[fcorey]

Hi Guys,
New to the forum and seeking some guidance if anyone can help. I purchased a Used 2011 535i F10 N55 back in July 2020. In the last 2 weeks when driving in sport mode and somewhat pushing the car the OSD shows

Vehicle Drive Train Warning. Continue the Journey at a moderate speed. Full performance not available. This has happened a few times primarily when I push the car pretty hard in Sport mode. Once car is parked and shut off the warning goes away. Earlier this week It happened again but not when driving. it showed the OSD error on screen prior to starting vehicle. I tried to start vehicle again and noticed a longer than normal Crank time vehicle started for approx 2 seconds and sputtered out and shut off. I tried a few more times to start it and had same problem.

I let it sit over night, came out the next morning and everything was fine again. The car started as it normally does and ran fine at idle. I connected my ELM OBD2 scanner on the car and it returned the following codes below

Car Scanner ELM OBD2
DTC report
Selected brand: BMW
VIN: WBAFR72090C5XXXXX

============1==============
P0087
Raw code: 0087
ECU: Engine control unit
Status: Pending
OBDII: Fuel rail/system pressure too low
BMW: Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too Low

============2==============
P10D9
Raw code: 10D9
ECU: Engine control unit
Status: Pending

============3==============
P0301
Raw code: 0301
ECU: Engine control unit
Status: Pending
OBDII: Cylinder 1 - misfire detected

I cleared the codes drove the car again and decided to test Sport Mode again pushing it pretty hard and sure enough the warning popped up again. I made it to my destination and ran the OBD2 scanner again but it did not return any faults. I'm first going to replace the Plugs and coil packs. I really do not want to spend a fortune on this problem but would appreciate any advice the community can give me.

Thanks in Advance

[Trainwreck914]

Check your charge pipe for cracks

[jyjimenez3]

I replaced my charge pipe (which looked fine btw) and still get the code. It’s been downhill since 😭😭

[Trainwreck914]

Could be hpfp. Or Fuel injectors.

[550bye]

Different platform (N63) but when I had faults like this it ended up being Injectors, for me anyway.

I swapped them out along with new plugs and coils and no more issue on that front. But I'd be willing to bet that is your culprit.

Next time you get the faults, clear them and swap a 'good' coil with your 'bad' coil (ie swap cylinder #1 coil only with cylinder #2 coil only, disconnect wires, they still have to go to the same cylinder) and if the problem follows to #2 then it's the coil, if it stays on #1 then coil is good and you need to swap out the plug with another one and try again. If it still stays on #1 you will most likely need an injector.

All speculation but on my old 528 my FP went out and the entire bank shutdown and had faults, but I could be wrong.

Some of the more fluent ISTA guys might be able to confirm but I thought you could check injector and fuel pressure. If you don't have ISTA, it's all over in this forum for free download. Good luck with your repairs bro.

[Hoa]

Most likely it is the High Pressure Fuel Pump. If you replace it, make sure you replace the Camshaft Follower as well.

New kit will update your high pressure fuel pump to the latest version so it will require you to replace the plug which they include.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...-13518604231kt

[mr.mosely]

Hello, I am having the same issue! Recently did a catless dp install, and man i pushed the car hard on sports mode and it gave me transmission mafunction/drivetrain. Turned it off and on it went away i have no lights nothig. I do have a hard start tho i have for a while. Idk if it is injectors. hpfp,both, or maybe because I am not tuned and I have a downpipe. Some people were telling me about not running a tune with a catless dp.

[fcorey]

I just replaced all Coils, Spark plugs, Air Filter, and Oil Change yesterday. Did not get the drive train warning at all yesterday. I ran the car in Sport mode pretty hard this morning and the Drive Train Warning came back. I'm hoping I don't have to replace fuel injectors since it's a pretty costly job.

[fcorey]

Originally Posted by Hoa

Most likely it is the High Pressure Fuel Pump. If you replace it, make sure you replace the Camshaft Follower as well.

