Advice needed

[Nadine. S]

Hi, I was wondering if anybody knew anything about the drivetrain on a BMW 1 series 13 plate... Basically over the past year or two we've always had the car very slightly lose power whilst driving. The car has been recalled a couple of times by BMW because of the egr coolant/filter needing to be changed. We've had services etc and nothing was ever picked up. The drivetrain light came on every now and again and then went off again. But more recently its losing power completely and cuts out frequently and restarts itself. Does anyone have any idea what this could be? Thanks

[GreenV8S]

Nadine. S said:

more recently its losing power completely and cuts out frequently and restarts itself.

That's almost certainly going to leave some fault codes which will give you a clue what the problem is.

[Nadine. S]

Well we've plugged the machine into the car but it's not picking up any codes because the drivetrain warning light keeps disappearing.

[GreenV8S]

Any modern car will record the code that triggered the warning lamp, even if the problem goes away. However, generic fault code readers don't always work correctly with all ECUs and you may need the manufacturer's scanner to see everything.

[Nadine. S]

Ahh OK thankyou i didn't know that..

[Nadine. S]

It's going in tomorrow anyway to lindleys I just thought I would try and see if I could find codes on there as they charge 75 just for plugging it in 😭

[stevieturbo]

Nadine. S said:

Well we've plugged the machine into the car but it's not picking up any codes because the drivetrain warning light keeps disappearing.

Who are "we", and what "machine" exactly ?

[Nadine. S]

The diagnostics machine and we as in me and my partner. Why would who it is matter?

[GreenV8S]

Nadine. S said:

Why would who it is matter?

If it was being done by a professional mechanic they're more likely to have a more capable scanner and understand its limitations.

[Nadine. S]

Yh we just wanted to see if we could save money by doing it ourselves with having access to a diagnostics machine..but with it bringing nothing up it seems as though we may just have to bite the bullet and have them diagnose it for us..

[PaulKemp]

There are several levels of access, cheap OBD readers will just give the basic fault codes, dealer diagnostics will give more in-depth info and ultimately the manufacturer will be able to access even more

[stevieturbo]

Nadine. S said:

The diagnostics machine and we as in me and my partner. Why would who it is matter?

Exactly as others have said. Cheap generic crap is borderline useless, although a competent person would understand these limitations.

Generic OBD stuff/readers which are commonly found cheaply online, only offer very basic engine diagnostics and data. Nothing else.

If you are having other issues relating to other control systems on the car, they will do absolutely nothing. That's where you will need more comprehensive diagnostic tools.
Some of these can still be relatively affordable, but don't think simply plugging such a device in and scanning will suddenly give you a 100% foolproof answer as to any problems. Rarely is that ever the case.
But they, as with all tools, will hopefully assist someone to a course of action to properly diagnose any faults. And on modern cars, that can be a difficult process.

But without the right knowledge and tools.....it'll be another parts cannon thread.

[stevieturbo]

Some of the cheaper, non professional type tools....and I am not recommending any of these as I have not specifically used them, just stating they are stuff that is out there and people will be using, so may be an option to assist. But you need to check they will be able to access the respective modules on the car that you may need.

https://app.mycarly.com/en/result/?c=GB&b=bmw&...

https://www.bcables.com/

https://www.gendan.co.uk/product_SECBMW.html?

If you are buying any such tool....always buy from somewhere you can get support from. ie. Not China.