Drive Train Malfunction FIX BMW F10 N54/N55 engine

Drive Train Malfunction FIX BMW F10 N54/N55 engine
Finally found the culprit that was causing it.
- I HAD NO ENGINE LIGHT ON
- I ONLY GOT THE DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION WHEN I WAS SPEEDING UP OR DRIVING IN SPORTS MODE.
- I DID NOTICE INTERMITTENT AC COMPRESSOR CODE BUT MY AC WORKED FINE. PROBABLY BECAUSE OF BELT SLIPPING.
IF I DROVE SLOW THE DRIVETRAIN ERROR WONT POPUP.
MY CAR WOULD GO IN LIMP MODE IF I DRIVE FAST AND I GET THIS ERROR.
DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION HAPPENS OCCASIONALLY SPECIALLY WHEN YOU SPEED UP THE CAR OR DRIVE FAST
Please note that it can also be caused by a faulty boost pressure solenoid or a vacuum leak.
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More videos on BMW F10 below:
BMW F10
Play list link:
• F10
BMW F10 OIL FILTER HOUSING
• BMW F10 N55 535i OIL F...
BMW F10 Valve cover gasket:
• BMW F10 Valve Cover Ga...
BMW F10 belt and Pulley replacement
• BMW F10 Belt and Pulle...
BMW F10 N55 SMOKE VACUUM LEAK DETECTION
• BMW F10 N55 SMOKE VACU...
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Disclaimer
I am a Do It Yourself, also known as DIY, mechanic. I am NOT a professional mechanic. I do not have any formal training in the automotive field.
Help Me DIY assumes no liability for anything you choose to do to your car, before, or after watching one of my videos or utilizing the content from this web site.
All DIY repairs or modifications you perform to your car are made at your own risk. Sometimes, even if you've done everything the right way, you can destroy or damage one or more things on your car. You must understand this, but by leveraging knowledge and patience, the probability of encountering one or more problems can be reduced.
Also, if for some unfortunate reason, I do give incorrect instructions and something breaks because you followed my instructions, I will NOT reimburse or pay in any way for whatever cost that may be incurred due to following my wrong instructions.
Lastly, please don't do anything to your car unless you yourself feel comfortable and confident in doing so.

[@nedlowe8344]

Great video - solved my problem! Subscribed.

[@HowToDoitright]

Glad it helped. Please like and subscribe as it helps my channel supporting charity :)

[@nedlowe8344]

Have you checked your vanos solenoids to see if maybe they are the source of the problem? What I thought was belt slippage wasn't. You might get away with cleaning them with brake cleaner, using contact cleaner on the leads, and reinstalling them. Dead easy, takes about 20 minutes.

[@nedlowe8344]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJWxc3eZqbGeeLc This shows the repair on an N52 engine

[@pguzman2624]

Same exact problem for me

[@United-Solutions]

Your 100 percent right It's happen same exactly to my f10 No codes and drive train code pop-up

[@pguzman2624]

Wow that helps me a lot Thanks a lot Blessings 🙏

[@mekanikosadiko6444]

so how did you get the car off limp mode after you replaced the drive belt?? did the drive train malfunction go away on its own???

[@davidaguirre6745]

Awesome video..... oil filter housing on all BMW’s is an issue. Do u recommend spraying a belt conditioner/ cleaner on the belt??? Or is that a waste of money and time??

[@HowToDoitright]

Waste of $ and time. Get the continental belt elite series they are good quality belt and quieter and it’s like 25bucks on eBay. I’m sure you accumulated miles on original belt so it’s probably due for replacement. I suggest inspect the pulleys while it’s running and check for vibration or significant movement. If you see it then also change pulleys. I have 80k but pulleys were good.

[@rosstudisco8650]

Thanks for the video bro! I got a little over 114,000 on my 2011 535 just got the drivetrain message. Dropped it at BMW. Hopefully it’s just a tuneup, I don’t recall ever having one done. I always use Bmw for service, but they’ve never recommended a tuneup. Fingers crossed!!

[@HowToDoitright]

Ross Tudisco let us know what they found.

