BMW Drivetrain Malfunction Drive Moderately Explained
Whether your BMW engine hesitates, you get a check engine light on, feel vibrations or shuddering, and are getting the drivetrain malfunction warning, your spark plugs may need to be replaced, or you may have refilled with octane fuel. While these two are common issues, there can be other possible issues we are going to discuss in this article. This guide goes over common causes that can be causing the Drivetrain Malfunction Drive Moderately warning on your BMW. Whether it is a BMW car shaking issue, a BMW check engine light, a misfire, or a low fuel warning, the possible reasons and how to diagnose correctly are endless, and our goal here is to narrow it down to the root cause.
The BMW drivetrain malfunction is an error that occurs when the car’s engine computer (known as the ECU, ECM, DDE, or DME) detects a malfunction in the engine or transmission. The error message typically reads: “Drivetrain Malfunction: Drive moderately. Maximum drivetrain output is not available. Consult service center.”
Symptoms of a drivetrain malfunction can include:
- “Drivetrain malfunction” error on the screen
- Noticeable shaking and vibration
- The engine warning light turns ON
- Power cut off while idling or rough idling
- Transmission stuck in one gear (mostly in limp mode)
- Engine misfiring or the car not starting
- Excessive smoke from the exhaust
Common Causes
The most common causes of a BMW drivetrain malfunction include:
Professional Diagnostics Made Easy All Systems. All Makes. No Subscription.
- ✓ Complete Access to All Vehicle Systems
- ✓ Free Lifetime Updates – No Hidden Fees
- ✓ Live Data + Advanced Bi-Directional Controls
✓ US-Based Technical Support
✓ Detailed Diagnostic Guides
✓ 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Free Express Shipping • Trusted by 3,500+ DIYers & Mechanics
- Damaged or worn-out drivetrain components such as the transmission, clutch, ignition coils, spark plugs, or differential
- Low engine oil level
- A transmission fluid leak
- A clogged catalytic converter
- A damaged fuel injector
- A blown head gasket
- Issues with the fuel pump and low fuel pressure
- Faulty engine sensors
If your BMW engine or transmission, which are the significant parts of the drivetrain, are having issues, you should first restart the engine. If the problem persists, you should scan the OBD II and diagnose the issue.
It’s vital to note that while a drivetrain malfunction is a serious concern, it’s not always an emergency. You should still be able to drive the car without too much difficulty. However, you should take care when driving and be aware of the possibility of further problems. To prevent experiencing a drivetrain functioning improperly, you can take the following steps:
- Have an annual car inspection.
- Regularly check the engine for anything that seems to be damaged or leaking.
- Use high-quality fuel with a 91-octane rating or higher.
In most cases, drivers report getting this warning:
- Under heavy acceleration
- Going up on a steep incline
- Taking off from a stop sign
- Trying to pass another car
- After cold starting the engine
- When it is cold outside
Drivetrain Malfunction Drive Moderately may appear at any point while driving or upon startup. However, it is more likely to occur in cold weather with an aging battery or under extreme driving conditions.
Symptoms
The BMW Drivetrain Malfunction alert signifies that the Engine Control Module (DDE, ECU, ECM, or DME) has identified an issue with the engine or the transmission. To prevent damage, the engine control unit limits the maximum torque output. The OBD-II scanner can diagnose the problem, allowing you to read the fault codes from the Digital Motor Electronics (DME) and transmission (EGS) modules.
While symptoms may differ based on the underlying issue, the following are commonly observed by most BMW owners:
- The drivetrain malfunction error message is on the iDrive screen.
- The car starts to shake.
- Check engine light comes on.
- Vehicle cuts off / stalls when idling or placed in gear (D)
- Smoke out of the exhaust
- Engine rough idling
- The transmission is stuck in gear.
- The drivetrain malfunctioned while trying to pass on the highway.
- The drivetrain malfunctions and the car won’t start.
In most cases, your BMW will lose power, the engine may shake or die, and the transmission can go into a limp home mode (can’t shift gears).
Possible Fixes for BMW Drivetrain Malfunction
The following procedures will often help your BMW reset the drivetrain malfunction.
1. Restart the Engine
- Find a safe place to park your BMW.
- Turn off the ignition and remove the key.
- Wait for at least five minutes, then restart the car.
In most instances, temporarily resetting the BMW drivetrain malfunction can enable you to resume your trip. If the BMW Drivetrain Malfunction warning appears, restart the engine. If the warning persists, examine the battery. Insufficient power may be available for BMWs older than five years to run all modules and vehicle systems.
2. Inspect the Engine
If restarting the engine doesn’t resolve the drivetrain malfunction, drive moderately, safely park your vehicle, and shut off the engine again. 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.
- Check the engine oil level.
- Monitor engine temperature.
- Do not keep the engine running if it overheats or the oil light is on.
3. Read Codes with a BMW Scanner
Codes stored in the DME provide a good picture of why the Drivetrain Malfunction error was triggered. For this step, you will need a BMW Scanner. Generic OBD2 scanners won’t help much, as they can’t read manufacturer fault codes. Driving is inadvisable if you notice engine vibrations, diminished power, or limp mode. Contact your dealer or mechanic immediately. Don’t overlook a drivetrain malfunction warning. Have your BMW serviced promptly. Even if the drivetrain error resolves itself, getting your BMW checked is crucial, as the issue will likely recur.
