Is Your BMW Displaying a Drivetrain Malfunction Error? Here's What to Do

Riding a BMW is fun until you see a ‘Drivetrain Malfunction' error on the display. Well, yes, this can be a bit scary and give you a headache at the end of the day, but knowing the reason behind it and the effective tricks to deal with it can save you from this inconvenient situation. Guess what? You are not alone. Stick to the end of this article to know the same.

What does your BMW ‘Drivetrain Malfunction' warning indicate?

Your BMW drivetrain assembles all the auto parts necessary to run your vehicle. So, let's understand what it includes:

• Engine: It is considered to be the heart of your vehicle, where the fuel is burnt and converted into energy to run your car.
• Transmission: It is one of the most significant elements after the engine. It is responsible to transmit that energy generated by the engine to the wheels so that they can move your vehicle.
• Driveshaft: The main role of this component is to connect the transmission system to the wheels.
• Differential: This vehicle part permits the wheels to rotate at different speeds, particularly helpful while making turns.

If you notice the ‘Drivetrain Malfunction' error on the display, it significantly means that something is wrong with the engine, gearbox, or electrical system. You must not ignore this alert sign and resolve the problem as early as possible. But before that, you must understand what are the common symptoms your vehicle shows with a faulty drive train.

Typical symptoms that your BMW drivetrain needs attention

Rather than the alert message, you may also notice some other warning signs like:

• Weird sounds: You may hear abnormal grinding or clunking noises with a problematic drivetrain.
• Unusual shudder: Feeling unusual vibrations while driving can also indicate drivetrain issues.
• Decreased performance: If your vehicle feels slow and inefficient, the malfunctioning drivetrain might be the culprit.
• Trouble in shifting the gear stick: When you feel the gear stick to be stiff or unresponsive, it might be due to a poor drivetrain.

Along with the ‘Drivetrain Malfunction' error, if you feel these above warning signs as well, it would be easy to detect the exact trouble caused by the faulty drivetrain.

Actions you must take to rectify your BMW drivetrain failure

v Move to a safe place: Whenever you see this warning message, it is really unsafe to continue driving further. If you still drive without paying attention, it may cause significant damage to various drivetrain components, draining your wallet on costly repairs in the long run. So, you must find a safe spot to park your vehicle. It's better to park your car under a tree shade or in a parking lot.

v Power down the engine: First of all, turn off the engine and wait for it to cool down. Sometimes, these alert messages appear due to unavoidable glitches in the sensors. So, rebooting your car engine resets the system, and the minor issues get fixed by this.

v Inspect for visible problems: Your next step is to get out of the car and check for any visible issues. Search for any fluid spots or puddles under your car. Check whether the hoses are loose or damaged. Pay attention if the engine is overheating or producing smoke.

v Reboot the engine: After the basic inspection, simply turn on the engine. Wait for a few minutes and see the display for the ‘Drivetrain Malfunction' error. If it's gone, then it was a minor glitch. If it's still there, you need to take further action. So, visit the nearest BMW service center and seek professional assistance to address the trouble. The technician will diagnose the exact issue and resolve it by repairing or replacing the defective components.

The bottom line

Coming across a ‘Drivetrain Malfunction’ warning message in your BMW can be alarming. But if you follow the correct methods to inspect and identify the exact issues, you can easily tackle the issue. As it is a complex vehicle component, it must not be handled on your own. So, don’t hesitate to consult with a BMW expert if you still observe the alert even after performing the above minor fixes. Ensure the mechanic repairs or replaces the damaged component perfectly, as Your BMW deserves the best care!

Ultimate Bimmer Service is an independent BMW service & repair shop in Carrolton, TX. With factory trained BMW Level 1 master certified & ASE certified technicians; it is a trusted name in Dallas since over 30 years.