The Dreaded DCT Malfunction

SpacegrayMe90 · 09-18-2023, 10:32 AM

Good day, all,

Add me to the list of the dreaded DCT malfunction. Saturday, I decided to go for a quick drive. I got in, started her up, and got the gong of pain with DCT malfunction displayed—no response from the shifter as expected. I turned off the car and started it back up, and the problem persisted. I locked the door and waited 10 minutes, then opened it, gave it a go again, and the car started fine. All systems are ok when checking the vehicle status. The car drove flawlessly. I turned it off and started up fine after that.

This is the second weekend this has happened to me, so there is a pattern. The first instance I was keeping my fingers crossed it was just a glitch.

I still need to pull the codes. Usually, my buddy does it for me. He has the expensive one the dealers use. However, I have decided to invest in my own scanner. What scanners do you guys use?

Car information:
2010 e90 M3 with 67K.
DCT.
Weekend car. Once or twice on the back roads.

Recent work:
Six Months ago – Rod bearings, DCT service (independent shop saw seepage).

The car ran fine up until this month.

Potential culprits? Battery, ground wire, DCT shifter, DCT fluid? Alternator, DCT unit is shitting its pants?
The battery was changed in 2018.

Your insight is appreciated.

Thanks!

kolosy · 09-18-2023, 10:41 AM

what did the dct service consist of?

SpacegrayMe90 · 09-18-2023, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kolosy

what did the dct service consist of?

Dual Clutch Trans Fluid - Pentosin
Auto Dual Clutch Trans Filter
Dual Clutch Trans Fill Plug
Dual Clutch Trans Drain Plug
Auto Dual Clutch Trans Oil Pump Filter
Auto Dual Clutch Trans Oil Pan
Auto Dual Clutch Trans Oil Pan Bolt

kolosy · 09-18-2023, 11:41 AM

it's possible there's an issue with the fill level (assuming they didn't leave another leak which seems unlikely). i know the procedure is finicky and folks on here go to specific shops for it.

spammysammich · 09-18-2023, 12:03 PM

How many liters of pentosin did they invoice ? If it’s less than 5 they shorted your fill.

SpacegrayMe90 · 09-18-2023, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kolosy

it's possible there's an issue with the fill level (assuming they didn't leave another leak which seems unlikely). i know the procedure is finicky and folks on here go to specific shops for it.

No leak was noticed. I would think any mishap with the refill would have been apparent sooner after the service. Then again, I don't drive the car often enough for the issue to be present within a shorter timeframe.

SpacegrayMe90 · 09-18-2023, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spammysammich

How many liters of pentosin did they invoice ? If it’s less than 5 they shorted your fill.

The invoice kit says: 5 quarts of Pentosin DCTF-1 fluid

M3E93 · 09-18-2023, 04:50 PM

I had the same DCT service last week at Tyspeed and they put 7L on the quote which is consistent to what is shown on FCP Euro's website.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...28107842840kt2

Sal's Garage is using about 6 quarts in his youtube demo. I guess FCP Euro is selling some extra for spillage.... So I'm not sure if 5 Quarts is little low?

tbuck · 09-18-2023, 05:42 PM

There is a very specific fill procedure and if not done correctly will result in a low fill and future problems. I had a very intermittent issue so checked the level, and it turned out it was a 1/2 liter low. The DCT's are VERY sensitive to levels. I would check that prior to any further servicing. GL

spammysammich · 09-18-2023, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpacegrayMe90

The invoice kit says: 5 quarts of Pentosin DCTF-1 fluid

My full service that I performed myself took a total of over 7L because I’m running a Fall Line pan. They shorted your fill.

SpacegrayMe90 · 09-18-2023, 09:14 PM

Thanks for the input guys. Being shortened on DCT oil is concerning.

lynn · 09-18-2023, 09:32 PM

I picked up this scanner (located in AUS but you should be able to find one local to you), https://www.ebay.com/itm/183822953037

It does the job and has specific BMW functions. Relatively cheap as well. I tried an OBD2 scanner from my local shop and all it did was tell me information available via OBD2, i couldn't get the error codes.

SpacegrayMe90 · 09-19-2023, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lynn

I picked up this scanner (located in AUS but you should be able to find one local to you), https://www.ebay.com/itm/183822953037

It does the job and has specific BMW functions. Relatively cheap as well. I tried an OBD2 scanner from my local shop and all it did was tell me information available via OBD2, i couldn't get the error codes.

Thanks for the insight. I appreciate it.

