BMW 8 Diesel Power Loss: IAT Sensor Warning Signs

Hey there! I had the exact same issue with my 2019 BMW 7 Series diesel last summer. The symptoms were identical, engine light and noticeable power loss. Initially thought it was something major, but turned out the intake air temperature sensor was just faulty. Got it fixed at a garage, they cleaned the sensor housing, replaced the sensor unit, and recalibrated the ECU. The whole job took about 2 hours. Not a serious issue overall, but definitely needs attention since it affects engine performance and fuel efficiency. If left unfixed, it could potentially cause more problems with the engine management system. Just make sure whoever works on it uses OEM parts. The sensor itself is pretty straightforward to replace, but the calibration needs proper diagnostic equipment. My mechanic had to clear the error codes and run a few tests after installation to ensure everything was working properly. Good luck with the repair.

Thanks for sharing your experience! That's really helpful to know it wasn't anything too serious. Just wondering, do you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the whole repair? Also, has everything been running smoothly since then, or have you noticed any other issues pop up? I'm trying to get a sense of what I might be looking at cost-wise and whether I should expect any follow-up problems.

Hey again! Glad to help out! Just got back from getting mine fixed actually, cost me 155 € total, which included the new OEM sensor, labor, and the ECU recalibration. Honestly, it was a lot cheaper than I initially feared! Haven't had a single problem since the repair, and it's been running like a dream. The power's back to normal, and the engine light hasn't shown its face again. My fuel economy's even improved a bit, which is a nice bonus! Trust me, once you get it sorted, you'll notice the difference right away. The car feels much more responsive, and that annoying power lag completely disappears. Just make sure whoever does the work knows their way around BMW diagnostics, the calibration part is crucial. If you're worried about cost, what I paid seems pretty standard for this type of repair. Definitely worth getting it done sooner rather than later to prevent any knock-on issues. Let me know how it goes!

Thanks everyone for the advice! Just got back from getting my BMW fixed and wanted to share how it went. Found a certified mechanic who specializes in European cars, and I'm so glad I did! The whole thing was way less painful than expected. They diagnosed it quickly, replaced the sensor, and did the calibration in about 2.5 hours. Cost me a bit more than expected at 200 €, but they used genuine BMW parts and did a thorough job. The difference is incredible, car's running perfectly now! No more engine light, and the power's completely back to normal. Feels like I'm driving a new car again. The mechanic also gave it a quick once-over and said everything else looks great. Really appreciate all the help and recommendations. Saved me from stressing out over what turned out to be a pretty straightforward fix. Just glad to have my car back in top shape!