[newoldbeemer]

Just 2 months and 2300 miles on my base 328i, today the car gave me "Drivetrain malfunctin, drive moderately" and I could feel there was a definite loss of power.

Not sure whether this is the same as the "limp mode" which is mentioned in other threads - is it?

Anyone else get this error, ideas what could be wrong?

Really bummed. I was just raving about what a great car this is...

[carzaddict]

it happened to me 1 hour after i picked up the car, 50 miles on the odometer.

this is considered limp mode. be careful where you park it, put it in a position that a tow truck can access easily......when i parked mine, i couldnt get it back into drive

[newoldbeemer]

Thanks. Just limped over to the dealer, dropped it off in the "off hours" Dropbox (hope they look into it!) and taking a bus back home. Figured if it breaks down on the way, it will be easier to deal with it on a weekend than on a weekday amidst rush traffic and crazy work schedule. It didn't break down, limped all the way.

[newoldbeemer]

Wow one hour after delivery? I can imagine how you felt!!
Is it all fixed and ok? What it did turn out to be, was it the VANOS thing mentioned on other threads?

[carzaddict]

Originally Posted by newoldbeemer

Wow one hour after delivery? I can imagine how you felt!!
Is it all fixed and ok? What it did turn out to be, was it the VANOS thing mentioned on other threads?

issue was "megatronics controller"....the whole transmission needed to be replaced.

car is up and running now, 100% good as new

[newoldbeemer]

SA called and said its a software issue, they're reprogramming it!

Question: can a car go into limp mode with just software issue? Is the limp mode precautionary to avoid causing damage etc?

[BMWFanatic2008]

Originally Posted by newoldbeemer

SA called and said its a software issue, they're reprogramming it!

Question: can a car go into limp mode with just software issue? Is the limp mode precautionary to avoid causing damage etc?

As always, they're just guessing since they don't know what the real problem is. Software is usually the first thing they try to "fix".

[carzaddict]

Originally Posted by newoldbeemer

Question: can a car go into limp mode with just software issue? Is the limp mode precautionary to avoid causing damage etc?

yes, the slightest thing can cause the car to go into limp mode, its the cars safety net

[newoldbeemer]

I'm just worried that they could be "fixing" the software that reports the issue instead of fixing the issue itself. No way of knowing, apparently.

This drivetrain malfunction seems to have multiple causes and/or multiple fixes. Looks like there are no right or wrong answers.

Keeping fingers crossed...

Really didn't expect this level of quality from BMW, that too with a brand new car. There's no scope for abuse or user error or lack of maintenance I anything like that.

Disappointed with BMW

[drob23]

Sucks to say it, but the purpose of the dealer is unfortunately to replace parts, not fix problems. They are paid based on the specific work performed, and I'm pretty sure I read that warranty work and free maintenance pay less than out of warranty replacement.

Pretty sure most SA's would rather have their good techs working on someone's broken down e90 than an F30 that may/may not an easily detectable problem which might not have a TSB or means of easily billing the work. Ultimately, the OEM is responsible for fixing the widespread problems on a just released new model generation.