Drivetrain Malfunction / MAF Codes

GuacIsXtra · 10-05-2021, 01:37 PM

Greetings all, long time reader - first time poster.

I recently transported my 2013 335i to HI. Drove it from MA to TX with zero issues, replaced the bumper, intercooler and drivers side the M Sport aux radiator. Car then got shipped off to HI. Again, no issues with the car before I picked it up at the port.

Immediately threw a CEL for P00BD, had rough idle (even stalling out a few times) and sputtering at low speed acceleration (car would hesitate with a loss of power, and the jolt forward. Have found many people with these same symptoms on these forms).

Cleaned the MAF but problem persists, and even threw the "Drivetrain Malfunction" warning at me.

Ordered new spark plugs and coils and will replace those once they arrive this weekend.

After more research, saw some folks had unplugged their MAF and that solved the problem (indicating a faulty MAF or in some cases faulty MAF connections).

Good news, the rough idle and sputtering went away. Bad news, acceleration was nothing like normal and I eventually triggered the "Drivetrain Malfunction" warning again.

Anyone have some thoughts as to where to go from here? Anyone aware of any good shops on Maui?

Some specs including the only mods I've done other than cosmetic:

2013 335i M Sport
103k miles
VRSF Charge Pipe (have had installed for about 2 years)
BC Racing Coilovers
Berger Phoenix Racing Performance Intercooler

Some pics (threw in my e30 just for fun)

GuacIsXtra · 10-05-2021, 04:30 PM

Update: ordered a new MAF. Will see if that solves the issue. Still concerned that I got the drivetrain malfunction error while MAF was disconnected - I'm guessing because no airflow detected and the ECM was making adjustments?

n55david · 10-05-2021, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuacIsXtra

Update: ordered a new MAF. Will see if that solves the issue. Still concerned that I got the drivetrain malfunction error while MAF was disconnected - I'm guessing because no airflow detected and the ECM was making adjustments?

correct

GuacIsXtra · 10-05-2021, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phantom10R

correct

Thanks! And you got a new IG follow!

MadToy · 10-05-2021, 06:59 PM

Check the worm clamps on your charge pipe at the silicone connector to be sure they haven't loosened up. Also make sure it's still fully fastened to the throttle body - and on the intercooler end where it may have been moved with the bumper install.

n55david · 10-05-2021, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuacIsXtra

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phantom10R

correct

Thanks! And you got a new IG follow!

awesome, thanks!

GuacIsXtra · 10-05-2021, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadToy

Check the worm clamps on your charge pipe at the silicone connector to be sure they haven't loosened up. Also make sure it's still fully fastened to the throttle body - and on the intercooler end where it may have been moved with the bumper install.

Mahalo, will definitely check these as well. The intercooler was installed after the bumper, but perhaps the shop didn't do a great job with install. Will definitely check the inlet and outlet on the IC.

thejeremyman9 · 10-06-2021, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuacIsXtra

Mahalo, will definitely check these as well. The intercooler was installed after the bumper, but perhaps the shop didn't do a great job with install. Will definitely check the inlet and outlet on the IC.

If the MAF doesnt solve it, i would pressure/smoke test for leaks. I am not sure how rough the ride was on the ship over, checking the turbo inlet for cracks might be worthwhile as well.

GuacIsXtra · 10-06-2021, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thejeremyman9

If the MAF doesnt solve it, i would pressure/smoke test for leaks. I am not sure how rough the ride was on the ship over, checking the turbo inlet for cracks might be worthwhile as well.

Thanks for the tip! Hoping the MAF solves it, but I'm also skeptical. Need to find a good shop here in Maui though, that will be a challenge.

GuacIsXtra · 10-09-2021, 04:07 PM

Closing this out for anyone who might experience the same down the road.

Unplugged the MAF and drove it around about 5 days.

Changed out plugs and coils (they were due anyway).

Cleaned MAF again.

Plugged MAF back in.

Power and acceleration are back, no CEL thrown during my test drive. Though I do have a Pending P00BD that appeared.

GuacIsXtra · 10-25-2021, 10:54 PM

So turns out I didn't fix the problem. It appeared fixed for a few days then came back.

Took to BMW of Maui, because I couldn't find a reputable shop on the island. Every that said they worked on BMWs had horrible reviews... the cost of being on an island.

BMW comes back with cracked crank case vent valve and that I need to replace the valve cover. They quoted $2645, I got them down to $2095. Their book is 6 hours of labor. Thought maybe I could do it myself, but don't feel that confident. Even the PCV valve replacement tutorial looks a little intimidating to me.

Problem is: I don't see how this crank case vent value would be the cause of the issues I've been having... so seems like we are chasing the problem.

