Drivetrain malfunction

Untdrums · 12-04-2015, 10:17 AM

2015 M235i with 16,500 miles picked up after ED in January 2015.
Mostly city driving. I'll stretch her legs every now and then but no track time ever.

So as I was pulling out of my neighborhood this am on my way to work, the transmission seemed to have some serious trouble finding a gear and then my "Drivetrain Malfunction" warnings appeared. The idle was louder than normal and ran roughly and when I came to a stop the revs stayed stayed at 1000. The car felt like it was wanting to stay in first and I had to hold it back with the brakes more than normal. I put it in park and restarted with the same results.

I have contacted my dealer and BMW Roadside assistance and I'm waiting on a tow truck now. The tech over the phone said I'm having a misfire somewhere and that I shouldn't drive it anymore.

alexc93 · 12-04-2015, 11:04 AM

6 speed manual or 8ZF auto?

A lot of people have had drivetrain malfunctions and after the car was restarted they went away and everything was normal so maybe try that out?

Merc for hire · 12-04-2015, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexc93

6 speed manual or 8ZF auto?

A lot of people have had drivetrain malfunctions and after the car was restarted they went away and everything was normal so maybe try that out?

Auto. See the D in dashboard.

alexc93 · 12-04-2015, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merc for hire

Auto. See the D in dashboard.

Missed that lol

OP let us know if it was restored after rebooting the car.

Untdrums · 12-04-2015, 04:46 PM

Ok so my day got worse. When I parked my car near my office, I parked in a mostly vacant lot across the street. I called and talked to BMW Roadside assistance there in my car while it was parked. They said they would send someone out so I gave them my address and directions to my car's location. I figured I could leave my car there since I shouldn't drive it and went inside my office to tell my boss and coworkers that I would not be able to stay when the tow truck arrived. 2 hrs later I hadn't heard anything yet and called roadside assistance again to check on the status since I never got an estimate of time. Coincidently, the tow service called within seconds telling me he's on his way. 20 mins later I get a call telling me that the tow truck is close but he doesn't see my car. I walk outside to find that the company that oversees the lot where I left my car had towed it to an impound lot and the tow truck BMW sent couldn't give me a ride there. Lots of things happened after that so I won't bore you with the details or my frustrations that took place.

Bottom line:
Paid $270 to impound lot towing company
Lost a day of work
Wife lost a day to pick me up to take me to get my car
My engine/transmission are acting up so I'm in a 328i (Though it is pretty well equipped and I do still have transportation)

Instead of waiting for another BMW tow service, I spoke with my SA and we decided to have me drive it 15 miles to the dealer. When I did drive it, it had the same behaviors; rough idle, loud and not good kinda loud exhaust note, feels like it shifts down to 1st instead of neutral, drives sluggish. I have to hold the car back from lunging forward as if the throttle is stuck in first gear.

Should've just stayed home today.

E36 Alumnus · 12-07-2015, 09:47 PM

This was all posted in July 2012. What ultimately happened? That is, what was the problem and what was the resolution?

B.a.f · 12-08-2015, 03:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E36 Alumnus

This was all posted in July 2012. What ultimately happened? That is, what was the problem and what was the resolution?

this was posted in December this year ...
Back in 2012, 2er did'nt even exist

configt · 12-08-2015, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E36 Alumnus

This was all posted in July 2012. What ultimately happened? That is, what was the problem and what was the resolution?

mmmmm235i · 12-08-2015, 02:40 PM

Good Luck! I got this warning 5 weeks ago and have had to take the car back to the dealership 4 times with the same issue.

Untdrums · 12-08-2015, 05:29 PM

I received a call from my SA today and they said they're replacing 2 injectors and spark plugs to start with. Don't know what's going to happen next.

doccyber · 12-08-2015, 06:57 PM

Sorry for all of your troubles. Please keep us posted on this situation. Thanks.

Untdrums · 12-12-2015, 06:51 PM

Sorry I haven't been able to post this until now. I picked up my car Thursday and everything seems to be running fine. I've tried taking it easy, normal brisk driving, and spirited accelerated runs. So far so good. Looks like problems with cylinders 1 & 4.

BMWZ4 · 12-12-2015, 08:23 PM

Hopefully addresses your issues. At least it was warranty work. Glad you're back on the road!

allthatisntnow · 12-13-2015, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B.a.f

this was posted in December this year ...
Back in 2012, 2er did'nt even exist

Probably from a country that uses YMD. Having said that MDY is equally stupid.

