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      08-15-2023, 09:00 AM   #1
S6F
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Ever get a “Drivetrain Malfunction” message…

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only for it to disappear upon restarting your car? Weird! No codes. Running JB+ for four years with no problems. Any ideas? Thanks.
2019 540ix MSport.
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      08-15-2023, 10:57 AM   #2
Joe-BMW33
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I have not had it (yet) but it seems to be a very common error amongst G30 owners. It could be damaged fuel injectors, faulty spark plugs, faulty fuel pump, faulty ignition coil, clogged catalytic converter, or low quality fuel. (I cut and pasted that)

You don't have any error codes?? Very strange. What did you use to scan it? How many miles on the car? Have you done the plugs? Fuel pump is also known to fail, so much so, they updated the part.
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Last edited by Joe-BMW33; 08-15-2023 at 11:55 AM..
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      08-15-2023, 01:03 PM   #3
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Yes, I’ve had that code on my car and in my experience it’s a result of:
  1. Low/dead battery at some point.
  2. Any BimmerCode modifications.

If I code my M550 and change something, sometimes I get “drivetrain malfunction” for a minute or so after turning on the car. No big deal!
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      08-15-2023, 01:22 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by S6F View Post
only for it to disappear upon restarting your car? Weird! No codes. Running JB+ for four years with no problems. Any ideas? Thanks.
2019 540ix MSport.
I've had it happen a few times after Coding. Either reset I Drive or turn car on/off and it goes away. Never any hard codes.
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      08-15-2023, 02:02 PM   #5
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It's normal for it to happen after the initial flash coding before a system reboot.

I don't think the OP is talking about getting this error after coding.
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      03-04-2024, 11:41 AM   #6
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Just responding to an old thread for posterity. My 2018 530e with 33,000 mi, turned out to be a failed battery module, then the KLE (AC to DC charge converter) all of which were replaced. Unfortunately, it took my car out of service for 43 days!

Last edited by jcali; 03-04-2024 at 11:42 AM.. Reason: update
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      03-04-2024, 12:30 PM   #7
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I recently had it as well, for me it was the electrical wastegate actuator. It seems to be a catch all error. The codes give a much clearer picture.
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      03-26-2024, 12:22 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gautam View Post
I recently had it as well, for me it was the electrical wastegate actuator. It seems to be a catch all error. The codes give a much clearer picture.
Just got hit with a drivetrain malfunction error/CEL. After a few trips, it went away but I checked it using BimmerLink and it gave me the 123703 code of electric wastegate 2 short circuit to positive. Was this what you had as well by any chance? What did you end up doing? Debating calling the dealer to take it in, I have the rt66 warranty so def want to take advantage of it, if it's something that'll be covered.
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      03-26-2024, 12:40 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sxs1687 View Post
Just got hit with a drivetrain malfunction error/CEL. After a few trips, it went away but I checked it using BimmerLink and it gave me the 123703 code of electric wastegate 2 short circuit to positive. Was this what you had as well by any chance? What did you end up doing? Debating calling the dealer to take it in, I have the rt66 warranty so def want to take advantage of it, if it's something that'll be covered.
Waste gate is a known issue with an extended warranty.

https://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1856696
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      03-26-2024, 12:43 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LogicalApex View Post
Waste gate is a known issue with an extended warranty.

https://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1856696
Great, thank you for this info! I'll go ahead and take it in then.
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      03-26-2024, 10:10 PM   #11
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Just wanted to share, I experienced it twice before on my 2018 BMW 530ex only for it to disappear after turning the car on and off.

It happened the first time at 80,000 miles when I was driving in the early morning and I felt my car getting stuck in 1st gear and as soon as I let go of the accelerator, it shifted and got the error.

Second time at 87,000 miles was when I was cruising in the highway and typically when you let go of the accelerator, the HV battery will charge but my gauge indicated that it was not charging. Shortly after, I saw the drivetrain malfunction error.

Both times I’ve restarted my car shortly after getting the error, only for it to not show up again. I’ve had the dealership and my mechanic check for error codes and both found nothing! I’m nearing 96,000 miles and I haven’t experienced it since (hopefully not anymore).
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      03-26-2024, 10:13 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sxs1687 View Post
Just got hit with a drivetrain malfunction error/CEL. After a few trips, it went away but I checked it using BimmerLink and it gave me the 123703 code of electric wastegate 2 short circuit to positive. Was this what you had as well by any chance? What did you end up doing? Debating calling the dealer to take it in, I have the rt66 warranty so def want to take advantage of it, if it's something that'll be covered.
I don’t remember the exact codes but that sounds the same. I used my Route 66 warranty to get it covered at the dealer. You should be good to go.
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