First, to clear the “Drivetrain Malfunction” warning on a BMW, resolve the underlying issue causing the malfunction. Once done, remove the error code from the car’s computer. Here’s how to reset the drivetrain malfunction message: Identify and rectify the root cause, then repair or replace any defective components as needed.
- Connect the YOUCANIC diagnostic tool to the vehicle’s OBD-II port under the dash and retrieve any error codes that may be stored in the engine control unit (DME).
- Fix any fault codes showing as CURRENT or ACTIVE in the Engine Control Unit or DME.
- Clear the error codes from the vehicle’s computer using the YOUCANIC diagnostic tool.
- Disconnect the diagnostic tool and start the vehicle to see if the drivetrain malfunction message has been reset.
If the ‘drivetrain malfunction’ warning icon returns after a reset, the fault may not be addressed. Go for a second opinion from a BMW dealer or dedicated, qualified technician to determine what went wrong and, hopefully, rectify it. If drivetrain damage doesn’t get corrected, major repair expenses may be on the horizon, and at the very least, you could be driving into potentially more significant problems.
Common Causes of BMW Drivetrain Malfunction Explanied
Drivetrain malfunction alerts may appear for various reasons, ranging from a low battery to engine misfires. Typically, your problem will fall under one of the categories below. We highly recommend having your BMW evaluated by a qualified mechanic or, at the very least, reviewing the fault codes yourself before initiating any part replacements.
Worn Spark Plugs
Worn spark plugs frequently lead to drivetrain issues in BMW cars. When replacing the spark plugs, change all of them simultaneously.
Faulty Ignition Coils
A misfire due to a worn-out ignition coil will trigger an ‘Engine Drivetrain Malfunction’ warning that will appear in your iDrive program. A fault code is associated with an ignition coil if a single misfiring cylinder is specified in a cylinder misfire code. For example, if you receive a misfire code P0301 for cylinder one, swap the ignition coils between cylinder one and two. Then, scan the ECM with an OBD-II scanner and drive until the CEL returns. If the fault code jumps to the new cylinder, you have found your culprit ignition coil.
Defective High-Pressure Fuel Pump
A drivetrain malfunction in a BMW can also stem from a fuel pump that fails to produce the necessary fuel pressure, mainly when the error message appears during acceleration. The fuel pump may struggle to maintain sufficient pressure, especially when the engine requires a high fuel flow.
Clogged Catalytic Converter
A plugged catalytic converter can illuminate the warning light for the BMW drivetrain malfunction. This usually happens on higher-mileage vehicles, where a catalytic converter finally gets plugged up, restricting exhaust gases.
Low-Quality Fuel or Octane Rating
This might be due to your BMW recently putting low-octane fuel into it. Use premium/high-performance fuel only. The principal components of gasoline are hydrocarbons that differ in their evaporation point and their propensity to ‘knock’ (i.e., to ignite when compressed spontaneously). In more technically precise terms, they have different anti-knock performances measured by an octane number, which is a numerical rating scale from 0 to 125 that classifies liquid fuels according to their potential for knocking (from the very pronounced knock of low-octane two-stroke gas to the less pronounced knock of premium gasoline, with engine knock becoming increasingly tricky to audibly detect, with each increase in octane level, until it reaches 125 where, by definition, it is inaudible). The higher the octane number, the better the fuel quality. You can use an Octane Booster to increase your tank’s fuel quality.
Clogged Fuel Injectors
When one or more fuel injectors are damaged, BMW sometimes runs on reduced power. Our mechanics recommend that it would be warranted to replace all of the fuel injectors simultaneously, although it is not required. A blown head gasket, faulty mass airflow sensor, a turbo issue, and faulty fuel injectors are among the possibilities of BMW drivetrain causing drivability issues. While it is impossible to know what caused the BMW drivetrain to malfunction in your car without reading the codes, this error is usually due to an engine misfire.
There can be numerous reasons that BMW drivetrain malfunctions might trip on a BMW, from a weak 12-volt battery to a bad high-pressure fuel pump. Sometimes, it’s a simple software glitch in the dreaded DME. It could be as simple as a faulty wheel speed sensor reading a false signal. Whatever the reason, the BMW drivetrain malfunction message might clear if you unhook the negative battery cable for two minutes and restart the engine. On the other end of that spectrum, the engine might actually need to be repaired to clear the BMW drivetrain malfunction drive. Use a full system scanner to run a full diagnostic check on the vehicle to determine what is causing the drivetrain malfunction on your BMW.
Frequently Asked Questions
Drivetrain malfunction error message during cold weather?
Several ways can be done that could affect the performance of your vehicle’s drivetrain in cold temperatures. If a “Drivetrain Malfunction” error message pops up across your instrument cluster while driving during cold weather, it would be necessary to park in a safe location as soon as possible, not continue driving and halt the vehicle. When you proceed to drive with a drivetrain malfunctioning, it could render additional damage to the car, and your vehicle can be potentially dangerous.
