New M5 Drivetrain Malfunction DAY 1 !

bryantmeyers · 04-23-2018, 12:21 PM

Hey Guys,

I just got a new F90 M5 on Saturday (which was initially VERY exciting), BUT
Later that FIRST DAY I got a drivetrain malfunction... FIRST DAY! I have owned 12 BMW last 10 years and never had this issue.

It was scary actually, out of the blue the car gave me the warning and powered down. WTF, just powered down! How is that even safe?? I waited a minute and it powered up and drove fine. I thought it was a fluke, but the next day AGAIN, luckily this time in a parking lot.
I am bringing into service today but I am going to demand another vehicle, wouldn't you? I just don't feel comfortable in a car with less than 100 miles would do this.

Honestly not 100% sure what my options are. Sounds like with paperwork I could get another one.

I absolutely LOVE the car, so I definitely want another one, but I really do not want to keep this one. This is going to be my daily driver, and I cannot have that kind of anxiety that at any minute that could happen.

Am I the only one getting this issue with F90 gen? I see plenty of threads with past generations 5 series, but cannot find anyone having this issue with current model.

Thanks!

onfireX5 · 04-23-2018, 12:53 PM

I would need an absolute answer to the problem/fix to keep it. If it was easily explained and fixed, I’m gtg. I would not accept “take it home and come back if it happens again” stuff. Good luck !

BwoodBMW · 04-23-2018, 01:29 PM

geez this doesn't seem to be uncommon at this point... wonder whats going on.

bryantmeyers · 04-23-2018, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onfireX5

I would need an absolute answer to the problem/fix to keep it. If it was easily explained and fixed, I’m gtg. I would not accept “take it home and come back if it happens again” stuff. Good luck !

That is GREAT advice... And definitely not going to settle for generic answers. Funny thing, when I check vehicle status everything says fine??? Its like there is no record (at least that I can find without getting into hidden menus), that anything is wrong. But then it happened again the next day.
Like you said hopefully it is something easily explained, otherwise I am requesting another.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BwoodBMW

geez this doesn't seem to be uncommon at this point... wonder whats going on.

I just saw another thread on new gen. Hopefully not many other F90's are doing this.

drewzMMM · 04-23-2018, 10:48 PM

Potential

Very strange and serious Dangerous problem about engine shutting down while driving https://f90.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1488611

bryantmeyers · 04-24-2018, 11:15 AM

Hey Guys,
The service director called me this morning and said it was a software update that was needed and the technician is installing it.
I am new powertrain malfunctions, but I suppose it is possible.

DOES THAT SOUND RIGHT? I have not seen anyone else mention this?

josec70 · 04-24-2018, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bryantmeyers

Hey Guys,
The service director called me this morning and said it was a software update that was needed and the technician is installing it.
I am new powertrain malfunctions, but I suppose it is possible.

DOES THAT SOUND RIGHT? I have not seen anyone else mention this?

Very possible.

onfireX5 · 04-24-2018, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bryantmeyers

Hey Guys,
The service director called me this morning and said it was a software update that was needed and the technician is installing it.
I am new powertrain malfunctions, but I suppose it is possible.

DOES THAT SOUND RIGHT? I have not seen anyone else mention this?

Could be. Rumor was some were held at the port for a software update. A few could have been missed.

bryantmeyers · 04-24-2018, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onfireX5

Could be. Rumor was some were held at the port for a software update. A few could have been missed.

Thanks for that feedback. I did not hear that but it does seem very possible.

bryantmeyers · 04-24-2018, 12:35 PM

I have to admit, I am still uneasy with the nature of the malfunction. Even if it is a software update, having the engine shut down in mid traffic is a scary scenario and it happened 2x in 3 days (other time was in a parking lot).
Honestly I am afraid to drive it on an interstate and suppose I can drive on back roads for a week to test it out, but that is no way to have to drive a NEW car.
A part of me feels justified to ask for another car just because of WHAT happened. That is a SERIOUS safety hazard.

onfireX5 · 04-24-2018, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bryantmeyers

I have to admit, I am still uneasy with the nature of the malfunction. Even if it is a software update, having the engine shut down in mid traffic is a scary scenario and it happened 2x in 3 days (other time was in a parking lot).
Honestly I am afraid to drive it on an interstate and suppose I can drive on back roads for a week to test it out, but that is no way to have to drive a NEW car.
A part of me feels justified to ask for another car just because of WHAT happened. That is a SERIOUS safety hazard.

