BMW 740Ld xDrive swirl flaps failure causing drivetrain malfunction light and potential engine ingestion on BMW 740Ld xDrive

Some BMW 740Ld xDrive owners report experiencing swirl flap failure, which can lead to drivetrain malfunction lights and potential engine ingestion issues. This failure often results from the steel swirl flaps dropping screws or upper components, which can cause significant engine damage if ingested. Additionally, owners may notice drivetrain malfunction lights indicating problems with the transmission, differential, or propshaft, often stemming from these components. Some owners also experience a loss of power at high RPMs due to swirl flap failure, as detailed in the BMW technical manual. Furthermore, the swirl flap actuator motor may exceed set parameters, triggering fault codes and placing the vehicle in limp mode. Various warning lights, including the AWD/4X4 light or check engine light, can signal drivetrain malfunctions that require immediate diagnosis to prevent further damage. Instances of random drivetrain malfunction error messages on the iDrive screen have also been reported, emphasizing the need for prompt attention to these issues.