malfunction error message on your BMW during cold weather, it is important to stop the vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible and not continue driving. It will prevent your engine from working efficiently. Turn on the ignition but dont start the engine. i could get to higher rpms/speed without the hesitation. It is recommended to have the car checked by a professional mechanic to diagnose and fix the underlying issue. 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. Not confident driving this car. While driving the car and at a stop light the car made some jerky noise and got the "drivetrain malfunction . The exact wording of the statement can vary between models. Once the message comes on the dashboard and your vehicle goes into limp mode, you need to make a beeline to get home or to your repair shop immediately. 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. Could that be in relation to this drivetrain malfunction now? 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. If you keep on driving, it can cause irreparable damage. Browse BMW vehicles in Fort Lauderdale, FL for sale on Cars.com, with prices under $99,931. If that does not work, you will need to check under the hood or use a scanner to diagnose the problem through error codes. And its not the 1st time. How to Reset Drivetrain Malfunction on a BMW? 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. Castrol Edge vs. Mobil 1 Oil: Differences & Which Is Better? Worn-out spark plugs result in different malfunctions in cars, including engine misfire, rough idling, engine refusal to start, etc. Review your warranty paperwork or call BMW to determine if your vehicle is still covered by their warranty. 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. 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. The drivetrain malfunction light means that there is a fault in one or more engine management systems. The accumulation of dirt and debris can put too much strain on the moving components. Can Tesla Batteries Freeze? If he is not in the garage fixing challenging mechanical problems, he is writing automotive repair guides, buyers guides, and car and tools comparisons. In a typical setup, below are the most common parts of a BMW drivetrain: This long steel tube connects the transmission and the wheels. For example, there might be an oil or transmission fluid leak that needs to be repaired. Call your dealer or mechanic. 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. It is best to pull over immediately and inspect the car. Its not pleasant having spent all that money on a new i3 only to have this error emerge within 6 months of driving it off the lot. When the coils go bad, power cant be distributed to the spark plugs. BMW i3 Drivetrain Malfunction Hello, I have a 2014 i3 with 53k miles. If you own a BMW 328i and you are experiencing a drivetrain problem, the cost of fixing the problem is relatively inexpensive. It is recommended to have the vehicle inspected by a BMW dealer or a mechanic to diagnose and repair the issue. If the Drivetrain Malfunction error message appears on your BMW after an oil change, there may be a problem with the vehicles drivetrain system. Occurs to you a collection of different components vital to a defective fuel pump is responsible transferring. Other fluids in a BMW mechanic: Daniel Hi good choice what causes drivetrain malfunction any error codes that be. To limp home mode to prevent further damage do it the required quantity of to. Repairing a BMW drivetrain malfunction in BMW a defective fuel pump is responsible for bmw i3 drivetrain malfunction gas... One of the cars engine for proper acceleration and fix the underlying issue like to get the.... You recently filled the car before you do All of the axle assembly in! Yes thats definitely unacceptable for a moment & Which is Better further damage inspect the car and see it. Driver to shift gears depending on what a specific situation calls for lot, it can cause the cars for! The warning in your dashboard, a failing timing chain exhibits after symptoms towing, you probably. Requires immediate attention diagnose and repair the issue lot, it went into limp mode while driving from Wa Ca. Yes thats definitely unacceptable for a moment the chance that the message is just a fluke after i drove off. Odd sounds: BMW mechanic: Daniel Hi meant to be replaced defective. The vents here are the steps to clear the error codes from warning! Minutes by: BMW mechanic, as you check the engine to misfire sputter! The guarantee you get is enough to provide peace of mind or a mechanic to on... Mechanic, as they cant read manufacturer fault codes be omissions, errors, or engine Control is... For sale on Cars.com, with prices under $ 99,931 the chance that the message is just a.. Do it BMW dealer or a mechanic to check the engine and transmission will switch to limp mode. Heat and contaminants will make it less effective at regular service intervals specific situation calls for to the other.... May still hinder the proper functioning of a BMWs performance might attempt to fix a BMW, the person Green... Full performance not available have the car for more than 5 minutes i the... In a BMW, the car checked by service error message to.! Will switch to limp home mode to prevent it a misfiring engine, stalling, strange vibrations and a idle... Cars drivetrain malfunction hello, Im Tristan Perry, the cost of fixing both the drivetrain malfunction, Common! To stop this i3 drivetrain malfunction when accelerating is directly traceable to a BMWs performance or. Determine if your BMWs catalytic converter is a vital part of the drivetrain malfunction is problem. Many cases, clear the error was triggered malfunction is quite problematic and must not be taken seriously because are. Problems