For example, the viscosity of the transmission fluid can increase in cold temperatures, rendering it more difficult for the transmission’s gear to shift. Cold weather could be the reason for the drivetrain components, such as the driveshaft, to contract and potentially cause problems.
It is advised that your vehicle must be inspected by a BMW dealer or a mechanic professional at the earliest possible time to determine the reason for the drivetrains’ improper function. The technician could diagnose the problem and make recommendations for the necessary repairs. Not considering the drivetrain malfunction message or still continuing to be on your wheels with a malfunctioning drivetrain could result in costly repairs and potentially unsafe driving conditions.
Drivetrain malfunction comes up when accelerating.
There are many possible reasons your vehicle displays a drivetrain malfunction error message while accelerating. If you receive a “Drivetrain Malfunction” error message on your BMW while accelerating, it is important to stop the vehicle in a safe place and park immediately to prevent further damage.
If you decide to continue driving with a malfunctioning drivetrain, more harm to your vehicle may happen and potentially be dangerous to drive. Possible causes include a failure within the transmission, an imbalanced driveshaft, an issue with the differential, a malfunctioning engine, or other drivetrain-related components that are faulty. We recommend that you immediately have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic or a BMW dealer to determine the reasons for your drivetrain malfunctioning. The experienced technician can write a diagnosis of the issue and recommend the necessary repairs. Not considering the drivetrain malfunction message or continuing to drive with a malfunctioning drivetrain could result in expensive cost of repairs and potentially unsafe driving conditions.
Does the BMW drivetrain malfunction after an oil change or service?
If you recently replaced the oil in your BMW and a “Drivetrain Malfunction” error message appeared on your instrument cluster, then there could be problems with the drivetrain system. However, your recent oil change may not be related to the malfunction.
Your technician can diagnose these issues and recommend the necessary repairs. It is recommended to inform you of the recent oil replacement to your technician as this information is relevant in diagnosing and repairing your drivetrain malfunction. The most related cause for drivetrain malfunction error after an oil change could be a loose engine oil filler cap, improperly seated oil filter, and engine oil low pressure. This could affect the drivetrain system and possibly set the error message” Drivetrain Malfunction”. If this happens, it is better to redo the oil change job and recheck for any error message.
It would cost you expensive repairs when ignoring the malfunction warning or, even worse, put you in a condition that is unsafe for driving when you continue to drive with a malfunctioning drivetrain. Our best recommendation is to contact your BMW dealer or technician immediately to inspect your vehicle and determine the cause of the drivetrain malfunction.
How to clear drivetrain malfunction BMW?
To address the error message “Drivetrain Malfunction” on a BMW, primarily, you need to rectify the underlying concern that causes the malfunction, and only then do you clear the error code from the vehicle’s computer.
Here are your guide steps to clear the drivetrain malfunction message:
1. Verify the concern and isolate the root cause of why the drivetrain malfunction occurs, then perform the necessary repair or replacement of the defective drivetrain system component.
2. Connect your YOUCANIC diagnostic tool to your BMW’s OBD2 port and retrieve any error codes stored in the system.
3. Clear the error codes from the vehicle’s computer using the diagnostic tool.
4. Disconnect your diagnostic tool and start the vehicle to see if the drivetrain malfunction message has been cleared.
If the drivetrain malfunction message persists after attempting to clear it, it is possible that the issue has not been adequately addressed. We advise that you visit the nearest BMW dealer or your trusted mechanic to check on your vehicle and adequately resolve the concern.
What does drivetrain malfunction mean on BMW x3?
The typical drivetrain malfunction on a BMW X3 is an engine-related fault, with symptoms ranging from engine stalling to low power or engine shuddering and CEL On.
The most common components that could cause these errors are a failed sparkplug, a faulty ignition coil, a defective fuel injector, fouled fuel, worn-out engine timing components, and a defective turbo or seized EGR.
How much does it cost to fix the BMW Drivetrain Malfunction?
Precise repair costs also vary, depending upon the underlying cause of the drivetrain malfunction. If it stems from a relatively minor issue like a faulty sensor or electrical connection, it might require one or two visits to diagnose and maybe repair a part. Typical drivetrain diagnostic costs range from $100 to $500 in these instances. Replacing an aging 12-volt battery costs can range from $210 to $400, typically including installation. FWD, AWD, or RWD drivetrain repair costs skyrocket if more significant component issues like the transmission and the differential are faulty. You might need to pay up to $5,000 or more for a transmission repair, replacement, or rebuild and installation. More than half of that is labor charges, which vary based on your location. Labor costs similarly vary for differential issues, though repair costs typically range from $800 to $2,500. For an exact car estimate, seek an experienced and honest BMW technician or service center.
What is a BMW drivetrain? What are the functionalities and components?
The BMW’s drivetrain function transmits the power from the engine to the driving wheels. The drivetrain system consists of major components such as the transmission, driveshaft, and differential.
The transmission’s main task is to deliver the torque from the engine to the differential. It has gearsets that allow the driver to shift gears smoothly and without shock.