What's the last 4 digits of your vin ?

jackass · 04-24-2018, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onfireX5

Could be. Rumor was some were held at the port for a software update. A few could have been missed.

They did software update to my car at the port.

bryantmeyers · 04-24-2018, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onfireX5

What's the last 4 digits of your vin ?

2611

bryantmeyers · 04-24-2018, 02:03 PM

Here is the advanced information after thorough diagnostic.
Service manager says software update will definitely fix it.
Still uneasy, but I do feel a bit more confident after talking to him just now that this IS the issue:

Name: 2018-04-24_15-00-28.jpg
Views: 2683
Size: 101.5 KB

Name: 2018-04-24_15-00-28.jpg
Views: 2683
Size: 101.5 KB

walile · 04-24-2018, 03:37 PM

- Make sure you get and keep proper documentation for every visits to the dealership.

- Look into the Lemon Law in your state. How many days does the car have to be out of service, how many repair attempts by the dealer. Hopefully it doesn't come to that.

- You might want to get a dashcam, that will help you document any future incidents. Hopefully there won't be any.

- The service manager doesn't really know that it won't happen again. That's some BS right there. His/her money and life are not on the line here.

Of course the employee of the dealership will try to reassure the customer and make the best out of a bad situation. Especially when these words are not legally binding.

- You likely won't get a new car unless you pursuit lemon law, if it ever comes to that. With drivetrain related issues,they tend to take that more seriously.

- If this doesn't happen again in 30 days, it probably wouldn't bother me from then on. If it does happen again, you need to be prepared for lemon law.

Electrical problem on a vehicle this sophisticated is no joke. If you leased the car, worse case you can still give it back at the end.

Sorry to hear about your experience, good luck.

BwoodBMW · 04-24-2018, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bryantmeyers

I have to admit, I am still uneasy with the nature of the malfunction. Even if it is a software update, having the engine shut down in mid traffic is a scary scenario and it happened 2x in 3 days (other time was in a parking lot).
Honestly I am afraid to drive it on an interstate and suppose I can drive on back roads for a week to test it out, but that is no way to have to drive a NEW car.
A part of me feels justified to ask for another car just because of WHAT happened. That is a SERIOUS safety hazard.

I'd give the software update one chance. If that is the issue its not a big deal, early production cars lots of times won't be perfect and its annoying but whatever. If however you see the issue again, that's when I'd go ape shit crazy and demand compensation.

stbm5 · 04-24-2018, 03:52 PM

you don't meet lemon law standards at this point.

esquire · 04-24-2018, 09:00 PM

If you have any lemon law questions feel free to shoot me a pm . But I'm hoping this problem gets solved well shy of that .

GAM5OVR · 04-24-2018, 10:42 PM

Just received my car back from the break in service. Left the lot and the drivetrain malfunction light turned on for me as well. I have never had this issue before my service appointment today. I shut the car off and turned it back on a few times but it came back on, and eventually just became a check engine light. I spoke to my service advisor as well, and he mentioned it can be a software problem too. I will keep you guys updated.

Phatcat · 04-24-2018, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bryantmeyers

Hey Guys,
The service director called me this morning and said it was a software update that was needed and the technician is installing it.
I am new powertrain malfunctions, but I suppose it is possible.

DOES THAT SOUND RIGHT? I have not seen anyone else mention this?

The thing is you will never know. Sometimes they will use an excuse to cover up another problem.

bryantmeyers · 04-25-2018, 12:30 AM

Thanks for the feedback guys.
Drove 35 miles after software update today with no issues so far.
Again, I have to say, I love this car so it's a damn shame this happened ...but it is what it is. Looking forward to doing some fun upgrades, but really want to see how it goes for a while.

FYI- Florida lemon law states dealer has 3 chances to fix the problem. So they have used up #1. But yes if the issue happens again, I am going to demand something be done (which I made very clear today to all parties at dealer - service manager, sales rep and general manager).

