2015 328i Drivetrain Malfunction

ademt · 06-19-2021, 03:40 PM

Hi there,
About a month ago, I had a drivetrain malfunction in my car. The car was stalled and the transmission put itself into N from D. I restarted the car and it made the same thing. I was low on gas (about 15miles left) and driving to the gas station. I got some gas and it made the same thing right after.
I went home and wait about 2 hours. I turned my car on and it all went away. The car was perfectly fine and I thought I had the malfunction as I was low on gas.

About two weeks ago, I went to Zion National Park. It was a very hot day, about 100F. I don't know if you have ever been there but if you do, you know how steep the road is when you are going uphill to The Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel.
I parked on the side of the road under the tree to take some pictures and the car was on but it shut itself off. It gave me the same error, the drivetrain malfunction. I started my car again but it started to shake and stalled again. I was very scared and tried the start it again. I was able to drive back to the exit and I went back to the hotel where I stayed at. This time, I wasn't low on gas at all.

After some googling, I found out that there is a class action going on against BMW NA and some of BMW's are defective. I actually received some papers last year but during the pandemic, I was dealing with health issues and I forgot about it. Here is one of the papers I have received for this class action.

https://ibb.co/VqFW3QT

My car is around 72000 miles and I'm really scared to drive the car. I temporarily moved to Utah from Los Angeles for a couple of months and if I was in LA now, I would definitely sell the car the next day. But I have to deal with it for now as I need the car here and according to a class action, BMW reimburses 75% of the repair IF damaged due to a failure of the timing chain or oil pump drive chain modules until June 30, 2021. For more information, please visit www.timingchainmodulesettlement.com

Has anyone experienced this? I still have about 10 days to take advantage of this repair but I'm not sure if BMW dealers would be honest and make a repair without a check engine light and BMW NA would reimburse me.

The car drives perfectly fine now but it could happen again and the car would shut itself off at high speed. It could cause a serious accident. Please help!

njdangelo · 06-19-2021, 04:32 PM

You need to scan for codes. How can we even begin to assist if we don't know what is wrong with the car? And your grasping for straws on the "defective car" claim… it did 72000 miles without issue. Get the car scanned, find out what the issue is and go from there.

ademt · 06-19-2021, 04:42 PM

I will, I made an appointment for next week to get it fixed. Since there is a class action going on, I just wanted to make sure that what would be my rights. The last time when I went to dealer for a maintenance, I asked them to replace the timing chain for example but they told me that it looks perfectly fine so I passed. If I had it replaced back then, I would have gotton 100% reimbursement according to this class action as my car was under 70000 miles. You know how hard to deal with the dealers and how one dealer might say one thing and the other dealer might say something else.

By the way, there is no check engine light and there never was. I hope the dealer would be able to see the problem without a code.

tturedraider · 06-19-2021, 04:50 PM

It’s pretty unlikely what you’re describing is the timing chain guide issue. The symptoms you describe don’t fit with that issue in that your issue occurs and then clears up. If you can get someone to help you, open the hood and rev the motor and see if you can hear a high pitched whine coming from the front of the motor. That is the tell tale sign of timing chain guide issues. Having said that, being that you only have ten days left in the settlement period, I would recommend making an appointment with the local BMW dealer and at least having them scan for stored codes.

ademt · 06-19-2021, 04:55 PM

I actually tried revving the engine before but I haven't heard any high pitched noise from it. Yes, I'm going to the dealer to see what is going on for next week. Thank you!

F30lolz · 06-19-2021, 05:41 PM

You can figure out what codes are stored w/o having a code reader. Skip to 1:35 in this (not my) video to unlock the secret menu. You can then pull up codes and Google them to determine what issues you could be having.

Billfitz · 06-19-2021, 06:55 PM

There's at least a dozen things that could cause the symptoms you have. The timing chain isn't one of them. When it breaks the engine is DOA.

Slick_FThirty · 06-19-2021, 11:17 PM

Stalling and drivetrain malfunction is certainly not the timing chain.

Low oil pressure is one possible and common code for the timing chain. If the timing chain did go, you wouldn't be able to turn on your engine.

Take a look at the cars codes. That will be able to give a starting point or answer to the problem.

Tbone416 · 06-20-2021, 02:33 AM

It's most likely spark plugs, when was the last time you changed them?

ademt · 06-20-2021, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F30lolz

You can figure out what codes are stored w/o having a code reader. Skip to 1:35 in this (not my) video to unlock the secret menu. You can then pull up codes and Google them to determine what issues you could be having.