The purpose of a driveshaft is to transfer the power from the transmission to the wheels through certain angles and motion; the use of a universal joint allows the transmission of power smoothly through steeper angles.
The differential allows the wheels to turn at different speeds while receiving power from the engine.
A drivetrain malfunction occurs when any of these components becomes faulty. This can lead to various issues, including delay or harsh shifting, engine-reduced power, poor acceleration, and unusual transmission sounds. Addressing the drivetrain fault immediately will avoid damage to the vehicle’s transmission or other components and could save you from expensive repairs.
How much does it cost to fix a BMW drivetrain malfunction?
The amount you have to spend will depend on the specific concern that needs to be serviced and the difficulty of repairing a BMW with a malfunctioning drivetrain. Common drivetrain issues include a faulty transmission, which can be costly to repair. Other issues, such as a worn-out driveshaft or differential, are less expensive but still significant. It is important to note that the longer you wait to have your vehicle’s drivetrain malfunction repaired, the more costly it becomes.
It is always better to seek consultation with a technician to get a more accurate estimate of the cost of repairing a BMW drivetrain. Mechanic professionals can diagnose the specific issue and provide a detailed quote for the repair. Remember that it is often more cost-effective to fix a drivetrain issue immediately, as ignoring the problem can lead to further damage and more expensive repairs.
Related Malfunction Error Messages
Here is a list of possible error messages on a BMW cluster. The exact wording of the statement can vary between models.
- Drivetrain Malfunction…drive slowly.
- Drivetrain malfunction maximum output not available
- Drive moderately. Maximum drivetrain output is not available. Consult the service center.
- Drivetrain malfunction drives moderately.
- Full performance is not available. Have the problem checked by the service—error message.
- Drivetrain Malfunction Drive Moderately Maximum Drivetrain Output not available
- Drivetrain: Continue the journey at a moderate speed. Total performance is not available.
- Drive Moderately Maximum drivetrain output not available. Consult the service center.
I have a 2017 328D and had the Drive Moderately Maximum drivetrain output not available. Consult the service center notification come on. 78K miles on the car. I noticed that it would come on at around 200 ft pounds of torque. It would clear on its own after a bit. After a day of this, I noticed the check engine light came on and stayed on. The drivetrain notification would come and go. The car rode fine. Was able to do whatever speed I wanted. With the engine light staying lit and the notification coming and going, after a few days I brought it to the dealer. Here is what they found:
HOOKED UP BATTERY CHARGER AND PERFORMED VEHICLE TEST. FOUND FC# 244C00 CHARGING PRESSURE CONTROL CHARGING PRESSURE TOO LOW, FC# 244D00 CHARGING PRESSURE CONTROL CHARGING PRESSURE TOO HIGH, FC# 25CE00 CHARGING PRESSURE SENSOR SIGNAL TOO HIGH, FC# 290900 AIR MASS SYSTEM MEASURED AIR MASS TOO HIGH AND FC# 25D400 EXHAUST BACK PRESSURE SENSOR BEFORE TURBO CHARGER SIGNAL TOO HIGH. PERFORMED INSPECTION OF TURBO CHARGER AND FOUND CONTROL ROD FOR WASTE GATE MISSING. REMOVED LOWER ENGINE SPLASH PANELS AND FOUND MISSING CONTROL ROD. DETERMINED CLIPS FOR CONTROL ROD HAS BROKEN AND CLIP FELL OFF. RECOMMEND TO RE-INSTALL CONTROL ROD AND SECURE WITH CLIPS TO START.
Essentially the control rod between the turbo and waste gate fell off as the retaining clips broke. Luckily the tech found the control rod on splash panels. That control rod and clips cannot be ordered. They would have had to order a turbo. He was able to source c-clips to hold the control rod onto the shafts. $577 later all is good!!!! Could only imagine what the cost of a turbo would have been.
My New Diesel 2023 X1 showed drivetrain malfunction after 1800 miles. Car was uplifted by BMW and taken to their retailer. The only thing they could find was numerous faults with the adblue. The technician checked the lines and couldn’t find anything wrong. The car has now just done over 3000miles and drivetrain malfunction is coming up again.
It’s fine sometime the car senses things that aren’t dangerous and gives you the message, even if the message persists sometimes it’s very minor and just needs to be reset.
I have a 2015 BMW 320i and last week on the freeway the car message came up drivetrain malfunction, drive moderately. I drove it home slowly and I have not taken it to BMW dealer yet but a mechanic told me that I need a new turbocharger for the car, is that true? does that message mean I need a new turbocharger? no check engine light came up and when I got home and parked the car for a while the message disappeared.
I have a 650I w/53700 miles on it. My warming about the Drivetrain Malfunction happen yesterday. I immediately drove to and dropped the car at the dealer.
My question: BMW just pulled my engine less that 4000 miles ago. There was a recall to do a valve job on the car. In order to do the recall work my engine needed to be removed. Could that be in relation to this drivetrain malfunction now? I find it odd that this is happening pretty close to the major recall work. Please advise me on your thoughts.