Nomad Dave · 09-19-2023, 05:07 PM

I had a similar issue and discovered the car will not shift into gear if the door is not closed all the way. Hopefully your issue is that easy to resolve.

DrFerry · 09-19-2023, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpacegrayMe90

Good day, all, add me to the list of the dreaded DCT malfunction. Saturday, I decided to go for a quick drive. I got in, started her up, and got the gong of pain with DCT malfunction displayed—no response from the shifter as expected. I turned off the car and started it back up, and the problem persisted. I locked the door and waited 10 minutes, then opened it, gave it a go again, and the car started fine. All systems are ok when checking the vehicle status. The car drove flawlessly. I turned it off and started up fine after that. This is the second weekend this has happened to me, so there is a pattern. The first instance I was keeping my fingers crossed it was just a glitch. I still need to pull the codes. Usually, my buddy does it for me. He has the expensive one the dealers use. However, I have decided to invest in my own scanner. What scanners do you guys use?

Car information:
2010 e90 M3 with 67K.
DCT.
Weekend car. Once or twice on the back roads.

Recent work:
Six Months ago – Rod bearings, DCT service (independent shop saw seepage).

The car ran fine up until this month. Potential culprits? Battery, ground wire, DCT shifter, DCT fluid? Alternator, DCT unit is shitting its pants? The battery was changed in 2018.

Your insight is appreciated.

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by kolosy

it's possible there's an issue with the fill level (assuming they didn't leave another leak which seems unlikely). i know the procedure is finicky and folks on here go to specific shops for it.

This ^ and this v

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbuck

There is a very specific fill procedure and if not done correctly will result in a low fill and future problems. I had a very intermittent issue so checked the level, and it turned out it was a 1/2 liter low. The DCT's are VERY sensitive to levels. I would check that prior to any further servicing. GL

SpacegrayMe90 · 09-19-2023, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nomad Dave

I had a similar issue and discovered the car will not shift into gear if the door is not closed all the way. Hopefully your issue is that easy to resolve.

Unfortunately, this is not the case for me. I wish it was.

Waiting for my scan tool to come in Friday.

The car replicated the same symptoms today. Press the start button and throws the DCT failure code, start off assistance inactive right away.

Turn off car---> no crank---> lock the door ---> wait ten 10 minutes ---> car starts no DCT malfunction.

No light on DCT shifter. I noticed this today.

Oh the joys of M car ownership. lol

spammysammich · 09-19-2023, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3E93

.... So I'm not sure if 5 Quarts is little low?

Tyspeed knows what’s up. 5L is not enough. Scan tool is not needed to top the transmission off. Look up the procedure in the DIY section and watch YouTube vids.

SpacegrayMe90 · 09-20-2023, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spammysammich

Tyspeed knows what’s up. 5L is not enough. Scan tool is not needed to top the transmission off. Look up the procedure in the DIY section and watch YouTube vids.

Thanks for the advice. I will look into this as a first priority.

anubis · 09-20-2023, 05:38 PM

I hope this is not the same for you

https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=25880256

SpacegrayMe90 · 09-21-2023, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anubis

I hope this is not the same for you

https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=25880256

Sheesh, I hope not.

Trinh_7 · 09-21-2023, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anubis

I hope this is not the same for you

https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=25880256

My car had the same sensor replaced at 69k miles along with the DCT harness + DCT resealed. That was an expensive service, luckily previous owner paid for it.

LMBE92 · 09-21-2023, 01:40 PM

I briefly read through the other comments and while I don’t disagree, I believe your problem is with a faulty ground strap on the oil pan. After I received my car back from rod bearing service I too had to deal with the dct malfunction code and upon returning the car to the shop who performed my service it was determined that the oil pan ground strap had seen better days. After a new one was installed the car functions fine and I haven’t had issues since. In my opinion, worth a shot as it is a potentially easy and cheap solution to your problem

