"Drivetrain Malfunction" after running out of gas

[lazybones18]

So I ran out of gas and, after refilling, there is a "Drivetrain Malfunction" error on the screen. Luckily I was at the gas station when this happened.

It's a 2016 M3 with only 10,000 miles. The car is running but acceleration is slow.

Anyway, I call the dealership and they said since the car ran out of gas I will be liable for any repairs. WTF?

Am I liable for the repairs? It's my first BMW, and I cannot believe running out of gas can cause problems with the car that are not covered under warranty.

[Remington]

I feel for you bro, but how do you run out of gas in LA?

I have no idea whether you're liable for repairs related to this or, even worse, is BMW saying your entire warranty is void?

[lazybones18]

I was driving back from work and talking on the phone. Did not notice the gas light reserve. Ran out of gas while pulling into the gas station

Well I made appointment with another service center. They didn’t ask me what happened and just told me to bring the car in.

I read the warranty and no where it says running out of gas voids the warranty. I am sure it happens to a lot of people ?

[sandwi54]

You should have close to 100 miles to drive after the low fuel warning first comes on? You couldn't be talking on the phone for 100 miles? Hopefully your repair is covered but please learn the lesson of filling up when the warning comes on.

[lazybones18]

Yes, lesson learned. Car came out of limp mode and driving fine now. Car still has malfunction code on the screen.

Original question remains. Does anyone know if running out of gas can void warranty or won’t cover certain repairs ?

[RMachuca3d]

Originally Posted by lazybones18

Yes lesson learned. Car came out of limp mode and driving fine now. Car still has malfunction code on the screen.

Original question remains. Does anyone know if running out of gas can void warranty or won’t cover certain repairs ?

Fuel pumps run dry can wear out prematurely, that is considered negligent and your responsability, just like checking the oil levels/coolant levels or lack thereof.

[Spritztour]

Liable for repairs after running out of gas? That is fake news. Did we all sign a contract with BMW that says to never ever ever run out of gas or your car will break down and will be repaired at owners expense while still under warranty?

[numairk]

Could it be bad gas or running a lower octane?

[BzsBimmer]

Originally Posted by Spritztour

Liable for repairs after running out of gas? That is fake news. Did we all sign a contract with BMW that says to never ever ever run out of gas or your car will break down and will be repaired at owners expense while still under warranty?

It’s probably in the fine print
Like running out of oil and seizing the motor

[gunsmoker]

Originally Posted by BzsBimmer

It’s probably in the fine print
Like running out of oil and seizing the motor

Go to another dealer and don't tell them you ran out of gas. They may change what's broken and not ask questions.

[DJM4]

What tool can I use to see if there are any error codes that have been generated on my f82?

[Arcades]

Warranty generally doesn't cover driver negligence. Though, first time I seen this on the F8x side so... :

[f80er]

How would running out of gas cause an issue? Its a car for Christs sake, it runs out of gas it shuts off. You fill it up and move on.

Has no one in this thread except for OP never run out of gas?

[damageprone]

Originally Posted by Remington

I feel for you bro, but how do you run out of gas in LA?

The OP's name is lazybones18 you should know how he ran out of gas.

[boss2k]

Why you have to disclose to dealer you ran out of gas??

[lazybones18]

Originally Posted by boss2k

Why you have to disclose to dealer you ran out of gas??

Because I was having a convo with the service provider on the phone and i just explained him what happened. I thought just tell him all the details so he can diagnose better. I didnt know if it will bite me.

the reason i ran out of gas is because i get free gas through work from 76 only. I took a new route yesterday and Waze wasnt showing any 76 gas station nearby. Regardless i took the first exit as soon as i realize i am out of gas and filled gas at ARCO. Yes i know its my fault, lesson learned hard will never happen again.

do you think the service guy put notes in the system which is shared with BMW nationwide ?

[afadeev]

Originally Posted by lazybones18

Original question remains. Does anyone know if running out of gas can void warranty or won’t cover certain repairs ?

No, it does not void your warranty.
Yes, it will be treated as negligence, and any proven direct failures (e.g.: fuel pump, filter) may not be covered.

Mostly likely, there is nothing wrong with your car.
The lean fuel mixture triggered a malfunction (ex-check engine) light as you were sucking last vapors out of the tank. Which put the DME into limp mode.

The code will reset itself after X-many miles and Y-many ignition cycles of error free driving.
Or you can visit the dealer and they will reset it for your right away.

Originally Posted by Spritztour

Liable for repairs after running out of gas? That is fake news. Did we all sign a contract with BMW that says to never ever ever run out of gas or your car will break down and will be repaired at owners expense while still under warranty?

It's common sense, which is "fake news" to some.

No car is not designed to run without gas in the tank, or without air in the tires, or without oil in the diff/tranny/engine.

If you are curious enough to challenge that assumption, or don't think it's reasonable, you are welcome to try. But don't be upset if the damage will not covered by the warranty.
Simple, really.

a

[BMWM5NYC]

Has no one in this thread except for OP never run out of gas?



Nope. Never. I pay attention to what I am doing when I am driving a motor vehicle that can kill somebody if I don't.

[Poochie]

Originally Posted by lazybones18

So I ran out of gas and, after refilling, there is a "Drivetrain Malfunction" error on the screen. Luckily I was at the gas station when this happened.

It's a 2016 M3 with only 10,000 miles. The car is running but acceleration is slow.

Anyway, I call the dealership and they said since the car ran out of gas I will be liable for any repairs. WTF?

Am I liable for the repairs? It's my first BMW, and I cannot believe running out of gas can cause problems with the car that are not covered under warranty.

Happened to me before, I saw the light on and tried to make it to my favorite gas station. It was fun pushing my car through NYC traffic

You didn't damage the vehicle, as the 'Drivetrain Malfunction' indicator a generic warning; it appears anytime the vehicle senses it's operating out of bounds.. I guarantee there is no error code stored after it senses everything is back to normal (i.e. gas added).

[FrenchiedadSF]

lol

no of course you didn't void your warranty...

[GomFam23]

I mean he doesn't not have to tell them.... persay... So I had just stopped to fill the tank, and then once i finished it just done lit up, i dont know why....

[maniz]

Originally Posted by GomFam23

I mean he doesn't not have to tell them.... persay... So I had just stopped to fill the tank, and then once i finished it just done lit up, i dont know why....

Persay = Per se

OP, this can happen in any car or motorcycle. With a code reset though; you should be fine. If the fuel pump was damaged, the car wouldn't run normal now.