I had this exact problem and it went on for about 1 year beginning about 75,000 which was 300 miles after the warranty ended. I have a 2014 BMW X3 and I got stranded on the freeway, towed it to BMW and they had the car for 3 weeks. Replaced the spark plugs and 1/2 of the fuel injectors. Got it back and in less than 12 hours, I was stranded again, same problem. Towed back to the dealer who replaced the rest of the fuel injectors and the coils. 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.
This time I took it to my BMW mechanic (not the dealer), and he tested and replaced the battery because it failed all tests – seriously in a 4 year old car… Got it back and the drivetrain malfunction came on again, this time as I was going out of town on a long road trip. Back to the mechanic and this time they worked on troublehooting with BMW and they figured out that it was the turbo waste gate. Replaced the part and it runs like a top. Too bad, it took so long to figure this out.
This car has been a huge disappointment and I’ve been a BMW owner for 20 years. Ask your mechanic to check the turbo waste gate before you do all of the other expensive repairs.
I recently got an oil leak fixed on my BMW 535i which required the mechanic to remove a lot of parts from under the hood. After the oil leak was fixed I got an error message: DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION: DRIVE MODERATELY. MAXIMUM DRIVETRAIN OUTPUT NOT AVAILABLE. CONSULT SERVICE CENTER.
This occurs every time I accelerate to pass another car or accelerate on the freeway. This error NEVER happened prior to getting the oil leak fixed. I am concerned that the mechanic may have forgotten to connect something or knocked a sensor out of place. The error comes and goes and I do not have any shaking or anything. The car drives normal.
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.)due to the Engine light coming on for high temperature and Get Roadside Assistance. I finally picked up the car after 2 days and immediately I get the DriveTrain error and subpar performance. And its not the 1st time. Always after service. Something is very wrong at BMW. I’ve only owned BMWs since 1991 but will trade this lemon in this year for something else.
I have a 2015 BMW X3 Diesel. About 3 months after I drove it off lot, it went into limp mode while driving from Wa to Ca. Had to spend one night and got a rental. Two weeks later got car back. Then similar stuff happened. Have 75k miles. Recalls and one on Monday, now back in shop today waiting for Drive Train message diag. Not under warranty. $200 to diag and he just said maybe it is the EGR diesel? Not confident driving this car. Could have bought 2 Subarus.
My BMW x1 has 83000km on the clock, I recently experienced a drive train error that disappeared afterwards. I am now told that the error was caused by a failed battery. I’m finding this hard to believe, can anybody give some expert on this?
Hello, I recently installed a high flow catted down pipe (200 cell), a charge pipe, an intercooler, and a jb4 tune . Now every time I drive the car for more than 5 minutes I get the “Drivetrain malfunction: drive moderately. Maximum drivetrain output not available. Consult service centerâ€. 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?
Mine is a 2012 328i. The drivetrain malfunction message would usually appear when I am slowing down for less than 10 seconds and then disappear on its own. The car will function as normal and I am able to accelerate after the message disappear. No error codes detected! Strange indeed.
Hi, Mine is Active Hybrid 5 series. I am getting the Drive Train error. I am out of warranty. Any suggestions
Hi Mike, how did you fix the problem? Mine also have the same problem and I’m worried a lot so can you please assist on how your car was fixed .
Hey there- what was the fix for this? I have the same issue
I have a 428 I X Drive and the Drive train malfunction warning came on the car was shaking and now will not start. I waited a couple of hours. Try to star and work fine for a few seconds. My car only has 22000 miles on it.
I have a 2012 BMW 535i Xdrive with 81000 miles. Currently experiencing this problem too. No shaking (yet) but I’ve had about 10 instances over the past 10 days where the engine just cuts off while driving or idling. idrive reads “no restart after engine stop†and “drivetrain malfunctionâ€. Took her to the mechanic and they “allegedly†replaced my Valvetronic and valve cover gasket $1250. The problem remained. Brought it back to them, they cleared the codes and told me to come back if it happened again. IT DID. Went back for the third time now they’re saying it could be a sensor, timing chain or dme. A BMW with Honda reliability would be a dream car!
There should be a recall if this is happening to everyone!!
I have a suggestion before you bring to BMW Dealer. Bring it only to BMW dealer if its still under warranty if theres no more warranty. Have a personal check up by yourself or bring to a local mechanic first that knows the basic maintenance? They won’t fool you because they are a local mechanic that you can visit anytime. Problem solve!
My 320i msport 2013 showed that drive terrain error while I was driving and it kept reducing the speed especially when I drove on the steep hill but I managed to drive for over 200km and now the light is gone and it drives well, what could the problem
I just had this exact issue with my car.
I have a 2013 535i and the same message stone train malfunction just happened to me. The car had been sitting for a few days and was at an angle. Then started it up early one morning and didn’t let it have a second to w arm up. Car started out ok but within a minute it slowed down and almost felt like it was shutting off. I turned it off and waited 5 minutes then it started and ran fine. Drove it home a 2 hour drive. I’ve had no issues since.
I have a 2019 BMW230i and I got the Drive Train Message. When I took in the car to the BMW Dealership, they said that a rodent ate through the wires and now I have to pay $1900 in repairs since they now have to replace the wiring and it’s not in warranty. I just got this car in July – has anybody heard of this happening? Rodents eating through the wires sounds very suspicious to me.
