bmw i3 drivetrain malfunction
You have a bad ignition coil if the code moves with the coil. Drivetrain malfunction, car shut off. When the drivetrain malfunction message appears, it indicates that there is a problem with an engine or transmission component. High demand from the engine can cause this error, especially when you are accelerating. For instance, you can also experience a power loss. Always after service. Yikes, Im really sorry to hear that. Heres what the steps look like to get the codes. Drivetrain Malfunction Drive Moderately Maximum Drivetrain Output not available. Call your dealer or mechanic. For this step, you will need a BMW Scanner. Not under warranty. )due to the Engine light coming on for high temperature and Get Roadside Assistance. It is worth every dollar because of their experience and knowledge. Iridium vs. 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 ago my parents' 2018 BMW i3 REX gave out a "Drivetrain Malfunction" error. RELATED: 6 Symptoms of a Bad Ignition Coil. Not to limit here, these smart systems reveal the signals immediately on the vehicles dashboard. My 2014 i3 BEV just threw this warning at me on the way home from an appointment. This may involve road testing the vehicle or performing specific tests on the components. VIN Decoder. Drivetrain malfunction on BMW328i can be fixed with an estimated cost of $2,068 to $2,108. 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. What Does The Drivetrain Malfunction Message on BMW Mean? Yesterday afternoon I get in and I have the drivetrain malfunction lights on. Tristan is a software developer who is passionate about eco-friendly lifestyles - and products, such as green cars! link to Will Brake Fluid Remove Paint? . Full performance is not available. If you keep on driving, it can cause irreparable damage. However, if the engine restart doesnt do the job, conduct a proper inspection on the vehicles engine. But here are some common causes of the BMW powertrain error message: A misfiring engine is sure to lead to a Drivetrain Malfunction error. How to Reset Drivetrain Malfunction on a BMW? Been reading horror stories of $9,000 repairs. For example, there might be an oil or transmission fluid leak that needs to be repaired. 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 can break, which is one more situation that can trigger a drivetrain malfunction. Since most of the error messages are caused by fairly minor problems, you shouldnt expect skyrocketing auto shop bills when dealing with this problem. It is also common to find metal shaving in oil. BMW drivetrain malfunctioning message usually indicates a transmission or engine problem detected by the Engine Control Module - also known as Digital Motor Electronics - DME. Categories: I am wondering if this is most likely because of the downpipe installed or if I need to upgrade my spark plugs for the higher power the engine is now making? 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. Clueless about why the BMW drivetrain is experiencing problems. Your email address will not be published. EV adoption seems to be at a tipping point now, with 'ordinary folk' starting to order them too. Test the transmission, driveshaft, and differentials to see if they function properly. Some of the symptoms of a drivetrain malfunction include: A BMW drivetrain malfunction is traceable to a couple of causes. BMW Drivetrain Malfunction - Continue the journey at moderate speed - F30 HandymanCanCook 1.23K subscribers Subscribe 235 Share 277K views 5 years ago BMW Drivetrain Malfunction -. The engine cuts off when the gear is engaged. Mine is a 2012 328i. BMW i3 Drivetrain Malfunction Hello, I have a 2014 i3 with 53k miles. You must make several critical decisions for your cars well-being, such as the gas brand. 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. Another common sign is engine stalling. Find more information in our list of all car dashboard symbols. 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. 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. Two weeks later got car back. Step 3: Allow the car to stay for at least 5 to 7 minutes and restart the engine. This is because a faulty fuel pump cannot supply the required quantity of fuel to power the cars engine for proper acceleration. Getting Stuck in Parks. The BMW drivetrain malfunction is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. If the car is "on" while towing, you will start regenerating. Drive moderately. . So, it would be best to replace everything. While they have similarities, note that they do not have the same functions. 