[@rosstudisco8650]

How To Do It - It was the Valvetronic Motor and valve gasket-$1900! Didn’t see 1 video or website that mentioned Valvetronic Motor!!!

[@NSingh-qs7wk]

My daughter's BMW just got that malfunction warning, my husband is not handy when it comes to cars but realizing that it could be one of so many things wrong - either way we're probably looking at $1000-$2000 in repairs from BMW - it's a 2013 525i over 100k miles... any suggestions or recommendations as we plan on taking it in?

[@Dannyhusayn7180]

Great vid exact symptoms I have ob 640, time for moment of truth ;]

[@swipeyopiece]

How did it go

[@Shahthesunchild]

Great Vid bro , I have a 2013 550i M Sport . Mines is stuck in limp mode . It’s an automatic and when i shift to drive or reverse it doesn’t move and makes a loud humming sound . Also when in park it will still roll as if it’s in neutral . Put the E brake on and it’s just fine . Could this be my transmission? I got the drivetrain malfunction message .

[@HowToDoitright]

Jiggy Shah! I wouldn’t guess as it looks something big. I assume it starts just fine. So it could be. I suggest diagnose it with ISTAD. It will point you to the right direction. Normally Transmision don’t go bad on these cars.

[@abdullahalziyadi3391]

Hi bro I have the same issue with my car. 2012 bmw 650i Did you figure out Please help

[@macielesto4730]

Do a transmission service your filter is clogged!!!

[@tinydaddy2704]

I just got the same exact problem in my 2013 535i what was wrong with the car

[@HowToDoitright]

Everything. I sold that damn PITA

[@markrayes2973]

encountered this when when i was...umm warming up my tires car already reached optimal temperature

[@John-qc1zv]

Hey I got the same problem with 2014 F10 LCI, remove a spark plug, put it back, and the engine is jerking but no code. I did fix my gasket last year with new plug and just bough new coil and no luck. I don't think I have oil on the belt but will look if it slip, I notice there is squeaky sounds near belts and the tensioner pulley is moving a bit. How do you like the Tesla ?

[@HowToDoitright]

Love the Tesla model S. Best car I ever owned. Still love the Lexus brand but this is much better than any German brand out there. Never buying German cars ever again.

[@HowToDoitright]

Seems like your tensioner is bad

[@MRVULVAPUMPER]

Great Video And Fun To Watch Too. THANKS! However, there is a ZERO percent chance that the small amount of oil you showed in your video on the belt would cause it to slip. Absolutely a ZERO chance. Hope you were able to get your car fixed though. And "good luck" to you for sure!

[@HowToDoitright]

It wasn’t small amount. It was decent enough. Found chunks of oil buildup in belt.

[@Exposing.y0u]

Was that the problem? The belt?

[@devendrachowhan6147]

Great video bro, I have a 2019 M2 competition and I get this same problem of drivetrain when I am pushing the car to its limits and gets to the limp mode, but the drivetrain warning disappears once I restart the car do you think I have the same problem of the belt slip ?

[@HowToDoitright]

No bro yours is 2019 and I doubt you have that problem. I recommend SCAN IT for codes using ISTAD. This will point you to the right direction. It could be many things. Your car is fairly new so it should be covered by BMW warranty. I suggest just let them diagnose it. Make a video and show them. Older car can develop this issue due to oil leak but in yours I doubt there is any leak.

[@TheShowtimebrazil]

if you have the n55 you probably have this issue. it might not be the gasket leaking it could be the housing cap for the oil filter itself i just had this issue on my 435i gonna get it taken care of tmr.

[@markrayes2973]

@@HowToDoitright any recommendations for a ISTAD?

[@Bon-mz5kb]

I literally just had my spark plugs and oil changed at the dealer one week ago. Took the car out today and it popped up drivetrain malfunction. I floored it and the rev was at 2,500rpm and wasn’t even gaining speed. It’s an N55 M235i.

[@MRVULVAPUMPER]

I replaced the third member and that fixed it!

[@HowToDoitright]

Third member?

[@John-qc1zv]

Which one is that your 2nd wife ?