09-18-2023, 10:32 AM	#1
SpacegrayMe90 First Lieutenant 134 Rep 372 Posts Drives: 2010 e90M3 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	The Dreaded DCT Malfunction Good day, all, Add me to the list of the dreaded DCT malfunction. Saturday, I decided to go for a quick drive. I got in, started her up, and got the gong of pain with DCT malfunction displayed—no response from the shifter as expected. I turned off the car and started it back up, and the problem persisted. I locked the door and waited 10 minutes, then opened it, gave it a go again, and the car started fine. All systems are ok when checking the vehicle status. The car drove flawlessly. I turned it off and started up fine after that. This is the second weekend this has happened to me, so there is a pattern. The first instance I was keeping my fingers crossed it was just a glitch. I still need to pull the codes. Usually, my buddy does it for me. He has the expensive one the dealers use. However, I have decided to invest in my own scanner. What scanners do you guys use? Car information: 2010 e90 M3 with 67K. DCT. Weekend car. Once or twice on the back roads. Recent work: Six Months ago – Rod bearings, DCT service (independent shop saw seepage). The car ran fine up until this month. Potential culprits? Battery, ground wire, DCT shifter, DCT fluid? Alternator, DCT unit is shitting its pants? The battery was changed in 2018. Your insight is appreciated. Thanks!
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09-18-2023, 10:41 AM	#2
kolosy Colonel 1493 Rep 2,024 Posts Drives: over potholes Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Chicago iTrader: (2)	what did the dct service consist of? __________________ Current '21 DG X5MC, '22 X5M50i, '11 E90 M3 Recent Past '12 E92 M3 ZCP, '08 E93 M3, '18 F80 ZCP, '04 E46 M3 I think I have an M3 problem.
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09-18-2023, 11:41 AM	#4
kolosy Colonel 1493 Rep 2,024 Posts Drives: over potholes Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Chicago iTrader: (2)	it's possible there's an issue with the fill level (assuming they didn't leave another leak which seems unlikely). i know the procedure is finicky and folks on here go to specific shops for it. __________________ Current '21 DG X5MC, '22 X5M50i, '11 E90 M3 Recent Past '12 E92 M3 ZCP, '08 E93 M3, '18 F80 ZCP, '04 E46 M3 I think I have an M3 problem.
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09-18-2023, 12:03 PM	#5
spammysammich Major 1585 Rep 1,106 Posts Drives: 2009 E92 M3 Dakar Yellow II Join Date: Oct 2021 Location: Edmonds, WA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW M3 [10.00]	How many liters of pentosin did they invoice ? If it’s less than 5 they shorted your fill.
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09-18-2023, 04:50 PM	#8
M3E93 New Member 56 Rep 20 Posts Drives: BMW E93 M3 Join Date: Nov 2022 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	I had the same DCT service last week at Tyspeed and they put 7L on the quote which is consistent to what is shown on FCP Euro's website. https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...28107842840kt2 Sal's Garage is using about 6 quarts in his youtube demo. I guess FCP Euro is selling some extra for spillage.... So I'm not sure if 5 Quarts is little low?
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09-18-2023, 05:42 PM	#9
tbuck Captain 1186 Rep 946 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 M3, 2016 F23 M235i Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: Huntsville iTrader: (0)	There is a very specific fill procedure and if not done correctly will result in a low fill and future problems. I had a very intermittent issue so checked the level, and it turned out it was a 1/2 liter low. The DCT's are VERY sensitive to levels. I would check that prior to any further servicing. GL __________________
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09-18-2023, 09:14 PM	#11
SpacegrayMe90 First Lieutenant 134 Rep 372 Posts Drives: 2010 e90M3 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the input guys. Being shortened on DCT oil is concerning.
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09-18-2023, 09:32 PM	#12
lynn New Member 21 Rep 11 Posts Drives: M3 E92 Melbourne Red Join Date: Sep 2023 Location: Brisbane iTrader: (0)	I picked up this scanner (located in AUS but you should be able to find one local to you), https://www.ebay.com/itm/183822953037 It does the job and has specific BMW functions. Relatively cheap as well. I tried an OBD2 scanner from my local shop and all it did was tell me information available via OBD2, i couldn't get the error codes.
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09-19-2023, 05:07 PM	#14
Nomad Dave New Member 12 Rep 21 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW M3 Join Date: May 2021 Location: Key Largo Fl iTrader: (0)	I had a similar issue and discovered the car will not shift into gear if the door is not closed all the way. Hopefully your issue is that easy to resolve.
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09-20-2023, 05:38 PM	#19
anubis ... 27 Rep 30 Posts Drives: '09 e92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	I hope this is not the same for you https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=25880256 __________________
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09-21-2023, 01:40 PM	#22
LMBE92 Private 64 Rep 73 Posts Drives: 2010 BMW M3 Join Date: Apr 2023 Location: Southern California iTrader: (1)	I briefly read through the other comments and while I don’t disagree, I believe your problem is with a faulty ground strap on the oil pan. After I received my car back from rod bearing service I too had to deal with the dct malfunction code and upon returning the car to the shop who performed my service it was determined that the oil pan ground strap had seen better days. After a new one was installed the car functions fine and I haven’t had issues since. In my opinion, worth a shot as it is a potentially easy and cheap solution to your problem
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