[Duncs1961]

Driving home last night, and a message popped up

'Not possible to select R'.

Thought, ok, I don't need to reverse, so I'll carry on.

Five minutes later, this popped up:

'Drive carefully. Drivetrain fault'

And I noticed the car seemed to be skipping every other gear, like if you were driving a manual and went 1st to 3rd to 5th

I still carried on, as I was only three miles from home at this point. Then about one mile from home, this popped up, with a large red triangle! :

'Power supply
Stop carefully. Do not continue driving, Failure
of safety related functions if you continue driving.
Battery can no longer be charged.’

I was just near a large and very busy roundabout now, crawling along, so certainly not going fast and I decided (rightly or wrongly) to gingerly continue home. Steering and brakes felt fine. Lights were working and the car accelerated fine (albeit holding the revs longer in each gear and skipping a gear). Anyway, I made it home. Locked the car, went inside the house and tried to call my dealer (it was approx. 18:00) - no reply. Had a cup of tea to consider my options (what else, I'm British!).

Approx. 30mins later, I decided to go and try the car. Started up no problem and no error messages, they were completely cleared, not even in the message inbox! I carefully shuffled the car back and forth on my drive - reverse worked fine (despite the earlier message telling me it was not available). So I decided to take it for a spin around the block – again, no problems.

Back in the house again, I checked the BMW app on my mobile, and the splash page stated ‘ALL GOOD’. However, I did note the bell symbol indicated I had messages, and sure enough, the three faults described above were there, with the suggestion:

‘We recommend that you schedule a service appointment soon. We will help you with:

Urgent battery check up
Urgent drive train check up
Urgent gearbox check up’

But there was no suggestion in those messages that I should NOT continue driving. Anyway, this morning, I took the somewhat irrational decision to drive to work (a 17mile journey) – again, like the brief test drive last night, no problems, not one error message and the journey was uneventful with the car behaving perfectly. So, I’m waiting to call BMW (service centre does not open until 08:30. By the way, I’m fully up-to-date on software updates. I also have ID8 if that makes a difference (mine is one of the early batch of U11 X1s, with 13,600miles on the clock)

So, has anyone else had a similar experience to this? Is it just an annoying software glitch?

[lildumplinx1]

I had a whole new transmission put in after spending 65 days in the shop for the same issue you described. Many times after it restarted, the error would go away, but there were clearly some issues as it would keep happening. Definitely go get it checked out!

[SpaceSilver.X1]

Originally Posted by Duncs1961

Is it just an annoying software glitch?

even if it's just a glitch, have the X1 inspected by a BMW dealer and make sure everything's documented, just in case it's more than a software bug.

like the reply above mentioned, I've read about at least 2 or 3 X1 owners who ended up needing transmission repair or complete replacement.

[srbs73]

Do you typically do lots of short journeys? I have battery charge issues in the past that throw up loads of errors. Putting the car on charge for 12-24h resolves them.

[Duncs1961]

Originally Posted by lildumplinx1

I had a whole new transmission put in after spending 65 days in the shop for the same issue you described. Many times after it restarted, the error would go away, but there were clearly some issues as it would keep happening. Definitely go get it checked out!

It is booked-in this Saturday - hopefully not a serious issue like yours!

[Duncs1961]

Originally Posted by SpaceSilver.X1

even if it's just a glitch, have the X1 inspected by a BMW dealer and make sure everything's documented, just in case it's more than a software bug.

like the reply above mentioned, I've read about at least 2 or 3 X1 owners who ended up needing transmission repair or complete replacement.

It is booked-in this Saturday

[Duncs1961]

Originally Posted by srbs73

Do you typically do lots of short journeys? I have battery charge issues in the past that throw up loads of errors. Putting the car on charge for 12-24h resolves them.

Commute to work is 17miles. Other journeys are for work and can be anywhere from a few miles to hundreds of miles. Very occasional trips to the shops (4-5miles) but usually, we use my partners car for the very local trips.

This is the first time I have had these messages (or any serious warning message for that matter) in 13,500 trouble-free miles of driving since 2nd March.

[tex2670]

I had a drivetrain malfunction error within the 1st 3 months of ownership, but the error disappeared and never popped up again, and I've had no problems. It's become the nature of computerized cars, unfortunately--reboot.

[Duncs1961]

Update on my post last week:

Roll on to yesterday, car is at the dealer, and I got a phone call late afternoon and I’ve been told my car has a serious transmission fault and they will need to keep it in for a few days – they have to take out the whole engine and gearbox, then strip the gearbox and replace the ‘drive motors’ (note plural, I thought in the X1 MHEV version there was only one drive motor to assist the engine, but whatever). Not impressed I have such a serious fault on a car less than a year old and only 13,200miles – it’s really put me off it now!