I did check all connections to the throttle body and then the intercooler and turbo and didn't see any loose, and neither did the shop. It's a bit of a mystery at this point. I'm going to ask them to smoke test it, and prob go ahead with the valve cover replacement. Pain.

thejeremyman9 · 10-26-2021, 11:45 AM

The a cracked valve cover / CCV creates a vacuum leak. The costs they quoted you seem extremely high but it is a dealership on the island... There are tons of videos on how to replace the VC and FCP Euro and other sell complete kits. It's procedural and a bit of work to do but nothing crazy.

10-05-2021, 01:37 PM	#1
GuacIsXtra New Member 14 Rep 11 Posts Drives: 2013 335i; 1992 318i Join Date: May 2021 Location: Maui, Hawaii iTrader: (0)	Drivetrain Malfunction / MAF Codes - Any ideas? Greetings all, long time reader - first time poster. I recently transported my 2013 335i to HI. Drove it from MA to TX with zero issues, replaced the bumper, intercooler and drivers side the M Sport aux radiator. Car then got shipped off to HI. Again, no issues with the car before I picked it up at the port. Immediately threw a CEL for P00BD, had rough idle (even stalling out a few times) and sputtering at low speed acceleration (car would hesitate with a loss of power, and the jolt forward. Have found many people with these same symptoms on these forms). Cleaned the MAF but problem persists, and even threw the "Drivetrain Malfunction" warning at me. Ordered new spark plugs and coils and will replace those once they arrive this weekend. After more research, saw some folks had unplugged their MAF and that solved the problem (indicating a faulty MAF or in some cases faulty MAF connections). Good news, the rough idle and sputtering went away. Bad news, acceleration was nothing like normal and I eventually triggered the "Drivetrain Malfunction" warning again. Anyone have some thoughts as to where to go from here? Anyone aware of any good shops on Maui? Some specs including the only mods I've done other than cosmetic: 2013 335i M Sport 103k miles VRSF Charge Pipe (have had installed for about 2 years) BC Racing Coilovers Berger Phoenix Racing Performance Intercooler Some pics (threw in my e30 just for fun) Attached Images
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10-05-2021, 04:30 PM	#2
GuacIsXtra New Member 14 Rep 11 Posts Drives: 2013 335i; 1992 318i Join Date: May 2021 Location: Maui, Hawaii iTrader: (0)	Update: ordered a new MAF. Will see if that solves the issue. Still concerned that I got the drivetrain malfunction error while MAF was disconnected - I'm guessing because no airflow detected and the ECM was making adjustments?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-05-2021, 06:59 PM	#5
MadToy Second Lieutenant 64 Rep 263 Posts Drives: '18 340i Xdrive Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Mooresville, NC iTrader: (1)	Check the worm clamps on your charge pipe at the silicone connector to be sure they haven't loosened up. Also make sure it's still fully fastened to the throttle body - and on the intercooler end where it may have been moved with the bumper install.
	Appreciate 1 GuacIsXtra14.00 Quote

10-09-2021, 04:07 PM	#10
GuacIsXtra New Member 14 Rep 11 Posts Drives: 2013 335i; 1992 318i Join Date: May 2021 Location: Maui, Hawaii iTrader: (0)	Closing this out for anyone who might experience the same down the road. Unplugged the MAF and drove it around about 5 days. Changed out plugs and coils (they were due anyway). Cleaned MAF again. Plugged MAF back in. Power and acceleration are back, no CEL thrown during my test drive. Though I do have a Pending P00BD that appeared.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-25-2021, 10:54 PM	#11
GuacIsXtra New Member 14 Rep 11 Posts Drives: 2013 335i; 1992 318i Join Date: May 2021 Location: Maui, Hawaii iTrader: (0)	So turns out I didn't fix the problem. It appeared fixed for a few days then came back. Took to BMW of Maui, because I couldn't find a reputable shop on the island. Every that said they worked on BMWs had horrible reviews... the cost of being on an island. BMW comes back with cracked crank case vent valve and that I need to replace the valve cover. They quoted $2645, I got them down to $2095. Their book is 6 hours of labor. Thought maybe I could do it myself, but don't feel that confident. Even the PCV valve replacement tutorial looks a little intimidating to me. Problem is: I don't see how this crank case vent value would be the cause of the issues I've been having... so seems like we are chasing the problem. I did check all connections to the throttle body and then the intercooler and turbo and didn't see any loose, and neither did the shop. It's a bit of a mystery at this point. I'm going to ask them to smoke test it, and prob go ahead with the valve cover replacement. Pain.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-26-2021, 11:45 AM	#12
thejeremyman9 Major General 4374 Rep 7,622 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW 335i Join Date: May 2019 Location: Cali iTrader: (0)	The a cracked valve cover / CCV creates a vacuum leak. The costs they quoted you seem extremely high but it is a dealership on the island... There are tons of videos on how to replace the VC and FCP Euro and other sell complete kits. It's procedural and a bit of work to do but nothing crazy.
	Appreciate 0 Quote