[Sundinisagod]

A few days back my car went into limp mode for the first time in my 3 years of ownership…currently at 75,000km.

The next day there was a check engine light as well and a very rough start up. I took the car to fill the gas tank as it was just into the reserve and I read that can get you into limp mode. Later that day the car went out of limp mode but check engine light remained.

The following day, the cel was gone and the car was still out of limp mode….running like normal but I drove it very gently and very minimal distance.

Today I had my mechanic take a look at it. Said it was a waste gate actuator malfunction. Possibly caused by an electrical short, advised to leave alone unless a cel or limp mode returns….since it was running fine now.

My question is this, is there a decent chance this is a one time thing and doesn’t return? Or is it likely I will continue to have problems? I drive out of town frequently and am worried about going into limp mode while far from home, or any possible damage caused to the engine or turbo. On the other hand, it’s a fairly costly repair I’d rather not do if I don’t have to.

Thanks in advance.

[tazam2]

I had this same thing happen to me last week. I’m at 105,000 miles, 2018 M2.

Saturday night. Drivetrain malfunction going 80mph on the highway. Pulled over at a gas station. Restarted the car with the same error code and CEL. Had about 1/4 tank of gas. Drove home super conservatively. Didn’t drive it again until Monday morning, filled the gas tank to half…drivetrain malfunction went away…but CEL remained. Drove to work with the CEL on. 8 hours later started my car up no CEL.

My shop ran the errors on Tuesday morning. Wastegate malfunction. Been ok since. But no real solution.

[Downunder99]

After getting the infamous "Drivetrain Malfunction ... reduced power" message in my 2018 M2 while on the highway yesterday, I nurtered it home carefully and then to the dealership this morning. Needs a new wastegate actuator (actuator short circuit code). Estimate is $700 for the actuator and $1,300 for labor. Car has 48,000 miles. Mid 2022 I had the charge pipe issue, at that time I heard it pop and at least immediately knew what it is. This time no popping sound, just the malfunction message after a downshift and subsequent acceleration during overtaking. Engine kept running silkily smooth, idled normally, just no turbo boost.
Will report on final dealership bill

[///MPhatic]

Definitely let us know how this goes. $2000 is a LOT of money.

[ThreeStripes]

Originally Posted by ///MPhatic

Definitely let us know how this goes. $2000 is a LOT of money.

It was a dealership. /2 and you’ve got your rough estimate at a good independent.

[Downunder99]

Originally Posted by ThreeStripes

It was a dealership. /2 and you’ve got your rough estimate at a good independent.

If at all ...
That is what I'll pay for the convenience to get an immediate appointment next morning with a nice loaner until it will have been fixed, the fact that the dealership is just 3 min away from my place and having to swap my summer wheels/tires swapped to winter wheels/tires anyway this week. Steep upcharge, I know too well ...
They actually have the waste gate actuator in stock at the dealership (11-65-8-659-883, seems they don't need them just once every few months), but their master technician who usually is assigned to my car, did not get to it Saturday (other than the diagnosis). Will have to wait until EOD Tuesday, when he will be back at work, which is ok, as I have a comfotable ride until then.
As mentioned, will report on the final bill, probably can help others with the same issue making the call on dealership vs reputable IAM shop at probably half the price.

[ThreeStripes]

Originally Posted by Downunder99

If at all ...
That is what I'll pay for the convenience to get an immediate appointment next morning with a nice loaner until it will have been fixed,

Man you’re lucky. My dealership charges those prices while making you wait weeks with no loaner and then gives you the car back with more problems than it rolled in with.

[Downunder99]

Allright, final bill for the wastegate actuator replacement was $1,859.40.
Error CODE 123601 - ELECTRIC WASTEGATE, ACTIVATION: SHORT CIRCUIT.

[Sundinisagod]

Originally Posted by ThreeStripes

It was a dealership. /2 and you’ve got your rough estimate at a good independent.

I think the labour would be about half but the part cost would be similar.

Personally, I’ve left it alone and still good 1000 km later.

[///MPhatic]

The way to do this would be to buy the part from getbmwparts.com and have someone else with a cheaper labor rate replace it.

Turbocharger Wastegate Actuator - BMW (11-65-8-659-883)

[tazam2]

Thanks for the update. I’ll save this. Luckily no repeat error for me.

[Sundinisagod]

Originally Posted by tazam2

Thanks for the update. I’ll save this. Luckily no repeat error for me.

Same.

[D CHOI]

I have the same issue recently

Car went into limp mode (drivetrain malfunction) with CEL showing hours later restarting car.

I reset the codes and the main code of 123601 pops up instantly after restarting car along with limp mode.

I'm thinking it's the wastegate actuator breaking again. I replaced it back in Jan 2020 under dealership warranty, but surprised this issue is occurring again

Then the next day the drivetrain malfunction (limp mode) goes away and car feels normal. I drive and then parked for 30 mins, restarted car and the CEL goes away. I plan to get it diagnosed soon.

Any updates? tazam2 Sundinisagod