Final insult is they have not even provided a loan car yet. Luckily, I can use my partner's car for a few days, but that's not the point. Not a happy bunny.

[Fish Fingers]

I wouldn't be too concerned.....

Things do go wrong on all modern cars. It's how they deal with them that matters.

Get it fixed, get back in it and carry on enjoying it.

[SpaceSilver.X1]

Originally Posted by Fish Fingers

I wouldn't be too concerned.....

Things do go wrong on all modern cars. It's how they deal with them that matters.

Get it fixed, get back in it and carry on enjoying it.

couldn't agree with you more.

there's no car brand that's trouble-free all the time. otherwise, the dealer service departments will go out of business.

[Fish Fingers]

Originally Posted by SpaceSilver.X1

couldn't agree with you more.

there's no car brand that's trouble-free all the time. otherwise, the dealer service departments will go out of business.

I would go as far to say this forum has very few repeat issues.

[Duncs1961]

Update 2:

Got a call from the dealer yesterday (Friday) to inform me the BMW have finally given them permission to repair my car under warranty. So it has sat at the dealer for five days with nothing done to it, waiting for BMW's decision.

It gets better: BMW have not given the dealer permission to fit new parts. Instead, they want them to take the engine and gearbox out and change over the two 'drive motors' (I think by 'drive motors' they actually mean 'drive actuators', as it is the gear change that is problematic).

Anyway, BMW's idea is if the dealer swaps the 'drive motors' around, it 'may' cure the problem. However, if it doesn't cure it, then the dealer will have to take the engine and gearbox out of the car a second time and then install new drive motors. What a stupid way to fix a car that clearly does not have a minor fault - 'swapnostics' I call this in my trade (electrical/electronic engineering), where you swap parts around to see if the problem moves with the new location of the suspect part or not - why not just fit new 'drive motors' the first time around and have done with it?

I think BMW are just being cheapskates here and penny wise, pound foolish. I don't blame the dealer as they are only doing what BMW have instructed them to do. But after the first 'repair' is complete, I'm expected to drive around in a car that in my opinion will not be properly fixed and that I might have to return to the dealer again because 'swapping the drive motors around' didn't actually work out.

Rant over.

[DestinationMoon!]

Originally Posted by Duncs1961

Update 2:

Got a call from the dealer yesterday (Friday) to inform me the BMW have finally given them permission to repair my car under warranty. So it has sat at the dealer for five days with nothing done to it, waiting for BMW's decision.

It gets better: BMW have not given the dealer permission to fit new parts. Instead, they want them to take the engine and gearbox out and change over the two 'drive motors' (I think by 'drive motors' they actually mean 'drive actuators', as it is the gear change that is problematic).

Anyway, BMW's idea is if the dealer swaps the 'drive motors' around, it 'may' cure the problem. However, if it doesn't cure it, then the dealer will have to take the engine and gearbox out of the car a second time and then install new drive motors. What a stupid way to fix a car that clearly does not have a minor fault - 'swapnostics' I call this in my trade (electrical/electronic engineering), where you swap parts around to see if the problem moves with the new location of the suspect part or not - why not just fit new 'drive motors' the first time around and have done with it?

I think BMW are just being cheapskates here and penny wise, pound foolish. I don't blame the dealer as they are only doing what BMW have instructed them to do. But after the first 'repair' is complete, I'm expected to drive around in a car that in my opinion will not be properly fixed and that I might have to return to the dealer again because 'swapping the drive motors around' didn't actually work out.

Rant over.

Makes one wonder if their going out of business....

What's the production date of your car? Is it gas or phev?

This seems to be a common problem. Numerous posts about this happening and wondering if it's an assembly, or design error that bmw is facing for the new model?
Also it seems that there are also big problems with the 8 speed in a bunch of RWD
models 2016 - 2020. Very surprising given our experience with an old X5 and X1. Both of which were mostly problem free.

You'd think that if they were going to pull the engine they would put in either new parts or a updated redesigned part. Pulling the motor isn't like changing wiper blades.
I'd write then and tell them that's not acceptable on a warranty repair of this magnitude
.

[Duncs1961]

Update 3:

Get a text message from the dealer yesterday at 14:30 (so now they can't even be bothered to call me); message says: 'Hello, we are still working on your vehicle with BMW'.

That's it, no info on what they are actually doing to the car. It was supposed to be returned to me at the latest yesterday. So, they have now had my car for nearly two weeks.

Luckily, I have been able to use my partner's car (as she's stuck at home, after a recent surgery). But her car is a city car, not one really up to making long motorway journeys and we are going away this weekend, a 3-hour drive which we really don't fancy doing in her car.

