2008 E86 3.0SI SPORT AUTO - PADDLES, TIPTRONIC, SPORT MODE STOPPED WORKING - SOLVED

[Penelope]

A few days ago I noticed I was no longer able to down shift gears and then that my Sport Mode and Tiptronic Faux Manual option did not work either. Bizarrely they all worked when driving at over 65mph but immediately stopped under.

After a bit of googling and a welcome call from old forum member Kammy1975 it appeared the issue was actually caused by the electric fan not working. This presumably triggers the DME to stop you ragging the gears to protect the transmission and prevent you overheating the engine. Presumbaly over 65mph it is considered there is enough natural air flow to cool without the need of the Electric fan.

Anyway, removing the front cover under the engine bay reveals a part of the harness with connector for the Electric Fan / DME feed. This has two thick cables for power and one very small Green and Black wire. This appeared to be normal but I braved cutting into the sheath and indeed the wire inside had disintegrated to power (Copper Sulphate?). I cut out the offending section and soldered in a better bit of wire and heat shrinked it and voila....everything back working. A quick blast down the country roads in Sport Mode and Tiptronic taking the revs to the limit and as I pulled back into the drive the fan came on! Happy days.

Cost to fix £0. No Scan. Thank god it didn't need a new Fan / Brain / Transmission!!

[1536Z4]

caused by the electric fan not working.

Thats a good to know just in case this ever happens . Thanks for sharing

[MikeyH]

That gets a well done from me