Good to hear they sorted it out OP. Shouldn't be having these types of issues with such low milage on such a new car. If it makes you feel any better, I had two coil packs go simultaneously on a 1.4 mini when it was just a year old. Although it took the dealership 10 weeks and over 1000 miles of "test driving" to sort the issue. No joke.

E36 Alumnus · 12-13-2015, 11:57 PM

Sorry about misreading the posting date.

Thanks for telling how this ended up.

235Alex · 12-31-2015, 04:02 PM

So we're you able to completely eliminate the problem or do you have to drive moderately all the time? I just started getting the same problem on my car but I want to fix it and still be able to drive and have fun with it

m235hou · 12-31-2015, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 235Alex

So we're you able to completely eliminate the problem or do you have to drive moderately all the time? I just started getting the same problem on my car but I want to fix it and still be able to drive and have fun with it

Sounds like common issue amongst 235's. Is your auto like OP's?

235Alex · 12-31-2015, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m235hou

Sounds like common issue amongst 235's. Is your auto like OP's?

Yeah it's auto also

Untdrums · 01-06-2016, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 235Alex

So we're you able to completely eliminate the problem or do you have to drive moderately all the time? I just started getting the same problem on my car but I want to fix it and still be able to drive and have fun with it

I drive it like its supposed to be driven now. I have 2 more years on the lease so all drivetrain related problems will be covered for me at least. Good luck sir.

Untdrums · 01-10-2016, 08:33 PM

Just wanted to update everyone. BMW sent me a check last week to reimburse me (mostly) for getting towed while I was waiting for the tow truck from roadside assistance. This kind of customer service really makes me stick with the brand.
The car is running great btw.