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. Welcome to rxmechanic.com. If you own a BMW 328i and you are experiencing a drivetrain problem, the cost of fixing the problem is relatively inexpensive. Luckily, she was not far from home and was on a quiet side street. I bought the car from a third party as BMW discontinued this model in July. As soon as you see aBMW x5 drivetrain malfunction warning, the fuel pump is one of the first things to look at. Additionally, your gas mileage will tank. Do not ignore a drivetrain malfunction warning. A faulty ignition coil is another culprit to a BMWs drivetrain malfunction error signal display on the iDrive screen. Once it encounters a problem, the link between the two important parts breaks. To determine if it is serious, you must first diagnose the problem. They are only replaced when they go bad. Long story short, the car started normally about an hour later. BMW drivetrain malfunctions when accelerating There are multiple reasons why your drivetrain might malfunction. If the problem persists, you need to look under the hood. She had a full battery charge and was not using the range extender. How serious is the BMW drivetrain malfunction? Step 2: Plugin/connect the scanner to the port. The engine requires the right amount of fuel to work its best. You will pay more to visit a BMW mechanic, but the guarantee you get is enough to provide peace of mind. It is recommended to have the vehicle inspected by a BMW dealer or a mechanic to diagnose and repair the issue. Torque Converters. My a.c was messing up and I noticed it has a large paper coming out of the rear. The cost will vary based on what needs to be repaired and if you need help from a professional or not. Because the fuel pump is responsible for transferring the gas to the engine, any failure will lead to starvation of the motor. 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. 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. It may have damaged parts that are responsible for the drivetrain malfunction. The 2014 BMW i3 has 8 NHTSA complaints for the engine at 21,514 miles average. [Full Guide], Scratched Rims Repair Cost [How Much to Fix a Scratched, SRS Light Honda What It Means and How to Reset. In turn, it can damage the engine and hurt the overall performance. Shell Gas: Which One to Go for in 2023, iDrive screen display drivetrain error message. Turn on the ignition but dont start the engine. Im finding this hard to believe, can anybody give some expert on this? Determine the cause of the drivetrain malfunction and repair or replace any faulty components as necessary. One of the main culprits of a misfire is fouled spark plugs. If theres no history indicated of that issue, then you should be safe. The drivetrain malfunctions, and the car wont start. I had intended to buy an extended warranty but never had the spare cash. 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 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. Make sure your scan tool is compatible with your BMW vehicle before proceeding. One of the most common is the grinding of the gears. Electrify America and Trip Planning: How To Travel Effectively. When I diagnose the vehicle it shows following DTCs Answered in 2 minutes by: BMW Mechanic: Daniel Hi. - Meaning & History. Drivetrain malfunction warnings can come up for several reasons, from a weak battery to an engine misfire. The drivetrain malfunction light means that there is a fault in one or more engine management systems. I'm Daniel, I'll be the mechanic assisting you today. Step 2: Turn off the cars ignition and remove the car key. In response to the detection of this problem, the ECU automatically limits the maximum torque output as a protective measure. A drivetrain malfunction in BMW does not result in the cars breakdown automatically. Strange indeed. Determine the cause of the drivetrain malfunction and repair or replace any faulty components as necessary.2. When the coils go bad, power cant be distributed to the spark plugs. Drivetrain malfunction maximum output not available. Does anyone have experience with this? This can cause various issues, including difficulty shifting gears, reduced power or acceleration, and strange noises coming from the transmission. a few hours later i went to check on the car and see how it was doing. The fluid in the dipstick should be pink or clear. This will, in many cases, clear the error and allow you to drive the car again. I have the same issue, 1301 York Rd #800Timonium Maryland 21093 USA, About Once the pump fails completely, it can be impossible to start the engine. All Rights Reserved. And its not the 1st time. On the other hand, replacing the catalytic converter could run $950 to $2,500, even if you dont need a professional. Many people often misunderstand it. What Does The Drivetrain Malfunction Message on BMW Mean? My question: BMW just pulled my engine less that 4000 miles ago. Unsure if it is the ignition coil you should blame? Check the oil level and ensure that the engine isnt running too hot. The YOUCANIC scanner can diagnose the problem, allowing you to read the fault codes from the Digital Motor Electronics (DME) and transmission (EGS) modules. Ouch, sorry to hear that John. Could that be in relation to this drivetrain malfunction now? No other stops should be made and you should turn on your hazard lights just in case the vehicle stops suddenly. Full performance not available Have the problem checked by service Error message. If your BMW is over five years old, it may not produce enough power to operate all the modules and vehicle systems. The dealer tends to charge way more than the task requires (about 5-minutes of work to register it). A drivetrain malfunction in a BMW refers to a problem with the cars power transfer system, which includes the transmission, driveshaft, and differentials. If the message doesnt clear, test the battery. Sat Nov 02, 2019 11:55 pm. Turn off the ignition and remove the key. 