P1290 Error Code

[Zack73]

I'm getting a check engine light and P1290 OBD code that from generic searches is showing to be a faulty cylinder head temperature sensor. Very little information on the part, replacement, or this code number in general so I was wondering if anyone had experience with it. The car is a 2013 328xi. Not much in the way of symptoms, maybe some weaker performance than usual and previously I was getting a bit of hiccup right after I started my car but not much else. Do I need a specialty BMW code read for more information? Anyone ever seen this code?

Thanks!

[White94RX]

That's why generic OBD codes aren't much help. If you can get it scanned with real BMW software, it's going to be a lot more specific. It could be a thermostat code, or something else.

[Zack73]

BT codes show 123401 and 123431, having to do with the electronic wastegate. I'm suspecting a bad actuator, but I am out of my DIY realm now. I will follow back up here in case anyone has the same problem once I get it figured out, since the info on this is still pretty sparce.

[Zack73]

For reference, it did turn out to be the wastegate actuator. Fixing that fixed the check engine light and improved mpg.

[MattCap141]

Hello Zack.
I do have the exact same issue, engine default Light, error code p1290, bt codes 123401 and 123431 on my 125i f20 (using same engine as yours).
I don't completly understand how you solved the issue. Can you explain in more details ?
Many thanks in avance.
Regards from France.
MattCap

[fabian9887]

Hi,
Codes show the same issue on my 125i F21.
Are there any new information?
BMW says the turbo has to be replaced.
Costs about 3k€.
Whats do you think?

Regards,
Fabian

[Xtrafast]

For reference, it did turn out to be the wastegate actuator. Fixing that fixed the check engine light and improved mpg.

I have a 2013 328xi also. While driving at about 35 mph, my car suddenly lost almost all power as if I was running out of gas (nothing electrical). I managed to get pulled over safely and saw the check engine light and a display saying “drivetrain malfunction”. This display had come up once before when I pulled into a parking spot and stopped, but the car ran fine. I called the BMW shop and he said to shut the car off wait a while and see if it was on when I started it again, which it was not. The display has come on two more times (usually when parking), and has done that poor power thing once more but not nearly as bad. And in case you’re wondering, I am very careful about making sure my car is completely stopped before putting it in any gear. Anyway, I was wondering how much it ended up costing you to fix the wastegate actuator on your car. Were you able to fix it yourself or did you have to have it done at a shop?

[madejczyk]

I have a 2013 328xi also. While driving at about 35 mph, my car suddenly lost almost all power as if I was running out of gas (nothing electrical). I managed to get pulled over safely and saw the check engine light and a display saying “drivetrain malfunction”. This display had come up once before when I pulled into a parking spot and stopped, but the car ran fine. I called the BMW shop and he said to shut the car off wait a while and see if it was on when I started it again, which it was not. The display has come on two more times (usually when parking), and has done that poor power thing once more but not nearly as bad. And in case you’re wondering, I am very careful about making sure my car is completely stopped before putting it in any gear. Anyway, I was wondering how much it ended up costing you to fix the wastegate actuator on your car. Were you able to fix it yourself or did you have to have it done at a shop?

Hello~ did you resolve this issue? - I am currently experiencing the exact same problem. Mechanics all telling me I need a new engine (idiots)

[328 Power 04]

Can you please provide the BMW manufacturer codes from the engine ECU in your car? I can get a better description of what's going on.

P codes are vague and often incorrectly interpreted. (No surprise!)