Thank you. I tried that and I clicked on check option on the menu and I found this.
https://ibb.co/z5Ljkfn
https://ibb.co/hHtzWq0
https://ibb.co/bLjfghx
https://ibb.co/5kq4XY8
https://ibb.co/9nDbQQp
https://ibb.co/4P8Xv3D
I don't know if these are the check engine codes or not, though.

ademt · 06-20-2021, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tbone416

It's most likely spark plugs, when was the last time you changed them?

I didn't replace them yet but do you think bad spark plug would cause these problems? The car shut itself off when driving. Honestly, you would feel the difference in driving when spark plugs are pretty bad, don't you think? The car is running perfectly smooth, no delay when you put the foot down to accelerate, pretty good mpg. I don't know, I feel like something else is going on

ademt · 06-20-2021, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slick_FThirty

Stalling and drivetrain malfunction is certainly not the timing chain.

Low oil pressure is one possible and common code for the timing chain. If the timing chain did go, you wouldn't be able to turn on your engine.

Take a look at the cars codes. That will be able to give a starting point or answer to the problem.

Thank you for letting me know. What about the oil pump? Would it cause stalling and drivetrain malfunction? Because according to the class action, BMW 2012 - 2015 328i's have defective oil pump drive chain modules. It says it could lead to sudden engine failure and loss of power to the vehicles. I've experienced the loss of power. The car didn't go when I put my foot down. You know how your car revs up when one of the tires lose the traction on a rainy day and the car doesn't accelerate but revs up? Same thing happened when the first time I had this drivetrain malfunction error.

Billfitz · 06-20-2021, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ademt

You know how your car revs up ... and the car doesn't accelerate but revs up?

That's usually a transmission or clutch problem, not the oil pump. Whatever the problem may be it's a very safe bet that it's beyond your ability to fix, so get the car in to an expert.

Slick_FThirty · 06-20-2021, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ademt

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slick_FThirty

Stalling and drivetrain malfunction is certainly not the timing chain.

Low oil pressure is one possible and common code for the timing chain. If the timing chain did go, you wouldn't be able to turn on your engine.

Take a look at the cars codes. That will be able to give a starting point or answer to the problem.

Thank you for letting me know. What about the oil pump? Would it cause stalling and drivetrain malfunction? Because according to the class action, BMW 2012 - 2015 328i's have defective oil pump drive chain modules. It says it could lead to sudden engine failure and loss of power to the vehicles. I've experienced the loss of power. The car didn't go when I put my foot down. You know how your car revs up when one of the tires lose the traction on a rainy day and the car doesn't accelerate but revs up? Same thing happened when the first time I had this drivetrain malfunction error.

The symptoms you are describing do not indicate timing chain or oil pump failure. If you had oil pump failure, then your engine would have seized already and your dash would be a Christmas tree with errors. Your engine would be completely destroyed.

Sometimes during errors, the car will automatically disable or "disconnect" certain aspects of the car for safety.

If you have an Xdrive I would be thinking about the transfer case.

But again, check the codes and post back.

ademt · 06-20-2021, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slick_FThirty

The symptoms you are describing do not indicate timing chain or oil pump failure. If you had oil pump failure, then your engine would have seized already and your dash would be a Christmas tree with errors. Your engine would be completely destroyed.

Sometimes during errors, the car will automatically disable or "disconnect" certain aspects of the car for safety.

If you have an Xdrive I would be thinking about the transfer case.

But again, check the codes and post back.

I check the codes by unlocking the hidden menu. I don't know if I did it correctly but I found these. It looks like these are some check engine codes and there are 6 of them.
Please see the pictures below:

https://ibb.co/z5Ljkfn
https://ibb.co/hHtzWq0
https://ibb.co/bLjfghx
https://ibb.co/5kq4XY8
https://ibb.co/9nDbQQp
https://ibb.co/4P8Xv3D

Slick_FThirty · 06-20-2021, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ademt

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slick_FThirty

The symptoms you are describing do not indicate timing chain or oil pump failure. If you had oil pump failure, then your engine would have seized already and your dash would be a Christmas tree with errors. Your engine would be completely destroyed.

Sometimes during errors, the car will automatically disable or "disconnect" certain aspects of the car for safety.

If you have an Xdrive I would be thinking about the transfer case.

But again, check the codes and post back.