New kit will update your high pressure fuel pump to the latest version so it will require you to replace the plug which they include.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...-13518604231kt

Thanks for the info. The HPFP Kit is much cheaper than buying a whole new FP. I replaced all Coils, plugs, Air filter, and Oil Change. Drivetrain Warning came back again but only when driving the car hard in Sport mode.

[chipguy]

It seems like it is your HPFP because you have low fuel rail pressure code.

[beegeezy]

Throwing parts at a problem can quickly get expensive. Proper diagnosis might save you money in the long run.

I'll add another thing to check: the low-pressure (in-tank) fuel pump feeds the HPFP. It gets weaker as it ages and can starve the HPFP, which can in turn reduce rail pressure at the fuel injectors. Don't guess, check all the points in the system!

[fcorey]

Originally Posted by Hoa

Most likely it is the High Pressure Fuel Pump. If you replace it, make sure you replace the Camshaft Follower as well.

New kit will update your high pressure fuel pump to the latest version so it will require you to replace the plug which they include.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...-13518604231kt

Would I need to purchase the KIT and a completely new HPFP or would the kit be all that I need without having to also purchase HPFP? Thanks again for your help. @HOA

[fcorey]

Originally Posted by Hoa

Most likely it is the High Pressure Fuel Pump. If you replace it, make sure you replace the Camshaft Follower as well.

New kit will update your high pressure fuel pump to the latest version so it will require you to replace the plug which they include.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...-13518604231kt

I noticed that fcpeuro.com says this HPFP kit will not fit my BMW535i says it is only for 2012 above. This is my VIN: WBAFR72090C579331 Is this a mistake on the website's part or is there a link for HPFP Kit for 2011 535i?

[beegeezy]

The early N55 F10s used the same hpfp as the N54. This is the part number: 13517616170

Did you have your fuel system diagnosed?

[fcorey]

Originally Posted by beegeezy

The early N55 F10s used the same hpfp as the N54. This is the part number: 13517616170

Did you have your fuel system diagnosed?

I have not yet had the fuel system diagnosed by Cert BMW Tech. Only scanning codes with my BT ELM OBDII and Car Scanner pro Android App.

[beegeezy]

Originally Posted by fcorey

I have not yet had the fuel system diagnosed by Cert BMW Tech. Only scanning codes with my BT ELM OBDII and Car Scanner pro Android App.

It's a good idea as long as it doesn't cost too much to be beneficial. You can spend a lot of money chasing problems in modern cars, especially ones with as many electronic components as a newer BMW.

BTW, this is where I got the part number for the HPFP. I entered your serial # (last 7 of your VIN) and then you can see all the parts that apply for your car. https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=13_1355

[fcorey]

Originally Posted by beegeezy

It's a good idea as long as it doesn't cost too much to be beneficial. You can spend a lot of money chasing problems in modern cars, especially ones with as many electronic components as a newer BMW.

BTW, this is where I got the part number for the HPFP. I entered your serial # (last 7 of your VIN) and then you can see all the parts that apply for your car. https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=13_1355

Thanks so much for your help! @beegeezy. I reside in the Caribbean and I have to source parts from the US. It's easy to have the wrong part shipped and the high Shipping and Duty costs make shipping it back for a refund is not worth it.

[wdhilliard]

fcorey Did you ever figure out what this was?

[wdhilliard]

Experienced similar symptoms. Resolved by replacing the high pressure fuel pump about 6K miles ago

[BMW BLISS]

I also have had drivetrain malfunction on my 2011 535i.if it helps any ice notices that the warning only happens after car has warmed up and the warning actually happens when letting off throttle after hard acceleration but the warning is repetitive for about 30 minutes. I have replaced plugs ,coils, water pump thermostate, electric distribution module under hood , and wastewastegate vacum controller. Problem still exists . But my code reads 1b5202 terminal 15n-1so I would say maybe fuel system related in your case

[wdhilliard]

That’s a different code and is likely an electrical problem. “Drivetrain Malfunction” is a generic error that can display for many different reasons. This is specifically referencing fuel pressure and does not mention sensors. The fuel rail pressure sensor can also go bad but usually shows up as a short, not low pressure