[@showreadycarsllc4498]

Just a heads up. That's cool what your saying. But I literally had the same problem you had it comes and goes especially on sport mode. Then when it really bad it will occur on comfort. The main problem, is the Turbo diverter valve. I upgrade mines to the GFB...with that changed. It's Literally the....seal and vacuum Leaks...that throws that Code. Did mines on n55 engine no issues. Problem gone.

[@HowToDoitright]

Yes sir you got a point there.

[@HowToDoitright]

Curious how much did the GFB cost you and how bad is the installation?

[@amiina1995]

I have the same issue but with code 120308 i changed the oilfilter gasket and my belt is also with oil the bmw dealer could not detect any issue with the boost tubro kat or something becuse the 120308 code is an low charging pressure code u think my belt can cause the leak? my car also ran normal ig i drive slow only if i hit full gas it hits drivetrain malfunction

[@SmileIso]

Which engine is it? What is the year? Anyway check the tighteness of the charge pipe. You may have vaccum leak

[@MrCocoa23]

I have the Same exact problems but I don’t see any oil on my belt. Changing my gaskets soon though

[@HowToDoitright]

i will be glad to help my members. Please Join this channel to get access to exclusive membership perks: kzbin.info/door/dx-nmLGv3QlmDd3RGO9J9Qjoin

[@eyemphaydid]

So.... Did it work?

[@ovlenz9237]

Hey man i was going high speed on 3 gear in my 435i manual, i was trying to shift into 4th but i slipped it into 2nd and it just shit off as i was driving and no throttle response or anything. Pretty much money shifted, says drivetrain malfunction, it sparks but wont start i have no clue if i messed up something big that will cost a lot. If u can please help.

[@HowToDoitright]

ah sorry bro no clue...this sounds real bad.....i would start looking for a new car.

[@rakiemrobinson6072]

What year is your 435i?

[@sahilagrawal4255]

Not sure exactly, it could be valve train damage, or you could have even thrown your connecting rod. If you threw your connecting rod, then your engine might be in really bad condition, maybe even in need of replacement. But I am not a mechanic so I can't help you too much... sorry

[@BimmerRalph]

I had that issue on my f10. It was a faulty boost solenoid.

[@HowToDoitright]

Yeah that’s a culprit too

[@erwan3584]

Wht code did u get?

[@chewaynemcfarlane6409]

It’s drivebelt? 528i 2012 f10

[@chadcazares5219]

Didn’t even think of this I just had this pop up on my 535i I’m about to check it I automatically thought my spark plugs I can feel it misfiring

[@alteredsensations8273]

did you get it fixed ?

[@davidburke640]

That one 14 dollar gasket on the oil cooler can destroy your whole car! It did mine. Belt gone tension pulley gone THIS NEEDS TO BE a top noted issue for all owners. REPLACE THESE GASKETS!!!! Don’t wait on this one

[@HowToDoitright]

Agree totally!!!

[@mauricemcghee834]

I just had to replace mine plus a water pump soon as it started getting hot.

[@gusibrahim6961]

I had the tyre pressure light on all the time!! With obd cleared all errors, tyre pressure warning disappeared and the drive train malfunction gone forever

[@HowToDoitright]

Lmao that cannot happen with OBD code clearing. I have been dealing with BMWs for years and this is impossible and if you do claim it show it on a video or it did not happen.

[@kevinyuan380]

So i have those gaskets replaced. Just did the valve cover as well. I get the code but no limp mode. Once i turn the car on and off again after that it doesnt come back up . What do you think it is ??

[@miguelquintana8076]

I have the exact same issue.

[@kevinyuan380]

@miguelquintana8076 so I ended up doing maf, coils, spark plugs. Cause was a vacuum line from the turbo to the valve cover. Tiny boost leak . Make sure ones hooked and the other plugged

[@koberoder]

I have a 2011 750Li Xdrive car vibrates and shakes when accelerating at about 30-45 mph and when I floor it at about 65mph it runs rough and goes into limp mode. Also the rpms bounce a little going down the road about 50-100rpms. I can’t seem to figure it out. Threw codes for cylinder 6 and 7 so I threw new plugs and coils in and it’s still having the same problem just without the codes

[@HowToDoitright]

Did you reset adaptation after replacing the coil? I suggest you do that using ISTA and also clear code using ISTA software. Watch my playlist on F10 how I used the software to reset adaptations. Also ISTA WILL tell you what is wrong but just a regular OBD reader won’t. It will clear basic codes but not the main ones so you must use ISTA. WATCH my videos on F10 playlist and you will learn a lot. Watch them full and listen as I give details when I speak. Hope it helps.

