Drivetrain malfunction error

[PeteM6]

Hello guys, this morning while on my way to work I decided to press the M button twice and floor it as there was no traffic. The car sped up fast as it normally did but it sounded weird. I looked down and saw I was doing 120 in 4th gear. It sounded as if the transmission was stuck in 4th and wouldn't up shift. Not a second later I received a drivetrain error, "drive moderately. Maximum drivetrain output not available. Consult service center." The car didn't turn off and I was able to make it to work but it felt sluggish. Did I break my M5?

[avlnch]

Originally Posted by PoliceM5

Hello guys, this morning while on my way to work I decided to press the M button twice and floor it as there was no traffic. The car sped up fast as it normally did but it sounded weird. I looked down and saw I was doing 120 in 4th gear. It sounded as if the transmission was stuck in 4th and wouldn't up shift. Not a second later I received a drivetrain error, "drive moderately. Maximum drivetrain output not available. Consult service center." The car didn't turn off and I was able to make it to work but it felt sluggish. Did I break my M5?

Our M5's DCT uses computers, solenoids and hydraulics to do the actual shifting (versus a clutch pedal). Apparently some M5 DCT owners are needing to have their solenoids replaced. They were getting the same trans error as you.

It could also just be something simple like needing a software update.

Bring it in and have a full diagnosis done. They will read out all stored error codes and diagnosis the issue from there. Let us know how you make out.

[Butty45]

I posted same problem a week ago. It needed new solenoids. Dealer read error code easily and all was repaired in a day. Can i ask, how many miles have you done? Mine is on 15k with error.

[PeteM6]

Mine has 9k miles. Call my dealership and the earliest they can see me is Monday. I really hope this 100k brand new car doesn't leave me stranded, cause it's the only car I have.

[mstmng]

Originally Posted by PoliceM5

Mine has 9k miles. Call my dealership and the earliest they can see me is Monday. I really hope this 100k brand new car doesn't leave me stranded, cause it's the only car I have.

make sure they change solenoids
this software updated is BS

i have done 2k after solenoids been changed
no problem, touch wood

[PeteM6]

Originally Posted by mstmng

make sure they change solenoids
this software updated is BS

i have done 2k after solenoids been changed
no problem, touch wood

Thanks for the heads up. Any idea how long the service takes?

[Butty45]

Half day job

[mstmng]

Originally Posted by PoliceM5

Thanks for the heads up. Any idea how long the service takes?

if they dont have parts in stock, and they can get them next day, then it takes 1.5 day
if they have parts, half day

[shahano]

Hi I had same problem: "Drive moderately, Full performance not available" or something like that. But as soon as I started driving, the warning went off. Already scheduled a dealer appointment, but I am worried here that the dealer might not be the most qualified. Are you all sure it's a soleinoid malfunction? My car has 24,000 miles as of this morning.

[boots]

Yes. They will take care if it and you will have no further problems related to that. Don't worry.

[avlnch]

Originally Posted by shahano

Hi I had same problem: "Drive moderately, Full performance not available" or something like that. But as soon as I started driving, the warning went off. Already scheduled a dealer appointment, but I am worried here that the dealer might not be the most qualified. Are you all sure it's a soleinoid malfunction? My car has 24,000 miles as of this morning.

Dealers diagnose the issue in a computer and it provides them with a detailed step by step guide to repair.

[shahano]

I just dropped it to service, and the have to change the front discs. Do you know if these are covered by the warranty?

[RealStig]

Originally Posted by shahano

I just dropped it to service, and the have to change the front discs. Do you know if these are covered by the warranty?

Why front discs? They should last a very long time.

[shahano]

Originally Posted by RealStig

Why front discs? They should last a very long time.

The car has 24,000 miles and has been driven very hard (all mountain roads here). The front discs started to have small cracks around the ventilation holes.
That is why I am wondering if they are covered by the warranty.

[dhirm5]

Brakes are covered by the warranty in the US.

[bimmer-boy]

Originally Posted by dhirm5

Brakes are covered by the warranty in the US.

Are brakes covered under warranty in the uk?

Does the service pack /warranty include parts and labour?

[M5essex]

surely that's down to wear and tear isn't it?

[shahano]

Also wondering if discs and solenoid/clutch is covered in European warranty. Because if it isnt, this is going to be one expensive service.

[mstmng]

Originally Posted by bimmer-boy

Are brakes covered under warranty in the uk?

Does the service pack /warranty include parts and labour?

Service pack plus includes it, but not worth it, as in 50k miles, which service pack plus covers brakes and labour for it, its cheaper to pay for brakes and labour

[mstmng]

Originally Posted by shahano

Also wondering if discs and solenoid/clutch is covered in European warranty. Because if it isnt, this is going to be one expensive service.

Dont think discs would be covered, unless they cracked in first couple thousands miles... But then why would they crack ? Overheat? Then it depends on your daily driving, but M's are made for spirited driving, so only warranty T's and C's can help you

Let us know!

Clutch and solenoids are!

[AlphaAlpineM6]

Originally Posted by shahano

The car has 24,000 miles and has been driven very hard (all mountain roads here). The front discs started to have small cracks around the ventilation holes.
That is why I am wondering if they are covered by the warranty.

Mine too at 13,500 miles. They changed them under warranty.

[AlphaAlpineM6]

I always thought my downpipes were causing this issue - guess not.