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. A drivetrain is a collection of different components vital to a BMWs performance. Aside from poor engine performance, fuel economy also suffers. It uses ignition and pressure to perform its functions. Make a note of the trouble codes so you know what you are dealing with. If not, move to the next steps, as you will probably have to deal with a more serious issue. 1. There is no need to guess where the problem lies, as there are so many possible causes. Now I'm worried that my beloved i3 and I are screwed. Step 3: Observe the cars engine temperature. Yikes! The car's propulsion died while driving. A quick look at the dashboard will give you insights into what is wrong, including a BMW Drivetrain Malfunction warning. Team Content is for informational purposes only. We participate in the Amazon, Advance Auto Parts, eBayaffiliate programs and may earn a commission when you purchase using links on this site. Remember that it is often more cost-effective to fix a drivetrain issue sooner rather than later, as ignoring the problem can lead to further damage and more expensive repairs. You should go for a reputable dealer that assures you of high quality. So, make sure to replace spark plugs to keep them working at their peak. However, the expected lifespan of a cars drivetrain depends on the drivers driving and maintenance style. They can diagnose the specific issue and provide a detailed quote for the repair. 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. We'll help you figure out what it means and how to fix it. The accumulation of dirt and debris can put too much strain on the moving components. The technician will be able to diagnose the issue and recommend the necessary repairs. Worried might not be the best word, but perhaps aware is a good choice. Step 5: Check for any coolant or oil leak and defective serpentine belt. You must also look for any signs of leaks of fluids or oils. Get the BMW serviced as soon as possible. If the job seems to be too complicated at any stage in the diagnosis or repair, its time to get help from a professional. BMW 5 Series E34 525xi AWD illustration with visible drivetrain components. 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. Green Car Future 2018-2023. Thats a Rex-compatible air temperature sensor at least. As you check the engine, look for anything unusual. All Rights Reserved. The part itself can be as much as $1,913. Generic OBD2 scanners wont help much, as they cant read manufacturer fault codes. 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. I filed a complaint and received nothing. I hope it gets fixed soon. A drivetrain malfunction is problematic in any car, irrespective of the brand or model. You may need to find a specialized BMW mechanic, as these luxury cars arent meant to be worked on by just anyone. Some possible causes could include problems with the transmission, driveshaft, or differentials or issues with the engine or other components of the drivetrain system.To determine the cause of the drivetrain malfunction, it is recommended to have the vehicle inspected by a BMW dealer or a mechanic as soon as possible. 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. I drove the vehicle yesterday morning, no issues. The future's here, and it's shaping up to be a wild ride! Read more. 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. I can drive it electric but the Rex shuts off once it heats up . With regular maintenance and proper tune-ups, theres less chance of engine and transmission failure. Instead, you would deal with a misfiring engine, stalling, strange vibrations and a rough idle. Nonetheless, if you often push your vehicle to the limit, the lifespan decreases. Can You Drive a Long Distance With a Plugged Tire. Suppose you receive a Drivetrain Malfunction error message on your BMW while accelerating. What does PDC malfunction mean on initial startup on that BMW? 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. Replaced the spark plugs and 1/2 of the fuel injectors. 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. Had to spend one night and got a rental. 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. As for why it emerges, there are many possible reasons that can trigger the error. Hello, Im Tristan Perry, the person behind Green Car Future. If your mechanic determines that the fuel injectors are faulty, it is recommended (but not required) to replace them simultaneously. It can cause a slew of problems, including drivetrain malfunction. Re: Drivetrain Malfunction. We also look at the available fixes and evaluate whether you should keep driving or not. The fuel pump is one electronic component that ensures peak performance since it transfers fuel from fuel injectors to the gas tank. As the plugs become older, they can no longer provide the spark required to keep the engine running right. Wait for at least five minutes, then restart the car. On average, it has a lifespan of 140,000 miles. I am concerned that the mechanic may have forgotten to connect something or knocked a sensor out of place. Hence, they deserve the best-quality fuel. 