[@koberoder]

@@HowToDoitrightI didn’t clear them using Ista but the problem happens at about 45 mph and the car shakes but only around 45 mph and then it will run a little rough when I’m pushing it at about 100mph and then throw drivetrain malfunction. But I also have noticed that sometimes when taking off at a stop light I have a lot more power than other times so could it be a boost leak or vacuum problem? Also the Rpms will jump up and down when I have my cruise set going down the highway

[@bonkers33331]

How does leaky oil filter housing cause drivetrain malfunction? What is the ECU detecting that would cause such a leak to throw this error?

[@TheShotsie1]

It detects the belt is slipping from the dripped oil on it

[@HowToDoitright]

^^ this

[@bonkers33331]

@@TheShotsie1 that makes sense, but how is that detected. The main crank has a position sensor. Do the components and accessories driven by the belt have something similar?

[@HowToDoitright]

It’s the drive turn ratio with engine speed and when they don’t match due to slip it throws error

[@bonkers33331]

@@HowToDoitright , right, but which 'drive' other than the main crankshaft has monitoring that can detect a slip?

[@BeastModeDR614]

what is it called?

[@_dYHA_]

Do f10 520d with automatic transmission when in reverse go uphill only when you little accelerate it? Mine is able to drive back only when on level surface.

[@HowToDoitright]

This doesn’t sound right

[@_dYHA_]

@@HowToDoitright is that it ? 🙄

[@HowToDoitright]

@@_dYHA_ yeah in reverse every car should backup not go forward 😕

[@_dYHA_]

@@HowToDoitright it's not going forward, goes backwards as it should but not as strong towards the steep

[@HowToDoitright]

@@_dYHA_ ohhh ok then it’s normal

[@armanusa986]

I have same problem but cost me way more damages, my alternator gone , my batery has been damaged, all 9 yards

[@HowToDoitright]

Arman Usa I sold my damn car. Was too much headach. Got myself a Tesla. So much relaxed now

[@Goodwood356]

Hi, good video. My F30 diesel gives me the malfunction message on shutdown.

[@HowToDoitright]

Did you scan for error codes?

[@Goodwood356]

Yes and nothing came up. I sold the car today. All good thanks

[@HowToDoitright]

@@Goodwood356 good decision. Curious was it a 535i? How many miles and how much you got for it? I sold my 2012 535i 2 years ago with 78k miles for 13k.

[@Goodwood356]

I’m heartbroken, just loved the car but it was time to go. 173k seamless miles of pleasurable driving and only $5k on trade in. Sold our other 328d with 126k to a neighbor for $13k. Both were amazing cars!

[@HowToDoitright]

Yea I hear you. But these cars becomes trouble when they age so don’t regret. Be happy

[@daniellekelly2634]

Please I am in desperate need of some help with my 535xi. It stated out with drive train it was firing in the first cylinder it started shaking and jerking I took it to the nearest shop the car could make it to it was a shop specializing in bmw and Mercedes they replaced all my spark plugs and ignition coils all Bosch and Delphi. The car was still misfiring he said my valve cover needed to be replaced so he replaced it I get the car back it’s still saying drive train malfunction. 2 weeks later I needed a oil change and brake fluid flush done and the car was now misfiring in 2 cyclinders right before my appointment at BMW had them look at everything they said it wasn’t my ECU and my transmission was fine had them look at fuses. They then said that my spark plugs and ignition coils were “faulty” they put in all of there’s and put in a fuel injector in the first cylinder I get the car back after all these services and the it was jerking while shifting gears. No drive train pulls up BMW then tells me to just drive it hard so a code will pop up I didn’t 2 weeks later it’s now misfiring again I don’t know what to do I blew through all of my savings the 1st time at the other shop. I gave BMW 1,000 down I still owe them 1,200 and they never fixed the issue when I called them they said oh well it’s probably another fuel injector needed I am so mad I just wish someone could tell me what’s wrong and how to fix this because I have a feeling that it’s not another fuel injector do you have any thoughts on what it might be ❤