12-04-2015, 10:17 AM	#1
Untdrums Private First Class 76 Rep 132 Posts Drives: '18 440i GC, '15 i3 REX Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: DFW iTrader: (1)	2015 M235i with 16,500 miles picked up after ED in January 2015. Mostly city driving. I'll stretch her legs every now and then but no track time ever. So as I was pulling out of my neighborhood this am on my way to work, the transmission seemed to have some serious trouble finding a gear and then my "Drivetrain Malfunction" warnings appeared. The idle was louder than normal and ran roughly and when I came to a stop the revs stayed stayed at 1000. The car felt like it was wanting to stay in first and I had to hold it back with the brakes more than normal. I put it in park and restarted with the same results. I have contacted my dealer and BMW Roadside assistance and I'm waiting on a tow truck now. The tech over the phone said I'm having a misfire somewhere and that I shouldn't drive it anymore. Attached Images __________________ 2019 CW i3s BEV 2018 EB 440i Gran Coupe 2015 SO i3 REX lease return 2015 EB M235i Euro Delivery 11/26/2014 lease return 2014 MG X1 sDrive 28i MSport lease return 2011 BS 335d sold
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12-04-2015, 11:04 AM	#2
alexc93 Colonel 381 Rep 2,384 Posts Drives: na Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: na iTrader: (8)	6 speed manual or 8ZF auto? A lot of people have had drivetrain malfunctions and after the car was restarted they went away and everything was normal so maybe try that out?
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12-04-2015, 04:46 PM	#5
Untdrums Private First Class 76 Rep 132 Posts Drives: '18 440i GC, '15 i3 REX Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: DFW iTrader: (1)	Ok so my day got worse. When I parked my car near my office, I parked in a mostly vacant lot across the street. I called and talked to BMW Roadside assistance there in my car while it was parked. They said they would send someone out so I gave them my address and directions to my car's location. I figured I could leave my car there since I shouldn't drive it and went inside my office to tell my boss and coworkers that I would not be able to stay when the tow truck arrived. 2 hrs later I hadn't heard anything yet and called roadside assistance again to check on the status since I never got an estimate of time. Coincidently, the tow service called within seconds telling me he's on his way. 20 mins later I get a call telling me that the tow truck is close but he doesn't see my car. I walk outside to find that the company that oversees the lot where I left my car had towed it to an impound lot and the tow truck BMW sent couldn't give me a ride there. Lots of things happened after that so I won't bore you with the details or my frustrations that took place. Bottom line: Paid $270 to impound lot towing company Lost a day of work Wife lost a day to pick me up to take me to get my car My engine/transmission are acting up so I'm in a 328i (Though it is pretty well equipped and I do still have transportation) Instead of waiting for another BMW tow service, I spoke with my SA and we decided to have me drive it 15 miles to the dealer. When I did drive it, it had the same behaviors; rough idle, loud and not good kinda loud exhaust note, feels like it shifts down to 1st instead of neutral, drives sluggish. I have to hold the car back from lunging forward as if the throttle is stuck in first gear. Should've just stayed home today. Attached Images __________________ 2019 CW i3s BEV 2018 EB 440i Gran Coupe 2015 SO i3 REX lease return 2015 EB M235i Euro Delivery 11/26/2014 lease return 2014 MG X1 sDrive 28i MSport lease return 2011 BS 335d sold Last edited by Untdrums; 12-04-2015 at 04:59 PM..
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12-07-2015, 09:47 PM	#6
E36 Alumnus New Member 0 Rep 6 Posts Drives: white/black m235i Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: south & central California iTrader: (0)	This was all posted in July 2012. What ultimately happened? That is, what was the problem and what was the resolution?
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12-08-2015, 02:40 PM	#9
mmmmm235i Captain 104 Rep 835 Posts Drives: 440xi GC Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: NY -> CO iTrader: (12)	Good Luck! I got this warning 5 weeks ago and have had to take the car back to the dealership 4 times with the same issue. __________________ 2020 X3M Comp., Alpine White on Black/Beige RETIRED: 2018 440xi GC, Carbon Black on Black/Blue 2014 M235i Black on Black, DINAN Stage 2
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12-08-2015, 05:29 PM	#10
Untdrums Private First Class 76 Rep 132 Posts Drives: '18 440i GC, '15 i3 REX Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: DFW iTrader: (1)	I received a call from my SA today and they said they're replacing 2 injectors and spark plugs to start with. Don't know what's going to happen next. __________________ 2019 CW i3s BEV 2018 EB 440i Gran Coupe 2015 SO i3 REX lease return 2015 EB M235i Euro Delivery 11/26/2014 lease return 2014 MG X1 sDrive 28i MSport lease return 2011 BS 335d sold
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12-08-2015, 06:57 PM	#11
doccyber Captain 259 Rep 628 Posts Drives: %D0%97%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0 Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	Sorry for all of your troubles. Please keep us posted on this situation. Thanks.
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12-12-2015, 06:51 PM	#12
Untdrums Private First Class 76 Rep 132 Posts Drives: '18 440i GC, '15 i3 REX Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: DFW iTrader: (1)	Sorry I haven't been able to post this until now. I picked up my car Thursday and everything seems to be running fine. I've tried taking it easy, normal brisk driving, and spirited accelerated runs. So far so good. Looks like problems with cylinders 1 & 4. Attached Images __________________ 2019 CW i3s BEV 2018 EB 440i Gran Coupe 2015 SO i3 REX lease return 2015 EB M235i Euro Delivery 11/26/2014 lease return 2014 MG X1 sDrive 28i MSport lease return 2011 BS 335d sold
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12-12-2015, 08:23 PM	#13
BMWZ4 Major General 1910 Rep 5,105 Posts Drives: '23 X1/'23 Allroad Progressiv Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Toronto iTrader: (1)	Hopefully addresses your issues. At least it was warranty work. Glad you're back on the road! __________________ '11 Z4 30i (retired);'11 X3 28i (retired); '15 M235i Stage 1 Dinan (recalled & crushed); '16 M235i Stage 3 Dinan (retired); '15 X3 28i (retired); '14 328i (retired), 2019 X3M40i (retired); Loaded '18 X1 (retired); Loaded '20 X3MC DG, Black/Tan Merino (retired); Loaded '23 X1 Cape York green and Red/Black interior; '23 Audi A4 Allroad Progressiv
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12-13-2015, 11:57 PM	#15
E36 Alumnus New Member 0 Rep 6 Posts Drives: white/black m235i Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: south & central California iTrader: (0)	Sorry about misreading the posting date. Thanks for telling how this ended up.
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12-31-2015, 04:02 PM	#16
235Alex Registered 1 Rep 4 Posts Drives: 235i Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	So we're you able to completely eliminate the problem or do you have to drive moderately all the time? I just started getting the same problem on my car but I want to fix it and still be able to drive and have fun with it
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01-10-2016, 08:33 PM	#20
Untdrums Private First Class 76 Rep 132 Posts Drives: '18 440i GC, '15 i3 REX Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: DFW iTrader: (1)	Just wanted to update everyone. BMW sent me a check last week to reimburse me (mostly) for getting towed while I was waiting for the tow truck from roadside assistance. This kind of customer service really makes me stick with the brand. The car is running great btw. Attached Images __________________ 2019 CW i3s BEV 2018 EB 440i Gran Coupe 2015 SO i3 REX lease return 2015 EB M235i Euro Delivery 11/26/2014 lease return 2014 MG X1 sDrive 28i MSport lease return 2011 BS 335d sold
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