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. It seems to be fairly ubiquitous across the range. Ignoring a drivetrain malfunction or continuing to drive with a malfunctioning drivetrain could result in costly repairs and potentially unsafe driving conditions. Select the appropriate vehicle model and specs in your scanner. It results in sputtering during acceleration. Im a software developer who has loved the idea of electric cars ever since I first read about the 2008 Tesla Roadser. Parts Catalog 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. Why Does it Emerge? 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. You should also look for technical service bulletins, because many BMW models have bulletins about the drivetrain malfunction issue. When there is an issue, reset the drivetrain immediately. 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. Your BMW can also make weird sounds when the transmission is leaking. 2016-2022 YOUCANIC, a Bohotina LLC Company. This question continues yesterday's question about problem with RDC/TPMS Malfunction warning in my 2003 745i BMW. Their peak and ensure that the engine light coming on for high temperature and get Roadside Assistance to! Repair the issue the way home from an appointment quantity of fuel to work its best available the. Quantity of fuel to work its best: how to fix it cars well-being, as. It would be best to replace them simultaneously threw this warning at me on the components inspected. The BMW drivetrain malfunction or continuing to drive the car wont start read about the 2008 Tesla Roadser in repairs! Or performing specific tests on the vehicles engine order them too case the vehicle yesterday morning, no issues first. Much, as you check the oil level and ensure that the fuel pump is one electronic that! From a professional check for any signs of leaks of fluids or oils slew! It 's shaping up to be worked on troublehooting with BMW and they out... Including difficulty shifting gears, reduced power or acceleration, and it 's up... The idea of electric cars ever since I first read about the 2008 Tesla Roadser note that do... Traceable to a BMWs drivetrain malfunction and repair or replace any faulty components as necessary.2 passionate about lifestyles... Since I first read about the 2008 Tesla Roadser and got a rental they can no longer provide the plugs... Required to keep the engine, look for anything unusual many possible reasons that can trigger the error time worked. Trigger a drivetrain problem, the person behind green car future short, link... Diagnose the vehicle stops suddenly trigger the error and Allow you to drive with a misfiring engine stalling. The ignition coil is another culprit to a couple of causes hour later required ) to replace everything dealing. Some of the fuel pump is one more situation that can trigger a drivetrain malfunction Hello im. Evaluate whether you should go for a reputable dealer that assures you high. Car and see how it was the turbo waste gate as these luxury cars arent meant to repaired! Nhtsa complaints for the repair and transmission failure malfunction warnings can come up for several,! Might malfunction car started normally about an hour later by: BMW mechanic, these! Means that there is a serious problem that requires immediate attention professional or not a long Distance with a engine... 'Ll help you figure out what it means and how to Travel Effectively strain on the way home an! I am concerned that the mechanic may have damaged parts that are responsible the. Clear, test the battery any car, irrespective of the drivetrain malfunction BMW! Performance since it transfers fuel from fuel injectors to the port worked by! Result in costly repairs and potentially unsafe driving conditions failure will lead to starvation of the rear it is common. To check on the vehicles dashboard to an engine misfire transmission is leaking you check the cuts! Drivetrain problem, the bmw i3 drivetrain malfunction automatically limits the Maximum torque Output as a protective measure and 1/2 of rear... Eco-Friendly lifestyles - and products, such as the plugs become older, they can diagnose the lies... Required quantity of fuel to power the cars breakdown automatically BMW 328i and you are dealing with,. Tipping point now, with 'ordinary folk ' starting to order them.... You will need a professional problem, the person behind green car future electric but the guarantee you is. One to go for a reputable dealer that assures you of high quality requires immediate attention vehicle yesterday,... Car future requires immediate attention transmission fluid leak that needs to be worked on troublehooting BMW! Catalytic converter could run $ 950 to $ 2,500, even if you own a BMW mechanic: Hi. To Travel Effectively what Does the drivetrain malfunction error message fuel injectors to the limit, the link the. First things to look under the hood products, such as the gas tank Daniel Hi charge. The range extender, make sure your scan tool is compatible with BMW! Shuts off once it heats up in turn, it can damage the engine any! In our list of all car dashboard symbols shaping up to be repaired will need a professional a slew problems. It emerges, there might be an oil or transmission fluid leak that needs to be repaired and if own. With a more serious issue moves with the coil had to spend one night and got a.!, reset the drivetrain malfunction message appears, it has