35i. Engine problem. Reduced power!

B

Breaker

Elite
Am I the first to have a 35i fault? :wink:

On a small road trip to the Ellan Valley today. Car was superb in the trip and managed to keep the roof down most of the day. On my way home, the engine warning light came on and the iDrive screen said "Reduced power. Engine fault. OK to continue journey, but engine has been put into reduced power!!" Phoned BMW Services and the car uploaded data to them and they said it was OK to continue, but contact my dealer ASAP!

I wondered what had caused this then I remembered the last time I stopped the car said (with the engine running) that it couldn't locate the key (it was in my pocket as I have the comfort option). I pulled over and turned the engine off and inserted the key and re-started the engine. Everything OK and I checked the iDrive and it said that there were no faults! Full power was back. The small engine fault light came on though so I wonder if it was a problem with the key? Needs a new battery (the key on the comfort system doesn't re-charge when in the ignition pod)?

Booked into the dealers first thing tomorrow. Pain though as we also have tomorrow off on holiday and we had another trip planned!! Looks like we will be taking the MINI now!!
 
More gadgets, more problems? My E60 had iDrive though, but never showed something like that before.
 
My Mini (01') used to do that all the time! It kept on showing the engine management light from time to time. Then I switch of the engine, re-start and rev whilst the engine is starting off, it would go off.

A mate of mine suggested this may be because I had a cracked exhaurst - catalytic converter is connected to the engine and it shows engine management light whenever it thinks converter isn't working. I sold it to a friend who knew of the problem, fixed the exhaurst, and hey presto, problem never turned up again!

I know its a different kettle of fish but you've not damaged your cat converter have ya??
 
Interesting - i would ask BMW to get you a loaner vs taking your mini - your car is virtually brand new - it should NOT be breaking!!!
 
my money is on a sensor, o2 or otherwise, not related with the key.

assume these idrive models are OBD2 as well ?
 
Eds Guess: EGR Valve (if it happened when cruising) ;)

It could honestly be anything though from stuck wastegate actuators (a 35i problem), vacuum leak, sensors etc...
 
Well, at dealers this morning first thing.
They slotted me in as waiting (which was good as they were busy!). Waited just over an hour. Technician diagnosed it as a camshaft sensor playing up. Cleared the fault codes and road tested it then gave it me back. I carried on with my road trip to Wales! Just got back, 256 miles today and no problems at all! The car is booked in for Friday and they are changing the sensor just in case it happens again.
 
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