I check the codes by unlocking the hidden menu. I don't know if I did it correctly but I found these. It looks like these are some check engine codes and there are 6 of them.
Please see the pictures below:

https://ibb.co/z5Ljkfn
https://ibb.co/hHtzWq0
https://ibb.co/bLjfghx
https://ibb.co/5kq4XY8
https://ibb.co/9nDbQQp
https://ibb.co/4P8Xv3D

Okay, the best thing to use is BimmerLink (phone application) and a Bluetooth OBDII adapter. That will allow you to read the codes.

You can search YouTube for BimmerLink and OBDII

Slick_FThirty · 06-20-2021, 02:31 PM

Do you have Xdrive?

ademt · 06-20-2021, 02:34 PM

I don't have OBDII adapter but I will go to the dealer tomorrow morning and ask them to check what is going on but it looks like it is going to be an expensive one

No, I have 328i SULEV

Slick_FThirty · 06-20-2021, 02:40 PM

If your engine is able to run, then it is something in the power delivery.

It occasionally running fine means that everything is generally intact.

Transfer case is the usual suspect, but you don't have it.

So, then it's probably the transmission. It could also be the differentials, but I doubt the differentials are an issue.

In that case, you might need a new torque converter, clutch etc.

Slick_FThirty · 06-20-2021, 02:45 PM

Just keep in mind if that is the case, then the dealer will just recommended putting in a brand new transmission.

If it isn't covered by warranty, then you can also consider going to an Indie who could go the rebuild route. It might be a lot cheaper than the dealer solution.

ademt · 06-20-2021, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slick_FThirty

Just keep in mind if that is the case, then the dealer will just recommended putting in a brand new transmission.

If it isn't covered by warranty, then you can also consider going to an Indie who could go the rebuild route. It might be a lot cheaper than the dealer solution.

I see, thank you for the heads up. If that would be the case, I guess I'd sell the car and never buy BMW again. I drive the car like a 70 year old drive a Lexus. I run the car 5 minutes after a cold start. I maintained the car very well. I thought ZF transmissions are rock solid on this BMW's.

Slick_FThirty · 06-20-2021, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ademt

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slick_FThirty

Just keep in mind if that is the case, then the dealer will just recommended putting in a brand new transmission.

If it isn't covered by warranty, then you can also consider going to an Indie who could go the rebuild route. It might be a lot cheaper than the dealer solution.

I see, thank you for the heads up. If that would be the case, I guess I'd sell the car and never buy BMW again. I drive the car like a 70 year old drive a Lexus. I run the car 5 minutes after a cold start. I maintained the car very well. I thought ZF transmissions are rock solid on this BMW's.

Yes it is unfortunate. The ZF 8 speed is in millions of cars across many brands including Toyota and Lexus. It has been extremely solid.

However, the only thing (that could primarily be causing these issues) between your engine and wheels is the transmission.

Wish you luck with that.