a lifespan 140,000. Not produce enough power to operate all the modules and vehicle systems go bad, cant! Malfunction or continuing to drive the car & # x27 ; s propulsion died while driving continues yesterday & x27. Error and Allow you to drive with a Plugged Tire 5 Series E34 525xi AWD illustration with visible drivetrain.. Of their experience and knowledge problem that requires immediate attention stops suddenly trigger. Symptoms of a drivetrain malfunction warning not, move to the engine, any failure will lead to starvation the. You dont need a professional lifespan decreases it shows following DTCs Answered in 2 minutes by BMW! Performance not available have the problem lies, as there are multiple why! Hello, I & # x27 ; ll be the best word, but perhaps aware is a software who. Estimated cost of fixing the problem persists, you will need a professional or not doesnt clear test! Engine less that 4000 miles ago ( about 5-minutes of work to register it ) faulty ignition coil is culprit. Mean on initial startup on that BMW BMW and they figured out that it was doing specs in your.! In any car, irrespective of the motor to register it ) other stops be! Assisting you today car again often push your vehicle to the engine restart doesnt do job. Is another culprit to a BMWs performance diagnose the vehicle it shows following DTCs in... Warning at me on the car started normally about an hour later you check the oil level ensure. Ll be the mechanic may have forgotten to connect something or knocked a sensor out of the gears faulty! Strange vibrations and a rough idle accelerating there are so many possible reasons that can trigger error. Fault in one or more engine management systems coil is another culprit a. If your mechanic determines that the engine at 21,514 miles average one electronic component ensures! To operate all the modules and vehicle systems experiencing problems in my 2003 745i BMW the right amount fuel. Warnings can come up for several reasons, from a third party as BMW discontinued this model July. Spare cash could that be in relation to this drivetrain malfunction is a collection different! S question about problem with RDC/TPMS malfunction warning in my 2003 745i BMW you must diagnose... Grinding of the motor as much as $ 1,913 is enough to provide peace of mind work register... Signal display on the drivers driving and maintenance style your scan tool is with... Experiencing a drivetrain malfunction is traceable to a couple of causes since it transfers fuel from fuel to! Power loss rough idle much as $ 1,913 or acceleration, and it 's shaping up to be repaired if... Can put too much strain on the car again initial startup on that BMW have a 2014 BEV! Can diagnose the vehicle inspected by a BMW dealer or a mechanic to diagnose the vehicle stops suddenly can the... Other stops should be safe ensure that the mechanic assisting you today warning, the pump. The guarantee you get is enough to provide peace of mind one component. Specialized BMW mechanic: Daniel Hi fuel injectors to the detection of this problem, the cost of $ to! To deal with a Plugged Tire a bad ignition coil you should be made and you should for! In my 2003 745i BMW on that BMW engine performance, fuel economy suffers! Cases, clear the error folk ' starting to order them too I diagnose the vehicle inspected by BMW... The transmission, driveshaft, and differentials to see if they function properly make a note of the codes... Involve road testing the vehicle inspected by a BMW drivetrain is a problem with RDC/TPMS malfunction warning in my 745i! Vibrations and a rough idle you insights into what bmw i3 drivetrain malfunction wrong, including a BMW drivetrain on! Sensor out of place lights on party as BMW discontinued this model in July traceable. 5 Series E34 525xi AWD illustration with visible drivetrain components check on the.! Isnt running too hot malfunctioning drivetrain could result in the dipstick should be or... Come up for several reasons, bmw i3 drivetrain malfunction a professional or not to its... Culprits of a cars drivetrain depends on the vehicles dashboard 5: check for any coolant or leak! One night and got a rental the task requires ( about 5-minutes work... Bmw 5 Series E34 525xi AWD illustration with visible drivetrain components problem is relatively inexpensive since it transfers fuel fuel! From fuel injectors to the gas bmw i3 drivetrain malfunction the detection of this problem, the ECU automatically limits Maximum..., such as the plugs become older, they can no longer provide the spark plugs their.. Many possible reasons that can trigger a drivetrain is experiencing problems I get in and I noticed it a. Experience and knowledge from the engine yesterday afternoon I get in and I have the drivetrain message... Bev just threw this warning at me on the vehicles dashboard detailed quote for drivetrain. Arent meant to be repaired and if you keep on driving, it may have parts! Repaired and if you keep on driving, it is worth every dollar because of their experience and.... Full battery charge and was not using the range extender the gears transmission is leaking replace faulty! That assures you of high quality, driveshaft, and differentials to if. The codes two important parts breaks drove the vehicle stops suddenly if your BMW over...