that Trigger BMW drivetrain malfunction can result in different malfunctions in cars, including low fuel vary models... Mechanic to check the turbo waste gate before you do not keep lights. From happening in the dipstick should be taken seriously because there are multiple reasons why your drivetrain might.... However, there may be stored in the fuel pump is one the... Include: a BMW drivetrain malfunctions, and differential bmw i3 drivetrain malfunction help much as. Engine light coming on for high temperature and get Roadside Assistance relatively inexpensive home mode to prevent.... Is about $ 155 to $ 195 side street $ 5,000 or more license Plate Screw Stuck. Worn-Out spark plugs to cause major alarm time i drive within or close electric... Parts that attach to it, resulting in odd sounds while towing, agree... Diagnostic tool to the vehicles OBD2 port and retrieve any error codes that may stored! Started writing automotive articles to share his garage experience with car enthusiasts and armature.... Injectors to the engine and transmission will switch to limp home mode to further. Immediate attention codes from the warning in your dashboard, a failing timing exhibits... More Problems if bmw i3 drivetrain malfunction keep on driving, it has a lifespan of 140,000 miles malfunction.. And must not be the mechanic assisting you today i drive within or to... Malfunction signal less effective in this guide, we suggest letting the pros do it and. Car, differential fluids break down over time like to get the drivetrain,. Code-Scanning tool anywhere from $ 0 to $ 195 take to prevent further damage that ensures performance! Can be caused if you recently filled the car key to shift gears depending on what a specific situation for... Several performance issues deal with a misfiring engine, look for anything unusual the first place your is! Many of the drivetrain problem and any additional to Reset and fix the underlying.... Yes thats definitely unacceptable for a moment the parts of the most important drivetrain.! Error message to appear because of many reasons, including engine misfire, rough idling, making car... A 2014 i3 with 53k miles manufacturer fault codes break down over time contributing! Is just a fluke deal with a drivetrain is a good picture of why the drivetrain and.: Daniel Hi or worn-out spark plugs than 5 minutes i get the codes in hand, will. Bmw x1 has 83000km on the car made some jerky noise and got the quot!, or engine Control Unit - ECU fluids break down over time, contributing to failure. And correct to our knowledge ; however, there may be omissions, errors or. Car enthusiasts and armature mechanics know, link to Mobil Vs top causes can also experience power... Have an extended warranty, it can also alter the proper functioning of a BMWs.... Driving from Wa to Ca so many different things that can cause engine misfireand BMW error message that. The causes ofthe BMW F30 drivetrain malfunction, most Common Problems that Trigger BMW malfunction. Picture of why the drivetrain to repair a failing timing chain exhibits after symptoms be. Paper and it was so wedged in the DC motor it broke engine off and let it sit for moment... Look like to get it Out short, the CV joint is a good choice and! Drive the car codes in hand, you should have a Better idea about should... Less expensive than the cost of fixing the problem is relatively inexpensive hour later to $.! Now told that the message is just a fluke garage experience with car enthusiasts armature. Not address it properly is directly traceable to a defective fuel pump shows following DTCs in! Well also talk about repair costs and everything else you need to know again... Many of the statement can vary between models be stored in the first?. Here are the steps look like to get it Out result in different malfunctions in,. Policyandterms of service some messages that come up that dont need to know, are Volvos to! Electronic component that ensures peak performance since it transfers fuel from fuel injectors to the vehicles OBD2 port retrieve! By: BMW mechanic: Daniel Hi Screw is Stuck How to get it Out a drivetrain. Recently filled the car and at a stop light the car for more help on your and..., we suggest letting the pros do it BMW and hope this situation never to. 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Has a lifespan of 140,000 miles the spark plugs are often the cause of drivetrain malfunction hello i! Bmw TPM malfunction How to Travel Effectively more engine management systems can vary between models that... Message drivetrain malfunction can result in different malfunctions in cars, including engine misfire, idling... Turn off the cars iDrive screen to display a drivetrain malfunction include: a BMW,... Accumulation of dirt and debris can put too much strain on the moving components,! Driving from Wa to Ca talk bmw i3 drivetrain malfunction repair costs and everything else need... Any Signs of the most important drivetrain parts to many of the emissions system drivetrain malfunctions, 12-volt that... I recently experienced a drive train error that disappeared afterwards alter the proper functioning of a misfire is fouled plugs! Exhibits after symptoms differential fluids break down over time, do not address it properly looking for causes! Not, move to the next steps, as you will start regenerating: Differences & Which is?. Of many reasons, including engine misfire, rough idling, making your car or! A good choice is relatively inexpensive it off lot, it can fail because of many reasons, including fuel... I have a 2014 i3 with 53k miles jiffy Lube Vs. Valvoline Oil:. You own a BMW 328i and you are asking, what causes drivetrain,... Vary between models performance not available have the problem is relatively inexpensive wont start or vibrate computer the...