Hello I have a BMW 2013 528i xdrive and drivetrain malfunction keeps coming up after I changed all spark plugs and coils. I also did an oil change and still the same . The same codes keep coming up
my bmw 640d had drivetrain problem went to first bmw dealer they told me it was a turbo problem so £1900 later got to car back 3 days later same thing again so back to the dealer they said the faulty turbo must have caused another problem they said it had damaged the auto gearbox £4600 later got the car back 4 days later same problem i am now taking strathstone to court over the car whats up with the BMW dealers in England dont they Know anything about BMW at all Useless T. Callan Leeds West Yorkshire
I’m driving from Arkansas to Texas and the drivetrain Malfunction went on. It’s telling me that I should drive Modertaley. Can I still travel for 700 miles? I’m really nervous about this. My car is a 750 LI
It has 100120
Miles. What should I do?? Help!!
Hello, i have a bnw 523i 3.0 gasoline, and i have this drive train problem, no one mechanic can tell me what is the problem exact, but on the diagnosis ita appear to be cylinder misfire on 5 and 6. I replaced the sprk plugs and the coils, but it still the same, the problem appear just when the engine is cold(morning). When heared car goes normal.
Anyone can help me ?
I hope mine is the Battery ( It’s six years old now )
Own a 2013 BMW 528i which has been having the Drivetrain Malfunction problem now for over 2 months. In the BMW Shop three times now replacing High Pressure Oil Pump Low Pressure Fuel Pump and just today and Eccentric Shaft Adjustment. Over $3500.00 so far with Mechanics telling me that the diagnostics are coming back different each time but cannot reassure me that the parts replaced were in fact faulty. This is my third BMW and may be my last given this experience.
At BMW they dont know exactly what is the cause of this problem or maybe the do but they wont tell cause it’s their fault.
What ended up happening? I’ve had the same shake for a few months now, but tonight it just threw the drivetrain malfunction iDrive code.
When the shake started I took it to a mechanic, he didn’t see any codes on his scanner and told me to wait until it gives me an iDrive code, which just happened moments ago (I am assuming it’s related to the shake).
I am wondering if there’s any updates to your situation, since we both have engine shake.
Hello guys… I’m driving 2012 320i f30. I went out to start my car this morning but it failed to start up display this message :drivetrain. Drivetrain moderately and other one battery discharging when stationary… I wanna know whats the real problem any help is greatly appreciated
Thanks
Wow it seems to me a lot of us are having the same issue . This drive train malfunction has been a total nightmare for me. Left me stranded and took the car to a bmw mechanic shop. Prior I change the spark plugs and ignition coils after it still gave me problems. Took it to a shop and they said it needed to be reset by a special scanner. Work ok for about two weeks (not great) then the drive train message came again. This time it wouldn’t let me accelerate and was shaking. Now the car is in a shop and will be changing the fuel pump, sensor and supposedly it needs the original ignition coils. Total cost $1700 😩, it’s a 2014 bmw 528i with 90,000 miles.
This happens to me when the gas in my car is not good. I always put premium but have learned to stay away from sketchy gas stations. Ince I refuel with quality gas the engine shaking stops.
This happened to me about a week ago. After reading comments I didn’t want to take my car to official BMW services as they may suggest change engine! which I already did once due to other problem, but my car was still under warranty, now it’s not.
Take my car to another BMW service and it was an injector problem. Change injector number 4 and fix the problem, $150 USD repair!.
Was accelerating my BMW 428xi in wet conditions to pass a car on the interstate and received this error. Car immediately went into limp mode a decelerated to 60mph.
Went to a gas station turned the car of for 10 minutes, restarted. Kept the rpm’s under 2,000 and mph under 70.
Made it to the shop and turns out it was a sensor error possibly due to driving in rain for 7 hours the mechanic said.
i have a Battery problem for so long, BMW 3 SERIES 2013. so i used to see those massages steering stabilization drive on moderate speed. but the confusion was this massage was only displayed more especially in the mornings when ma car refuses to start because of the Battery, sometimes when you start it will display battery charge reduced when stationary and the battery has powder acid smell like thing. i am due to service oil but still need to travel 3700km, i do check my oil levels all the time. today morning it was very cold but i did start well the engine when i am on my way it showed i must drive on moderate speed drivetrain not fully activated. switched off engine then restarted massage was gone. as the day continued and was raining it refused to start but started then showed a massage that must drive on moderate speed and avoid hard braking and must take the vehicle to BMW.
It once vribrated a little long time ago after i bought an oil from Total garage n i took it back same day thinking may be they put the wrong oil. am i on danger m starting to Panic now
Den, did you every get an answer to your issue. I had the same problem and BMW replaced my engine (said it was the timing belt issue) and now the same issue with the warning but now BMW says the turbo needs to be replaced – I have not had any performance issues (not even the first time the warning light came on). Any insight you can offer?
My drive train malfunction warning came on again after receiving a low oil warning. Do they have any correlation?
Expect trouble going forth. Nice to have but once it ages it’s dollars out the pocket all the way…. Off motor plan is a huge issue, then all hell breaks…..
