Dreaded drivetrain malfunction

Mike13

Mike13

New member
Hi all, just got a 1 series 118i f20 2017 (auto) with 105000km through WBC on 24/4/24. First time BMW owner.

I've always fancied one and could finally have one anyway...Platinum rating, dekra report had no errors or faults/defects detected (engen, gearbox, drivetrain). Two days later the drivetrain malfunction pops up and a sense of anger came through me. I will have it checked on thursday and if its something painful there'll definitely be back and forth communication to wbc.

I've read numerous complaints regarding similar instances regarding false reports but please dont burn me going through wbc lol. I'll update thread once i get feedback.
 
Teezoh

Teezoh

Well-known member
Sorry to hear about the trouble and congrats on your buy. Drop some pics when you can, everyone likes looking at em here

Edit:
Took away the other stuff, was in a meeting while reading and missed you taking the car in on Thursday :ROFLMAO: Best of luck, keep us posted.
 
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Mike13

Mike13

New member
Teezoh said:
Sorry to hear about the trouble and congrats on your buy. Drop some pics when you can, everyone likes looking at em here.

As for the problem you're having, since you also have an F20. When it popped up, the car goes into limp by default and stays that way till you switch it off. After that, what happened, it clears by itself and drives normally or is it still there?

Reason I'm asking, this happened with me after my PCV went but only when I hit the car hard in "manual", it's best to get a good workshop to have a look at it so not sure what area you're based in for recommendations.

One can't exactly pin the problem without a diagnostic reader or without standing at the car but in the meantime, while we wait on more info:

If it does clear after letting the car stand for a while, you could start by doing a PCV breathe test since it's a super common problem on the F20. If it's not the PCV, one of the other 2 diaphragms might have gone on the Cover but you should notice this with a rough idle on start.

Edit:
I see the N13 does not have the little nipple to do the test on, so you're outa luck there. Looking for oil leakage near it might be an indication too.
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Friday when it first appeared it went away on two occassions switching off and on again but since it stays on. On starting sometimes theres a subtle shake or a squeak which is weird and the idle is not to rough and softens as i allow the car to idle. Cars performance is not severely impacted as yet today i checked there was a little less power not to bad.

Will post pics soon and i'm in Cape town. Was hoping for a stress free time for at least a year lol
 
Teezoh

Teezoh

Well-known member
Mike13 said:
Friday when it first appeared it went away on two occassions switching off and on again but since it stays on. On starting sometimes theres a subtle shake or a squeak which is weird and the idle is not to rough and softens as i allow the car to idle. Cars performance is not severely impacted as yet today i checked there was a little less power not to bad.

Will post pics soon and i'm in Cape town. Was hoping for a stress free time for at least a year lol
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The squeak and shake leads me to think it's one of the diaphragms on the cover, if it's PCV it'll whine harder when the car gets up to heat.

Since you're in CT, if you ever have trouble give Ash at Xcede a call.
 
Gordvisr

Gordvisr

Well-known member
Congrats on your purchase, sorry about the mishap, sometimes this happens. The limp mode could be anything, hope it is something small, unfortunately as someone has stated these 3 Cylinder can be a handfull, hope you get sorted soon.
 
Mike13

Mike13

New member
Update: Since last night went to shop 10 minute drive back and forth the error disappeared and stayed that way after starting this morning. But will still have it checked out.
 
Teezoh

Teezoh

Well-known member
Mike13 said:
Update: Since last night went to shop 10 minute drive back and forth the error disappeared and stayed that way after starting this morning. But will still have it checked out.
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Yeah, this is what I meant by clearing itself after standing for a bit. My bet is 80% towards a new tappet cover with all your symptoms but I could still be wrong though. While you have it checked out it would be good to get an inspection done with some maintenance for peace of mind. Oil, plugs, check coil packs etc. Also throw an eye on the timing chain as they lead to horror stories on the N13.
 
Mike13

Mike13

New member
Another update: Had it checked out and they said there's a "fault on turbo and a wastegate issue" as well as needing programming by BMW. Any advice regarding this feedback ?
 
Spanky

Spanky

Well-known member
Personally, I'd be ready to walk away. You know what route you followed with the purchase (WBC warranty or not, etc.) which will dictate what is and isn't possible w.r.t. a refund.

Chances are this issue is the reason the car was at WBC in the first place. I'd push for a refund.
 
Sabretooth tiger

Sabretooth tiger

///Member
Spanky said:
Personally, I'd be ready to walk away. You know what route you followed with the purchase (WBC warranty or not, etc.) which will dictate what is and isn't possible w.r.t. a refund.

Chances are this issue is the reason the car was at WBC in the first place. I'd push for a refund.
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Is this even possible at WBC?
 
Mike13

Mike13

New member
Spanky said:
Personally, I'd be ready to walk away. You know what route you followed with the purchase (WBC warranty or not, etc.) which will dictate what is and isn't possible w.r.t. a refund.

Chances are this issue is the reason the car was at WBC in the first place. I'd push for a refund.
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Wife has grown fond of car and I'm just frustrated. We probably would meet the criteria for a refund, replacement. However they do want proof of the defect and i can provide it (i should've asked for it after hearing faults of car but never to late was just angry at the time). They are trying to be cheeky in there policy saying the defect must have been present before car was handed over. They'll probably stick to dekras report. But to have this issue just two days after purchase is ridiculous. I''m also under the impression that the previous owner did not want to deal with this thus selling car to WBC
 
Teezoh

Teezoh

Well-known member
I would have taken the car back on day 2 since it's a Cat A vehicle, still not too late either. Get a refund and come back here then we can help you source an f20 seeing you really like it.
 
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