06-19-2021, 03:40 PM	#1
ademt New Member 27 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW 328i Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	2015 328i Drivetrain Malfunction Hi there, About a month ago, I had a drivetrain malfunction in my car. The car was stalled and the transmission put itself into N from D. I restarted the car and it made the same thing. I was low on gas (about 15miles left) and driving to the gas station. I got some gas and it made the same thing right after. I went home and wait about 2 hours. I turned my car on and it all went away. The car was perfectly fine and I thought I had the malfunction as I was low on gas. About two weeks ago, I went to Zion National Park. It was a very hot day, about 100F. I don't know if you have ever been there but if you do, you know how steep the road is when you are going uphill to The Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. I parked on the side of the road under the tree to take some pictures and the car was on but it shut itself off. It gave me the same error, the drivetrain malfunction. I started my car again but it started to shake and stalled again. I was very scared and tried the start it again. I was able to drive back to the exit and I went back to the hotel where I stayed at. This time, I wasn't low on gas at all. After some googling, I found out that there is a class action going on against BMW NA and some of BMW's are defective. I actually received some papers last year but during the pandemic, I was dealing with health issues and I forgot about it. Here is one of the papers I have received for this class action. https://ibb.co/VqFW3QT My car is around 72000 miles and I'm really scared to drive the car. I temporarily moved to Utah from Los Angeles for a couple of months and if I was in LA now, I would definitely sell the car the next day. But I have to deal with it for now as I need the car here and according to a class action, BMW reimburses 75% of the repair IF damaged due to a failure of the timing chain or oil pump drive chain modules until June 30, 2021. For more information, please visit www.timingchainmodulesettlement.com Has anyone experienced this? I still have about 10 days to take advantage of this repair but I'm not sure if BMW dealers would be honest and make a repair without a check engine light and BMW NA would reimburse me. The car drives perfectly fine now but it could happen again and the car would shut itself off at high speed. It could cause a serious accident. Please help!
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06-19-2021, 04:32 PM	#2
njdangelo Captain 436 Rep 844 Posts Drives: 2019 x5 50i Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: CT iTrader: (1)	You need to scan for codes. How can we even begin to assist if we don't know what is wrong with the car? And your grasping for straws on the "defective car" claim… it did 72000 miles without issue. Get the car scanned, find out what the issue is and go from there. __________________ 2019 x5 50i - current 2016 340i THP stage 2 - gone but not forgotten.
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06-19-2021, 04:42 PM	#3
ademt New Member 27 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW 328i Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	I will, I made an appointment for next week to get it fixed. Since there is a class action going on, I just wanted to make sure that what would be my rights. The last time when I went to dealer for a maintenance, I asked them to replace the timing chain for example but they told me that it looks perfectly fine so I passed. If I had it replaced back then, I would have gotton 100% reimbursement according to this class action as my car was under 70000 miles. You know how hard to deal with the dealers and how one dealer might say one thing and the other dealer might say something else. By the way, there is no check engine light and there never was. I hope the dealer would be able to see the problem without a code.
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06-19-2021, 04:50 PM	#4
tturedraider Major General 4969 Rep 6,234 Posts Drives: 2018 340i M Sport Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Chicago, Edgewater (via Texas & Tennessee) iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW 340i M Sport [9.38] 2020 BMW M340i xDrive [10.00] 2018 BMW 340i M Sport [8.00] 2006 BMW 330i Sport [4.50] 2004 BMW 330i ZHP [7.25] 2000 BMW 328i [6.00]	It’s pretty unlikely what you’re describing is the timing chain guide issue. The symptoms you describe don’t fit with that issue in that your issue occurs and then clears up. If you can get someone to help you, open the hood and rev the motor and see if you can hear a high pitched whine coming from the front of the motor. That is the tell tale sign of timing chain guide issues. Having said that, being that you only have ten days left in the settlement period, I would recommend making an appointment with the local BMW dealer and at least having them scan for stored codes. __________________ www.bmwcca.org member #388003 - Use me as a referral & you could win a one day ///M Driving School!! ___________________________________________
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06-19-2021, 04:55 PM	#5
ademt New Member 27 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW 328i Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	I actually tried revving the engine before but I haven't heard any high pitched noise from it. Yes, I'm going to the dealer to see what is going on for next week. Thank you!
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06-19-2021, 06:55 PM	#7
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8225 Rep 16,065 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	There's at least a dozen things that could cause the symptoms you have. The timing chain isn't one of them. When it breaks the engine is DOA.
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06-19-2021, 11:17 PM	#8
Slick_FThirty First Lieutenant 125 Rep 326 Posts Drives: 13' BMW 328i Xdrive Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Stalling and drivetrain malfunction is certainly not the timing chain. Low oil pressure is one possible and common code for the timing chain. If the timing chain did go, you wouldn't be able to turn on your engine. Take a look at the cars codes. That will be able to give a starting point or answer to the problem. __________________ If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it.
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06-20-2021, 02:33 AM	#9
Tbone416 Registered 2 Rep 3 Posts Drives: F30 Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	It's most likely spark plugs, when was the last time you changed them?
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06-20-2021, 02:31 PM	#17
Slick_FThirty First Lieutenant 125 Rep 326 Posts Drives: 13' BMW 328i Xdrive Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Do you have Xdrive? __________________ If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it.
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06-20-2021, 02:34 PM	#18
ademt New Member 27 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW 328i Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	I don't have OBDII adapter but I will go to the dealer tomorrow morning and ask them to check what is going on but it looks like it is going to be an expensive one No, I have 328i SULEV
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06-20-2021, 02:40 PM	#19
Slick_FThirty First Lieutenant 125 Rep 326 Posts Drives: 13' BMW 328i Xdrive Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	If your engine is able to run, then it is something in the power delivery. It occasionally running fine means that everything is generally intact. Transfer case is the usual suspect, but you don't have it. So, then it's probably the transmission. It could also be the differentials, but I doubt the differentials are an issue. In that case, you might need a new torque converter, clutch etc. __________________ If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it.
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06-20-2021, 02:45 PM	#20
Slick_FThirty First Lieutenant 125 Rep 326 Posts Drives: 13' BMW 328i Xdrive Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Just keep in mind if that is the case, then the dealer will just recommended putting in a brand new transmission. If it isn't covered by warranty, then you can also consider going to an Indie who could go the rebuild route. It might be a lot cheaper than the dealer solution. __________________ If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it.
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