I was offered a loaner car last week, but for daily hire fee (I didn't ask how much) plus I would have had to insure it - I also made the rooky mistake of telling them I had a car to use, so I guess my fault. Given the length of time they have now had my car, should I be able to insist on a free loaner car from BMW/the dealer?

[Duncs1961]

Originally Posted by KosticKen

https://www.bmw.co.uk/en/footer/cont...procedure.html

They are denying you the use of your vehicle
They can't fix it
They are not acting according to their own T's and C's or the Industry Rules


Contact BMW.

If something isn’t right, let us know how we can help.

1. Telephone number 0370 5050 160
We're here:
Monday & Tuesday 9am – 5pm
Wednesday - Friday 9am – 3:30pm
Calls are charged at the local rate, plus your phone company's access charge.

2. Or write to us at:
Customer Service
BMW (UK) Limited
Summit ONE
Summit Avenue
Farnborough
Hampshire

Speak to a Solicitor

https://www.themotorombudsman.org/

Thanks for the heads-up. I thought about contacting BMW, but wasn't sure if this was a dealer problem or a BMW problem. Plus, I hate confrontation - it makes me anxious!

[Zee]

You could of used BMW Roadside Assistance. While your car is at the dealers they will provide/rent a car for you

[Duncs1961]

Originally Posted by KosticKen

OKAY I understand
It is giving me flashbacks!

I live near Barnard Castle shall I come down and sort them out?

LOL! I'm just picturing myself at the dealer, with you by my side, brandishing a cricket bat or something similar and looking menacing!

I've taken your advice and have phoned customer care, explaining the situation. A very pleasant 'front line' lady said that I should have asked for a car from day 1, even if it just sat on my drive for days on end! (which it would have done this last two weeks). Anyway, I'm just waiting for a call from the person who arranges the loan car.

whilst typing this reply, I have had a call from the dealer - my X1 needs a completely new gearbox! Waiting for BMW to approve!

[Fish Fingers]

Originally Posted by Duncs1961

Thanks for the heads-up. I thought about contacting BMW, but wasn't sure if this was a dealer problem or a BMW problem. Plus, I hate confrontation - it makes me anxious!

Its not confrontation.
Its just getting them to do what they are obliged to do - in a pleasant but firm manner.

Remember, the individuals you deal with are probably on your side and will want to help as best they can if you are pleasant with them.

[Duncs1961]

Originally Posted by lildumplinx1

I had a whole new transmission put in after spending 65 days in the shop for the same issue you described. Many times after it restarted, the error would go away, but there were clearly some issues as it would keep happening. Definitely go get it checked out!

Well, it looks like I have the same fault you had. After tinkering with the car for a couple of weeks (as directed by BMW), the dealer sent me a text a couple of days ago to say my car needs a complete new gearbox and that they hope it will arrive mid-January, so not quite your 65 days, but it will be getting on for 40-ish days from the day I reported it to getting the car back

[Duncs1961]

Originally Posted by KosticKen

There are much more subtle methods than cricket bats.
At least you now know who to trust.
On 2 occasions I have had BMW recover a vehicle they have actually consulted me on where they were taking it and on both occasions agreed to take it to the one I preferred not the nearest.
On another similar occasion (not with a car) my Solicitor told me that only 5% of people in the UK will complain and less than 1% of the 5% (=0.05%) of those will consider litigation due to been scared to fight big business or a public body with deep pockets and their deliberate intransigence and their favourite weapon of attrition. This is not just a washing machine but even over something like a new house or loss of job.
Some of the people you have to deal with know this and have a sixth sense (like a dog knows when you are scared).

The likeable but astute IT ("Computing" in those days) director of one of the big banks I worked with, used to pretend he was like this with suppliers he had bother with and let them think they had got away with it thus avoiding confrontation. Until next time they turned up at the front desk for an appointment hoping to sell him something and found out they were persona non grata. So remember this experience next time you have dealing with them.

You will also get a survey/questionaire from BMW on your experience and it does get fed back. I have had the Customer Service Manager of the dealership on the phone almost crying. (They replaced all the brake disks and pads + MOT and gave me it back without a Handbrake)
Happy Christmas!

I look forward to the questionnaire!

BTW, the buyer at the company I work for is similar to the IT director you describe - he will only let a supplier try to pull the wool over his eyes once and then the next time they contact him, they get it both barrels - he's a very tenacious guy. That said, if a supplier is honest with him, even if it is bad news, such as a late delivery, he will cut them a lot a slack.

[Duncs1961]

Originally Posted by KosticKen

No Comment!
Hope the courtesy car is nice.

It's a MINI Clubman, which is not a bad car in itself; however, it is not equal to my X1. Its very low down too, which at 62 with slight back problems makes it a bugger to get in and out of.

Nice to have the Idrive wheel back though - didn't realise just how much I missed that...oh, and physical heater controls too