[RumbleJay]

Wanted to see if anyone had this issue before. I have a 2011 F10 550i and this morning when I got into the car to start to the car this shows up on the bottom left of the display 'Transmission malfunction" and it disabled everything on the car where nothing works. No lights, no power to anything like the battery was dead but it's not. I thought about disconnecting the battery cable but can't even open the trunk. The only thing that comes on is that warning and the parking brake sign. The car is in my garage and I don't know how I can get it towed.

[RumbleJay]

Car only has 27k miles so can't imagine the transmission is bad.

[RumbleJay]

Just found out that the hazard lights are the only thing that still work. Looks like the car switched to a safe mode and disabled every functions. Interesting that no one has had this issue yet.

[Surly73]

It could just be in need of a full reset and/or it's really a battery problem.

I cannot imagine that there is a true transmission malfunction that keeps you from opening the trunk.

Check your battery voltage with a meter at the underhood terminals and possibly consider a trickle charge on those terminals. Continue to attempt to access the battery to disconnect it for 5-10 minutes.

If all else fails you could enter the trunk from the back seat if you have fold down seats, and pull the safety handle that releases the trunk mechanically. I wish they didn't get rid of the mechanical key override they used to have for trunk and driver's door. If you could unlock your doors, I'm surprised you can't open the trunk from one of the switches.

[johnhva]

I also think it's most likely a low battery or bad battery connection. There may be a phantom power-drain somewhere. Safe mode for a transmission fault shouldn't shut down the whole system. How long since the last time the car was driven?

Attach something like this to the under-hood battery terminals overnight:
https://www.amazon.com/TecMate-TM-34...dp/B076JH6TQY/

Or try jumper cables from another car.

[NinetyEight740]

Are you sure your battery isn’t dead? Cause this sounds like a dead battery...

[535_BiTurbo]

how do you open the trunk if the battery is dead and you dont have the rear seat fold down option?

[Surly73]

Originally Posted by 535_BiTurbo

how do you open the trunk if the battery is dead and you dont have the rear seat fold down option?

Open the hood and connect suitable power (high amp charger, another car, a car battery) to the jump posts, hit the unlock button.

[edirtysix]

I am having this same issue, I replaced my blower motor because it decided to stop working. immediately after doing so, the car refuses to start, is in a similar safe mode with a drivetrain malfunction error message.... If you've fixed the issue, please let me know what you did or what the problem was.

Thank you

2011 535i 6 speed

[Brian Edward]

Adding to this thread a bit. I do get the "Drive train Malfunction" on my screen from time to time. I reads....Drive moderately. Maximum drive train output not available. Consult service center. I hit the "OK" option, and it go's away with nothing noticeable happening to the car?....What the heck does this mean?....Anyone know?....Thanks! 2013 528i 4 cyl twin turb.

[Profssor]

This could be virtually anything. Head off to Autozone and have them read the codes and then start a new thread and post the codes.

Joe

Originally Posted by Brian Edward

Adding to this thread a bit. I do get the "Drive train Malfunction" on my screen from time to time. I reads....Drive moderately. Maximum drive train output not available. Consult service center. I hit the "OK" option, and it go's away with nothing noticeable happening to the car?....What the heck does this mean?....Anyone know?....Thanks! 2013 528i 4 cyl twin turb.