[@HowToDoitright]

Bro if you really ask my honest opinion I would say sell the damn car. That’s what I endup doing. None of my troubleshooting worked for long. It came back. I made these videos to help others but at the end it came back. I got soooo fed up that I sold the car and after 4months of selling it the buyer called me complaining that the engine blew up. I only had 70k. Luckily I sold it as it so not my fault. But trust me the day I sold it was the happiest day of my life. I’m never ever buying a damn bmw ever again! Done with this crappy car. I endup buying a Tesla and been so happy for last 3 years now. I suggest sell it as is and you will save yourself some $$ and headach!

[@RMxSonny]

Bro i have a f10 535i and everytime i drive a long trip about 2 hours the motor suddenly bumps and i get this malfunction. Before that it drives very smooth. Then i turn off the car for 10 min and the malfunction is gone. Im getting crazy idk what it is. Any idea?

[@HowToDoitright]

Watch my playlist of F10. I posted a few on this topic what can cause it and you can check those things

[@sathiyasriramb352]

I am getting it in my car . The belt is fine . I have oil leak though . What shoud i do? My car Bmw 520d 2012 (F10)

[@HowToDoitright]

Honestly I say get rid of the car. I got so fed up of chasing it that sold mine as is and within a few months of selling it the engine blew up.

[@jonpolo2900]

Im having this exact problem with an 550i f10 with the v8 n63. At the same time the alternator stopped being able to charge the battery.

[@HowToDoitright]

Ahh that’s odd. Man I endup selling my car. BMWs are Pain in the @$$

[@jonpolo2900]

@@HowToDoitright i kinda wish i did the same before i got to the point of no return fixing it.

[@HowToDoitright]

You can still sell it. Put it on carvana. They offer decent some times

[@zlord1199]

@@HowToDoitright it's an old car you expect it to last forever with no issues lol you said this was a 2012 right?...

[@HowToDoitright]

Yes it’s supposed to last longer. I know people with cars with 300k without issues. BMWs are trash…never buying one ever again!

[@lamarv9566]

I guess its time to do plugs and packs, I changed out all muh gaskets and seals already, i get the malfunction when I'm in 5th gear or trying to go into 6th.

[@HowToDoitright]

Check your codes

[@frankazad9026]

Changing oil pump gasket would fix the drive train malfunction

[@HowToDoitright]

It did not fix it on mine

[@beamer2169]

What codes were you getting when the drivetrain malfunction came on.

[@andresvilla6329]

No codes

[@miguelquintana8076]

Did you feel reduced power prior to the Drive Train isdue?

[@HowToDoitright]

Not before but as soon as I got this it went into limp mode with reduce power.

[@alexai4731]

I have a 2010 550i GT. This message is coming up. We’ve taken it to different mechanics and no one can fix it. We turn it on and it starts to shake saying drivetrain malfunction. We’ve changed spark plugs and computer and the issue isn’t solved. Any idea ?

[@HowToDoitright]

Did you check for vacuum leaks? It sounds like one. Also there is a vacuum solenoid that goes bad. Easy replacement and most of the time it fix the issues.

[@HowToDoitright]

Also scan it via ISTA-D and it may give you a hint.

[@alexai4731]

It says cylinder 1/5 misfire

[@HowToDoitright]

Ahh so change the spark plug and the coil. It should fix the issue

[@Schnitzer325ci]

High Pressure Fuel Pump

[@2k_cecil41]

Can i detect the specific codes w jb4?

[@HowToDoitright]

Not sure what jb4 is

[@jrod2422ify]

What device did you use to check the drive train malfunction.

[@HowToDoitright]

The device used was a laptop with software

[@arcykh]

Did replacing your belt fix the problem?

