Transmission failure warning

[sherlockHOME]

Okay, everyone,

We went away for the weekend in my wife's car, and when we got back everything was fine until the other day. A few weeks ago I got home from work, loaded the car up for a weekend away, started the car, and got loads of error messages, including "drive train malfunction," "front collision detection malfunction," "brake system malfunction," "parking brake malfunction," "Gearbox malfunction," and "some others."

I now have to drive about a quarter of a mile before I receive a "Drive train check soon" warning, at which point I turn off the engine, push the start/stop button twice to completely power down the vehicle, and I'm good to go for as long as I want.

Since it never returns until I've been away from the vehicle for at least thirty minutes, I suspect a faulty sensor is to blame.

I was wondering whether, being an electrical part, sensors would be covered while the product was still under warranty. I'll take it to a local BMW expert who has the same diagnostic tools as BMW if they aren't.

Who here thinks it's most likely a sensor? What about sensors, do you know whether they are protected?

Cheers

[allcarsnew007]

So, what kind of guarantee do you provide? I find it unlikely that a sensor is exposed.
Given the number of problems, though, I wouldn't rule out the possibility that the battery is at blame.

[RogerSalesCar]

You don't specify what kind of automobile you have or whether or not it's under warranty.

Take it back to BMW and they will (or at least should) fix it under the BMW Used-Car Warranty. Brake pads and other consumables are not included, but malfunctioning sensors and other mechanical issues should be. (Unless you have some other, non-BMW warranty that solely covers mechanical items).

If not, a diagnostics test should help narrow down the issue.

[RogerSalesCar]

Yes, as said before, if you've had similar problems after leaving the vehicle idle for a few days, it might be a battery problem, since if the voltage lowers too much after starting, most control systems will report a defect. But if the drive-train issue happens again in less than half an hour, it might be something different.

[sherlockHOME]

It's an X2 M35i, and unfortunately it's still covered by the factory warranty. Problem is, I'm taking it on a two-week trip today, and it's been giving me electrical problems left and right. The driver's door mirror suddenly ceased folding, de-misting, and adjusting, followed by the passenger's mirror. We scheduled an appointment after the driver's side mirror stopped functioning, but I was told that "we'll do a full diagnostic, but if it turns out to be something that isn't a manufacturing defect you will have to pay, electrical issues are often not covered," so I canceled the appointment.

I bought it with 5,000 miles on it, and the engine start button only worked approximately half the time. When I brought it in, the mechanics were unable to pinpoint the problem or locate a defect record.

Aside from the present one, none of the other alerts I received that day have returned, so it must have been a boot problem.

I'm not bothered by the fact that the front collision warning no longer gives an audio alarm.

Cheers

[RogerSalesCar]

It seems like they're trying to confuse you. Find a different vendor. The BMW New Vehicle Warranty covers almost everything, with the exception of normal wear and tear, for 36 months:

Guidelines for New Vehicle Warranties | Guarantees | BMW UK

[sherlockHOME]

Thank you very much; I'll schedule it for my return. In my opinion, it must be a sensor and not a mechanical mechanism. From what I understand, drive train problems seldom arise before getting behind the wheel.

Cheers

[RogerSalesCar]

Sensors control every aspect of today's automobiles. As you imply, it may simply be a broken sensor; but, given the number of 'random' defects and failures you've seen, it's also possible that there is a communication problem on the CAN-bus, which could be the result of a malfunctioning control module or bad wiring. Although the manufacturer's warranty will cover the cost of fixing these problems, dealers choose to avoid them since they need extensive troubleshooting beyond a simple sensor replacement.

[sherlockHOME]

Thanks,
Sure, it's annoying when it starts to really get in the way. I'll make the reservation, but I really must go about 1,000 miles within the next two weeks.
It's funny how things work if I turn the power off and on again.
Cheers

[RogerSalesCar]

Sounds like your dealer is making stuff up when they claim the manufacturer's warranty doesn't apply to electrical problems.
A diagnostic price will be quoted, but if the problem is covered by warranty, you won't have to pay it.
If the dealer you visited is avoiding your questions, go elsewhere.