BMW 1 Series Diesel: Low Power & Engine Light Mystery

Hey there! I have some experience working on cars and had a similar issue with my 2013 BMW 3 series diesel (320d). When the engine light came on and I noticed power drops, I wasn't sure what to expect. Took it to my regular workshop, and they diagnosed a defective crankcase ventilation system. The repair, including parts and labor, set me back about 360 Euro, but it fixed the problem completely. Before you assume it's the same issue though, could you share a bit more info? Like: Any unusual sounds? Does it smoke more than usual? Have you noticed any oil consumption changes? I've seen these symptoms in other BMW models too (like the 5 series), but it's best to get a proper diagnosis. Let me know these details, and I might be able to help more!

Thanks for the detailed response! My car has done 19293 KM and had its last service 3 months ago. I haven't noticed any unusual sounds, but there is a bit more smoke than usual from the exhaust, especially when starting up in the morning. Oil consumption seems normal though, haven't had to top up between services. Your repair costs sound reasonable, that's a relief! Did you notice any warning signs before your ventilation system completely failed? Just trying to figure out if I should get it checked right away or if I can wait until my next scheduled service.

Hey again! Glad I can help with my experience. Yeah, looking at your symptoms, especially the increased smoke during cold starts, it really does sound similar to what I dealt with on my 320d. Before my ventilation system completely failed, I did notice a few warning signs that I probably should have acted on sooner. The power loss started gradually, at first, I thought I was just imagining it. Then the smoke from the exhaust got worse over about 2-3 weeks, particularly on cold mornings, just like you're describing. I made the mistake of waiting too long, thinking I could hold out until my next service. Bad move! The problem got worse pretty quickly, and I ended up having some rough idle issues too. My advice? Don't wait like I did. With these symptoms, especially the smoke and power loss combo, you'll want to get it checked soon. The repair isn't super expensive, but if you leave it too long, it can potentially cause other issues. Quick tip from my experience, when they fix it, ask them to check the seals around the valve too. My mechanic found that mine were pretty worn, and replacing those at the same time prevented any repeat issues. Been running smooth for about 18 months now since the repair.

Thanks so much for sharing those details about the warning signs, that's super helpful! You've convinced me not to wait until my next service. Better to deal with it now than risk more problems down the line. I'll definitely take your advice about getting those seals checked too, smart thinking! I'll call my mechanic tomorrow and get it booked in. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. It's always less stressful dealing with car issues when you know what to expect. I'll make sure to get it sorted before it develops into something worse like yours did. Thanks again for all the helpful info!