[@HowToDoitright]

Yes but something else then caused it...I got fed up of the car so sold it.

[@realtoremilsonphanor5522]

I’m getting fed up with my car too. Fixed everything and still getting drivetrain malfunction. I’m looking to sell it. 2012 528i bmw. Spent so much money.

[@HowToDoitright]

I just got a text from the seller and he told me the engine blew up. I couldn’t believe it because I took care of my car and I was a little disappointed to hear that.

[@christopherlopez8027]

@@realtoremilsonphanor5522 You ever figure out what it was?

[@theelective1341]

@@realtoremilsonphanor5522 did u fix the problem I have drivetrain malfunction also rn car shakes and turns off on me what could it be I have the same car and year

[@agostinespiritu4423]

Anyone solve this problem yet? For me every time I accelerate and try to go fast the “driver malfunction” pops up right away. I’ve changed the coils, spark plugs and hpfp. If any of u guys can help me out id appreciate it!

[@nexxtgenerationsound]

Same problem I’m having as we speak I changed sparks,Valve cover, Pcv valve, Solenoids for the vanos... n still feel like it’s slipping not getting my full power

[@agostinespiritu4423]

@@nexxtgenerationsound SHEESSH I scheduled a diagnostic test for bmw. I just changed the O2 sensor before the cat. Still no luck. It did get a lot smoother tho but no luck here

[@agostinespiritu4423]

@@nexxtgenerationsound u have a contact info. Maybe we can update each other and try to figure it together

[@quepid101]

Possible fuel pressure relay?

[@andycontreras76]

I was working on Bmw 528 2012 when I accelerate i will get Drive train Malfunction. I SCAND THE CAR FOR CODES AND GOT A CODE FOR THE TURBO SOLENOID for waste gate it was just a vacuum hose disconnect from the solenoid. HOPE THIS HELP .Drive train Malfunction comes on for multiple reasons

[@umit307]

Every drivetrain problem is could be anythink

[@KennyLauderdale]

Sir just say what it is

[@HowToDoitright]

I have to go in details for people who have no knowledge on cars so please be patient or forward it. I get a lot of request to be detailed on videos for beginners :)

[@alfredomartinez9769]

What is the name of the part?

[@HowToDoitright]

I spoke about a few things. Which specific part are you talking about?

[@alfredomartinez9769]

@@HowToDoitright where you change the oil filter, I have the same issue with the drivetrain with my BMW 528ix

[@HowToDoitright]

Oil filter housing gasket

[@CarsonsChannelz]

Says guaranteed fix- you didn’t even fix your own

[@HowToDoitright]

J.C. Ferguson how you know

[@ataviousburt9182]

belt change has nothing to do with the drive train malfunctioning error. The following will help: Why is the BMW drivetrain malfunctioning? Drivetrain Malfunction due to Overused Spark Plugs Drivetrain Malfunction due to Old Ignition coils Drivetrain Malfunction due to Failed High-pressure fuel pump Drivetrain Malfunction due to Clogged Catalytic converter BMW Drivetrain Malfunction due to Damaged Fuel Injectors

[@HowToDoitright]

Throw some oil on your belt and then see you will get one.

[@Thatk1dfly]

You literally said whole bunch of nothing for views.

[@HowToDoitright]

Really?? Doesn’t seem like it with other comments. But Thanks for watching and increasing my views ;)

[@hamzamo95]

Man, this is absolutely useless! The title says fixed the problem but the actual content is just a bunch of talk and theory! ZERO conclusion that his Drivetrain was cause by the belt and -0 that he fixed the issue! Get outta here!

[@johnmichaeltwist5086]

VICTOR REINZ IS OEM PART SUPPLIER FOR BMW. GET FACTS STRAIGHT BEFORE MAKING ADVISES. MOST LIKELY THE "ORIGINAL" GASKET SAYS VICTOR REINZ 2) gasket for that piece can be cutout of a cereal box, and still work, if talking about cheap solutions.

[@HowToDoitright]

No victor reinz is not. At least not the genuine one sold by bmw at my dealer. Maybe others sell them