BMW F30 drivetrain malfunction message and limp mode

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F30 shows a drivetrain malfunction and the car goes into limp mode, what is the cause?

The message comes from a fault in the engine or transmission, and the car limits power to protect itself. Read the fault codes first and fix the cause they point to. The fault does not always recur, and it can disappear after the power is cut.

Can diesel EGR parts cause a drivetrain malfunction?

Yes. On diesel cars the message has been fixed by replacing the EGR valve, and on the F32 430d a broken EGR cooler and valve were replaced under a BMW recall. Ask a BMW dealer whether the recall applies to your car.

What else can cause an intermittent drivetrain malfunction?

The turbo vacuum actuator can stick, in which case the message appears without a fault code. On the N20 petrol engine an intermittent fault has been fixed by replacing the camshaft gears when timing chain stretch was suspected. The VANOS gear bolts should be replaced at the same time.

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