Drivetrain Malfunction BMW | Steps to Fix

Drivetrain Malfunction BMW

A Drivetrain malfunction in BMW is a severe condition that might happen to your beloved car. If you are facing the same problem in your vehicle, you have come to the right place to search for the solution. 

BMW is renowned as one of the most prestigious and advanced automobile manufacturers globally, consistently upholding its distinguished reputation. The global demand for BMWs is high, as these vehicles are synonymous with comfort and luxury and serve as a status symbol.

Possessing a BMW reflects affluence and offers an unparalleled driving experience with seamless handling. However, issues may occasionally arise, which may not necessarily be the car’s fault.

There may be instances where your BMW exhibits signs of internal damage. This could result from neglect, external factors, or simply the car’s age. With the correct approach and knowledge, you can potentially address some of these issues on your own.

This article will discuss one such problem, the drivetrain malfunction bmw. We will tell you about essential factors that may cause this malfunction and the signs that your car is experiencing the same.

We are also going to tell you the ways to fix this problem if it occurs to you as well. In the end, we will be answering some frequently asked questions to clear away the leftover doubts. 

What is BMW Drivetrain Malfunction?

Knowing what a BMW drivetrain malfunction it will save you a lot of trouble for yourself. It is a form of a message on the car which indicates that there is a transmission or engine problem in the car. This problem is detected by the Engine Control Module of the car, also known as the Digital Motor Electronics. 

This malfunction limits the car’s maximum torque limit so that it does not suffer any further damage to the engine. This error may appear during heavy acceleration, fast acceleration, steep inclines, etc. 

The drivetrain malfunction BMW malfunction message may appear at any time but is most likely to occur during cold weather or if the batter has come under extreme stress. There are many reasons why this drivetrain malfunction could happen. We have explained those reasons here in this article in great detail. 

Symptoms of Drivetrain Malfunction

When our BBMW’sdrivetrain fails, it can exhibit various symptoms. Depending on the origin of the problem, these symptoms may differ. The source of the problem might also be determined based on the symptoms.

However, a certain symptom could have one or several causes. Alternatively, you may experience several symptoms due to a single issue.

The following is a list of the most common symptoms reported by BMW owners who have ultimately reported the drivetrain malfunction problem in their own cars. 

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The Error Message “”rivetrain Malfunction””Appears on The Screen.

This is one of the most prominent symptoms of something wrong with your drivetrain malfunction system. If the message is appearing on the screen while you are driving, it is best to safely park the car somewhere and wait for it to cool down. 

You will understand the motive behind this advice when we deal with the causes of this message later in the article. 

There is Noticeable Shaking and Vibration

During your drive, you might notice that the car exhibits excessive vibrations and shudders, indicating that it requires more power than usual to accomplish the same task.

Similar to how the human body exhibits signs of discomfort when something is amiss, a car may also produce vibrations and disruptions when there is an internal issue.

If you detect such unusual behavior in your vehicle, promptly turn off the engine and investigate the problem.

The Engine Lights Come On

When the check engine light illuminates, it typically signifies an engine issue, which may also coincide with a drivetrain malfunction indicator.

This could be due to problems with fuel pressure or ignition, triggering the warning light. If the check engine light remains on even when the car is not running, thoroughly inspect the engine yourself for any visible issues.

If you are unable to identify the problem, contact a mechanic for assistance.

Rough Idling or Power Cut off While Idling

This is also a very big symptom that something is wrong with the engine. Rough idling means that the engine is not able to give the power to the system for the car to accelerate properly. It may also be due to old age and the worn-out condition of the car. 

The Transmission is Stuck in One Gear (mostly in limp mode)

If you are trying to change the transmission, and it is stuck in one gear and malfunctioning, it may also be due to the drivetrain malfunctioning. Usually, this may also happen during steep inclines or cold weather. 

The Engine Was Misfiring, and The Car Would Not Start

Engine misfire could also be a potential symptom of drivetrain malfunction. It may happen when the car is just about to start or when you try to create it. An engine misfire shows that the car is not able to handle the combustion properly. This shows that the spark plugs are overused and they are in bad condition.

Suppose your car is recently experiencing such misfires occasionally. In that case, it may be due to a drivetrain malfunction, and it is best to get it checked with a mechanic as soon as possible. 

Exhaust Smoke is Excessive

When there is an excessive amount of exhaust smoke, it often indicates that the catalytic converter is not functioning correctly. This malfunction can potentially result in drivetrain issues. Consequently, excessive exhaust smoke serves as a significant warning sign of problems within the vehicle.

The catalytic converter is a crucial component, and neglecting its issues may lead to further complications. If you observe any of these symptoms in your car, it is advisable to investigate the situation, as it could be related to the afore mentioned drivetrain malfunction.

Reasons for Drivetrain Malfunction

If you know that your car is malfunctioning in this manner, you may also be curious to know why this is happening. There are many reasons for the bmw drivetrain malfunction to happen. We will be going to cover some of them here for a better understanding. 

Overused Spark Plugs 

Overused sparks plugs can be one of the many reasons for the same. It ensures that the fuel inside the combustion chamber is working properly. The intensity of the spark shows the quality of the combustion that is happening inside. 

This combustion shows the power of the engine. A good spark means that the engine is working correctly. Engine misfiring due to overused spark plugs are common in drivetrain malfunction. You may choose to change the spark plugs in case this happens. 

Old Ignition Coils 

Ignition coils provide energy to the spark plugs, enabling spark generation. When the coils fail, power output decreases, leading to weak sparks. Symptoms of faulty spark plugs or aging ignition coils include misfiring, power loss, and rough engine idling.