I have gotten 12 BMWs from this dealer, and I am sure they will try to make me happy one way or another. Hopefully this software update fixes the issue, I will keep everyone posted.

swisstype · 04-25-2018, 06:32 AM

I had the same thing in Germany last week on my Euro Delivery.
I was told software update was needed, but I was also told that the fuel tank had a lining or film that the gas was dissolving and corrupting it. I was told that I would get a new fuel tank and a SW update upon arrival in the USA.
I had a 2016 S550 coupe get a lemon law last year and I felt sick when this happened to me on the first day as well! I feel you !

direct message me if you like and we can stay in touch and exchange experiences on this so we can make sure this is fixed correctly. Sound good?

04-23-2018, 12:21 PM	#1
bryantmeyers Enlisted Member 28 Rep 44 Posts Drives: F90 M5 / 991.1 GT3 /RR Dawn Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	New M5 Drivetrain Malfunction DAY 1 ! Hey Guys, I just got a new F90 M5 on Saturday (which was initially VERY exciting), BUT Later that FIRST DAY I got a drivetrain malfunction... FIRST DAY! I have owned 12 BMW last 10 years and never had this issue. It was scary actually, out of the blue the car gave me the warning and powered down. WTF, just powered down! How is that even safe?? I waited a minute and it powered up and drove fine. I thought it was a fluke, but the next day AGAIN, luckily this time in a parking lot. I am bringing into service today but I am going to demand another vehicle, wouldn't you? I just don't feel comfortable in a car with less than 100 miles would do this. Honestly not 100% sure what my options are. Sounds like with paperwork I could get another one. I absolutely LOVE the car, so I definitely want another one, but I really do not want to keep this one. This is going to be my daily driver, and I cannot have that kind of anxiety that at any minute that could happen. Am I the only one getting this issue with F90 gen? I see plenty of threads with past generations 5 series, but cannot find anyone having this issue with current model. Thanks! __________________ 2018 M5 2018 RR Dawn 2014 Porsche GT3
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