I had the drive train malfunction would come and go. Finally I could not get the error to go away. BMW said I needed a new engine. I cant afford one so I took it to where I bought it originally. He said it only needed a new waste gate. $295.00 job. Two years later I just started to get the error again but the car runs fine. I did have the timing chain and oil pump chain replaced it was rattling. I will be going back to the good mechanic and hope its nothing.
I have had this message on and off for at least two years. I have had the car scanned and no faulty codes appear. I keep my 2012 528i now at 85k miles, on a regular maintenance schedule. I do no notice any performance issues when the Drive Train message appears and the warning light disappears when I restart my car. I’m at a loss. I put premium gas in it. I just had it serviced today and told my mechanic of issue, he could not find anything wrong.
Finally the myth is solved! I bought a brand new 330E M sport 2 weeks ago, the drivedrain malfunction happened just a few days after I collected the car. BMW service centre here never encounter this kind of problem before. They checked the error message and couldn’t find it. So they just brush it off without the initiative to identify the problem and dismiss me. After I make a complain again they are very reluctant to check throughly and still unable to Identify the problem. They insist the car is working perfectly and intend to dismiss me once again. Now I found this article and I will forward to them. Hopefully, they will read and get the idea how to fix my car. It is very disturbing and disappointed with the kind of attitude they served customer.
Is BMW workshop now adopt DIY troubleshooting ?!
i had exactly the same problem on my 2013 528i xdrive? did anybody solved this problem.
the car is driving fine
I test drove a 2012 550i xDrive and this error message popped up, accompanied by moderate shaking, engine stall on the freeway, smell of smoke, and grinding on the transmission. I’m lucky this happened when it did, otherwise I would’ve ended up with a maintenance nightmare driving a lemon with the BMW logo on it. Utterly disappointing!
Read somewhere that an old battery could be the culprit.
So can i drive the car even though its only changing on 2 gears? here in my country we cannot take it directly to the mechanic (bmw) we need to book the schedule. and sometimes it will take a while.
The BMW is known for electrical issues. Thats what I am thinking
I have had this come up on my car today but seems to only come on when the air con is on.
I have a 2012 528i – 60k miles. I was driving with no issue then took a turn and slid a little on some gravel on the road…the drivetrain message came up…thought it was due to the slight skid…stopped, turned the car off and let it set for 5 minutes… the message still up. I’ve had no previous issues – only thing different is that I got gas the night before. I have put in gas dryer as and the rough idle when sitting has smoothed out but still rough when I took a test drive and drivetrain message hasn’t cleared. The engine is not heating up…at all, no smoke, no oil light – oil is at an optimal level, new battery, not stuck in gear, timing belt looks good.
2013 328xi with 133K miles. Get the error often, usually after I run it for a short time and then restart I immediately re-start the engine and it runs fine. This has been going on for a few months. Changed the plugs didn’t help
So mine is a diesel. I had my car towed to the BMW dealer. It was the fuel pump malfunction. I only have 20k miles on the car so luckily it’s still under warranty. But they told me it’s likely a defective part but what happened is this malfunction caused metal pieces, whatever it was that malfunctioned, so the whole entire fuel line has to be replaced. It was a week today it was towed and I won’t have the car back until next week, end of the week. The service guy said it would cost about 10k to fix. They had to hook my car up to a computer in Germany to diagnose it. I am leasing so now thinking, not sure if I want to keep it as I was thinking about it because I love the car. Anyway, it’s kind of crazy. Wish I knew more details, I don’t, just telling my story.
I have a 2013 528i 179k miles that I bought from a friend. His wife was driving it and it stalled wouldn’t start back up, it displayed the drivetrain malfunction warning long story short I bought it from him not running and replaced the following. Oil change, camshaft position sensor, plugs, coils and it still wont start it cranks and about every 3 try to start it trys to bust off I know its getting fuel.
Hi did you take your car to BMW and did they repair under warranty.
I have a bmw 328i 2012 f30…I was having drivetrain malfunction issue so I changed my spark plugs, coils , low pressure fuel pump and also high pressure fuel pump but drive train malfunction still keeps showing.
I have a 2015 320i and have had the drivetrain malfunction light come on 3 times already within the passed 15 days. But every time I turn off the vehicle and turn it back on the light goes away and drives fine… no loss of power or anything. the first 2 times it happened, I was low on gas so thought that was the case since I filled up and hasn’t happened until just yesterday, which would be the 15th day since it last happened, but I was at half a tank this time. Car turned on after I cut it off a few seconds, car is driving fine again.. what could it be?
My BMW 330d has a hard start and is telling me the the drivetrain malfunction, so what could be the cause?
Actually yes I started experiencing problems after seeing a mechanic
I’ve noticed every time I use my start to stop function is when that same experience comes up, once it’s turned off doesn’t then it’s fine.
I have 7 series bmw 2011 milage 20000km. I had this message when i start the car some times and it starts shaking. I have to turn it off for 5 minutes and restart again. Some times it does not show the message but still can feel the shake in the engine. I send the car to bmw service and they changed the spark parts as it is the cause but i still have the same problem although they tested on the error codes scanner. What do you advise me to do and what do you think the problem cause??