Performing a swift ignition coil diagnosis can help determine if the coil or the spark plug is the issue. As such, examining the coil before drawing any conclusions is essential.

Clogged Catalytic Converter 

A catalytic converter is designed to purify your vehicle’s exhaust emissions. It uses chemical reactions to transform harmful gases, such as CO, NO, and NO2, into less toxic substances like CO2 and water vapor.

A blocked catalytic converter can impede or reduce the rate of exhaust emissions, resulting in increased exhaust pressure and potentially causing drivetrain malfunctions. Excessive exhaust smoke indicates that the issue may stem from a clogged catalytic converter.

High-Pressure Pump Failure 

If the drivetrain malfunction issue occurs while accelerating, it could be caused by a failed high-pressure fuel pump.

High-pressure fuel pumps are required to deliver fuel from the tank to the engine. It accomplishes this by compressing the fuel and generating high pressure in fuel lines. Any malfunction of the high-pressure fuel pump can result in irregular fuel flow, resulting in random power loss/surge.

Damaged Fuel Injectors 

Fuel injectors give fuel to the combustion chamber. A faulty fuel injector would not function properly, resulting in poor combustion and power loss. Rough idles, engine stalls, vibrations, misfires, and other problems can arise. This is another reason for drivetrain failure.

Low-Quality Octane Rating

If you filled the car with bad quality fuel recently, it might also cause the problem. Usually, you should use 93 or higher octane fuel for your car. If the fuel option is unavailable, you can have an octane booster to enable the fuel rating to reach an appropriate level. 

Now that we have explained what can lead to a drivetrain BMW malfunction, we should cover some other necessary steps. Knowing about the problem and seeing the symptoms is useless unless you don’t know what to do next. 

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What To Do During BMW Drivetrain Malfunction 

Here are some steps to be taken when the drivetrain malfunction happens. If none of these steps follows through, then make sure you contact the service agency as soon as possible to prevent any further damage to the car. 

Start the Engine 

Restart the engine when the error message appears on your car. If this doesn’t erase the message, test the car’s battery. Sometimes, when the car is over 5 years old, it does not have enough power to operate these complex systems, leading to breakdowns. 

Find a safe place to park the car and wait five minutes before restraining it. 

Inspect the Engine 

If starting the car again doesn’t let the message go, turn off the engine and open the hood under the dashboard. Here, you can inspect for leaks or smells that can lead to oil spills, etc. 

Check the engine oil level here, along with the temperature. 

Read the Codes Using the BMW Scanner

If you possess a BMW code scanner, it is an ideal tool for diagnosing issues. Begin by locating the diagnostic port under the dashboard and plugging the scanner into it.

Turn on the ignition without starting the engine, and then activate the scanner. Read the codes displayed for the transmission.

If the issue persists, it is not advisable to continue driving. If, after following these steps, you are unable to identify the root cause and the error remains unresolved, park the car in a secure location and promptly contact a mechanic to inspect the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Now that we have covered all the essential elements and explained all the problems related to drivetrain malfunction in BMW, it is time to answer some very frequently asked questions to clear away the leftover doubts. 

Can I Continue Driving While The BMW Drivetrain Malfunction is Showing?

As we have iterated above, it is unsafe to do that since it clearly shows that something is wrong with the engine or any other major part of the car. When you are in cold weather or steep inclination, and the error shows, it’s best to safely park the car nearby and wait for some time before driving it again. 

You can also check the section on what to do when the error is shown above to know the steps exactly. 

What is the expected life of a drivetrain?

Usually, in a BMW, a drivetrain lasts for about 1500 – 3000 miles depending upon the car’s care and usage. Along with this, the car’s terrain usually runs also plays a big role. 

To ensure that the drivetrain has a long lifespan, you can regularly maintain and drive the car carefully. Reckless driving with poor maintenance and service will reduce the drive train’s lifespan and the car itself. 

What to do when the drivetrain light comes on?

If you have an automatic transmission car, it is common for this drivetrain light to ignite itself. Usually, this means there is some problem with the car’s transmission. It can also be due to other reasons. 

Mainly, it is the car’s way of telling you that it cannot exert as much power as you want it to. It is a cry for help from the car, and you should never ignore it. 

Can cold weather lead to drivetrain malfunction?

Indeed, cold weather is a significant factor contributing to the drivetrain malfunction message appearing on your BMW. However, it is not solely responsible for disrupting the drivetrain system.

The issue often arises when cold weather combines with other relevant factors, such as the car’s age or battery condition. Failing to replace spark plugs as recommended during the last service could also contribute to problems in cold weather.

Additionally, having too many electronic devices connected to the car, like cables and chargers, may trigger the same message. It is essential to examine the vehicle’s overall condition before attributing the issue to cold weather or any other environment-related factor.

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Conclusion

Ultimately, we would like to conclude the article by mentioning that knowing what to do under car malfunctioning circumstances is very important. This is why we have elaborated upon various symptoms of a drivetrain malfunctioning BMW and how to resolve it immediately. Moreover, we have also explained some plausible reasons as to why this may be happening. 

Taking care of a car is not very easy. When it’s a BMW, you do not want to take the risk of neglecting it for too long because it may prove to be expensive later. A drive train malfunction can be very frustrating if you do not know how to solve the problem. 

If you know how to go about this issue, it becomes extremely easy to handle it and know the cause. It also helps you select the right path. It is our advice that this indicator should not be, under any circumstances, taken lightly. If you want your car to have a healthy lifespan, ensure you know how to maintain it well and when to take it to the service center.