04-23-2018, 12:53 PM	#2
onfireX5 Brigadier General 3618 Rep 4,532 Posts Drives: F90M5,F85X5M Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Va iTrader: (0)	I would need an absolute answer to the problem/fix to keep it. If it was easily explained and fixed, I’m gtg. I would not accept “take it home and come back if it happens again” stuff. Good luck !
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-23-2018, 01:29 PM	#3
BwoodBMW Colonel 1861 Rep 2,536 Posts Drives: EFFEIGHTY Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: LA LA land iTrader: (0)	geez this doesn't seem to be uncommon at this point... wonder whats going on.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-23-2018, 10:48 PM	#5
drewzMMM Second Lieutenant 97 Rep 254 Posts Drives: Future M5 F90 Owner Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	Potential Very strange and serious Dangerous problem about engine shutting down while driving https://f90.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1488611 __________________ Mildred: 2006 M5 E60 Indianapolis Red/Sepang/Piano Black R.I.P.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-24-2018, 11:15 AM	#6
bryantmeyers Enlisted Member 28 Rep 44 Posts Drives: F90 M5 / 991.1 GT3 /RR Dawn Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	Hey Guys, The service director called me this morning and said it was a software update that was needed and the technician is installing it. I am new powertrain malfunctions, but I suppose it is possible. DOES THAT SOUND RIGHT? I have not seen anyone else mention this? __________________ 2018 M5 2018 RR Dawn 2014 Porsche GT3
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-24-2018, 12:35 PM	#10
bryantmeyers Enlisted Member 28 Rep 44 Posts Drives: F90 M5 / 991.1 GT3 /RR Dawn Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	I have to admit, I am still uneasy with the nature of the malfunction. Even if it is a software update, having the engine shut down in mid traffic is a scary scenario and it happened 2x in 3 days (other time was in a parking lot). Honestly I am afraid to drive it on an interstate and suppose I can drive on back roads for a week to test it out, but that is no way to have to drive a NEW car. A part of me feels justified to ask for another car just because of WHAT happened. That is a SERIOUS safety hazard. __________________ 2018 M5 2018 RR Dawn 2014 Porsche GT3
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-24-2018, 02:03 PM	#14
bryantmeyers Enlisted Member 28 Rep 44 Posts Drives: F90 M5 / 991.1 GT3 /RR Dawn Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	Here is the advanced information after thorough diagnostic. Service manager says software update will definitely fix it. Still uneasy, but I do feel a bit more confident after talking to him just now that this IS the issue: __________________ 2018 M5 2018 RR Dawn 2014 Porsche GT3
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-24-2018, 03:37 PM	#15
walile Private First Class 40 Rep 141 Posts Drives: . Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	- Make sure you get and keep proper documentation for every visits to the dealership. - Look into the Lemon Law in your state. How many days does the car have to be out of service, how many repair attempts by the dealer. Hopefully it doesn't come to that. - You might want to get a dashcam, that will help you document any future incidents. Hopefully there won't be any. - The service manager doesn't really know that it won't happen again. That's some BS right there. His/her money and life are not on the line here. Of course the employee of the dealership will try to reassure the customer and make the best out of a bad situation. Especially when these words are not legally binding. - You likely won't get a new car unless you pursuit lemon law, if it ever comes to that. With drivetrain related issues,they tend to take that more seriously. - If this doesn't happen again in 30 days, it probably wouldn't bother me from then on. If it does happen again, you need to be prepared for lemon law. Electrical problem on a vehicle this sophisticated is no joke. If you leased the car, worse case you can still give it back at the end. Sorry to hear about your experience, good luck.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-24-2018, 03:52 PM	#17
stbm5 Lieutenant 261 Rep 472 Posts Drives: 2018 M5 DG Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: 72211 iTrader: (0)	you don't meet lemon law standards at this point.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-24-2018, 09:00 PM	#18
esquire Brigadier General 478 Rep 3,044 Posts Drives: 2011 Dakar Yellow M3, 2018 M5 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Orange County, California iTrader: (0)	If you have any lemon law questions feel free to shoot me a pm . But I'm hoping this problem gets solved well shy of that . __________________ [ESS VT2-625] [Akrapovic Evolution Exhaust] [KW Clubsports] [OSS Angel Eyes] [Revinora r-CRT Lip] [Vorsteiner Boot] [Challenge Race Diffuser] [See the Build Thread HERE]
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-24-2018, 10:42 PM	#19
GAM5OVR Private 54 Rep 63 Posts Drives: 18’ M5 Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (0)	Just received my car back from the break in service. Left the lot and the drivetrain malfunction light turned on for me as well. I have never had this issue before my service appointment today. I shut the car off and turned it back on a few times but it came back on, and eventually just became a check engine light. I spoke to my service advisor as well, and he mentioned it can be a software problem too. I will keep you guys updated. Last edited by GAM5OVR; 04-24-2018 at 11:44 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-25-2018, 12:30 AM	#21
bryantmeyers Enlisted Member 28 Rep 44 Posts Drives: F90 M5 / 991.1 GT3 /RR Dawn Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the feedback guys. Drove 35 miles after software update today with no issues so far. Again, I have to say, I love this car so it's a damn shame this happened ...but it is what it is. Looking forward to doing some fun upgrades, but really want to see how it goes for a while. FYI- Florida lemon law states dealer has 3 chances to fix the problem. So they have used up #1. But yes if the issue happens again, I am going to demand something be done (which I made very clear today to all parties at dealer - service manager, sales rep and general manager). I have gotten 12 BMWs from this dealer, and I am sure they will try to make me happy one way or another. Hopefully this software update fixes the issue, I will keep everyone posted. __________________ 2018 M5 2018 RR Dawn 2014 Porsche GT3
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-25-2018, 06:32 AM	#22
swisstype Twisted Fister 30 Rep 58 Posts Drives: 2018 F90 M5; 2024 Roma Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Southwest FL iTrader: (0)	I had the same thing in Germany last week on my Euro Delivery. I was told software update was needed, but I was also told that the fuel tank had a lining or film that the gas was dissolving and corrupting it. I was told that I would get a new fuel tank and a SW update upon arrival in the USA. I had a 2016 S550 coupe get a lemon law last year and I felt sick when this happened to me on the first day as well! I feel you ! direct message me if you like and we can stay in touch and exchange experiences on this so we can make sure this is fixed correctly. Sound good?
	Appreciate 0 Quote