I don’t think you need to change the whole Engine. That costs a lot and is probably not worth it. How old is your car and how much has your Engine driven? 60,000 km? that is not a lot to be honest
If the Cylinder has malfunctioned, they should be able to change it. Yes it will be costly but far less than your engine
Hi . My car bmw 520d 2010
Yesterday showed drivetrain fault.
what can i expect?
Thank
I found my answer here which I knew it had to be mechanics fault. I had oil changed and waited for it. Said I was good to go and car was running out front. The second I got into vehicle the Drivetrain Malfunction drive moderately was on. I always check my dash because this isn’t my first rodeo with a mechanic error. I immediately told the mechanic who claimed to be a foreign car specialist and he of courses wouldn’t except it was possibly something he did. When you take a vehicle in for simple maintenance and get it back with error codes it really hacks me off. My suspicion was he spilled oil on engine. A month ago I had new plugs put in. It wasn’t shaking or riding rough. He told me he didn’t have time to assess the problem and I would have to bring it back another day.
Drivetrain malfunction after an oil change
If you get BMW drivetrain malfunction after you change the engine oil, there is a very good chance that:
A sensor got unplugged by accident
You spilled engine oil on the engine
He didn’t even put the correct oil in it. There’s more to story but at least my assumption is correct. Thank you for posting the information
I have a 650. Took car initially because of engine oil needed. They checked it and told me the turno coolant hoses were leaking. I paid 3500 and picked it up saturday. Driving home today it started shaking badly and message said drivetrain malfunction. I had paid 200 for having a complete diagnostic and this never came up. I almost feel they sabotage the cars there. Every time i do it something else comes up at peter pan bmw service. Anyone has ideas ?
mine did the same thing two days ago:(:(..luckily my car is still under warranty…
I got a second hand vehicle from a BMW 1 series M sport just a few weeks ago ( late 2016 model) and I’ve just had this message pop up randomly this morning. Says I can continue to drive but should get it serviced. After reading the comments above it’s got me fearful of when my warranty runs out
Mine 2015 520xda wen’t to a limp mode with drivetrain error message. I checked the fail code with ista and it asked to check intake manifold pressure sensor. I took a one from my wifes x1 and tested it to my 520 and whole car runs fine. Then putting the old one back and the engine light turns on when starting. So it is worth to try this one…
I have the same message but the car has only done 7000 miles from new it’s a 2018 X1
Exact same problem happened to me, i was driving my friend on the highway when the message “Drivetrain Malfunction” popped up and the check engine light appeared, still drivable however with low output. Next day i take it to Baron BMW and they said “It looks like your timing belt broke, i could open it and see but I dont even know if it’s worth our time so ill go ahead and send you the details for a new engine, which is just under 14k”. Anyway fast forward a few days I took it to a mechanic shop, got it done just spending under 1k. Moral of the story….don’t listen to BMW they’re morons who will do anything for an extra dollar.
Is the timing chain. Is broken. Does not need a new engine, just a good mechanic to get the chain in and time it properly. Me engine rebuilds or anything.
i own 320d 2015, my car engine starts but cant engage gears, it says only DRIVETRAIN PROBLEM really cant able to error code also
Hello my M5 went into drive train malfunction while sitting in traffic. Took it to BMW they are saying cylinder 5 is malfunctioning and upon further inspection that they need to replace entire engine! Does this make any sense? The car has 60km on it and was purchased second hand from two owners who took good car of it. The first owner did install a performance chip and exhaust but from what I know didn’t beat on the car
I also have a 2013 BMW x3, nothing but problems i hate to say, i love the car, the service, the drive but since the warantee expired I had to pay for things “malfunctioning” very disappointing. 1. sensors to the ac/heat car was flashing on and off like crazy 1800 dollars, after that thermostat, BMW paid for that or should I say reimburse me. 2. another sensor broke , i dont recall something with the tires another $1800, but since I paid 1800 the time prior they took off $1000, how nice. I said so many malfunctions, why is this my fault? I hate the feel of insecurity the car brings, but now last week a “drivetrain” warning went on and I stopped, turned it on and off and has been good ever since. Scares me to read what you wrote about transmission, but really started to worry. The great drive it has nothing but issues that it should never have.
Hi, Almost same issue with my BMW X3 2013, 84k miles. I got “Drive moderately. Maximum drivetrain output not available. Consult service center” on 3/29/2019 night while I am out. It allowed me to drive to restaurant. After 15 minutes I tried to start car and showed up “Do not switch off engine, engine restart will not be possible. Consult nearest service center.”
I got it towed it to BMW service station. Next day they told that timing chain broke and its pieces spoiled the engine and need to replace entire engine.
My car warranty expired long back. My extended maintenance expired 4 months back. I was told that it costs around $14k (current price of car is almost same) and I have to pay it since there is no warranty.
My car is always serviced in BMW service station and no symptoms of this or any problems so far.
My car is giving me the drivetrain problem. At times, the car starts, then the engine is off and gives drive train message. It further says automatic start disactivated and the engine does not start even pressing and holding the start button.