BMW X3 Check Engine + Rough Running: Sensor Fix Needed?

Hey there! I had a similar issue with my 2014 BMW X5 35i last year. The rough running and check engine light turned out to be a faulty wiring connection to the coolant level sensor. The connector had corroded and was giving false readings to the ECU. The fix wasn't too complex, they cleaned the connector, replaced some damaged wiring, and installed a new sensor since the old one had been compromised by the corrosion. Not a super serious issue, but definitely something that needed proper attention. The car ran smooth as butter afterward. Based on your symptoms, it sounds very similar to what I experienced. These sensors are pretty crucial for proper engine management, so I wouldn't wait too long to get it checked out. I'd strongly suggest finding a shop that specializes in European cars, particularly BMWs. A specialist will know exactly where to look and what to check first. Hope this helps with your decision!

Thanks for sharing your experience! That's really helpful, and it does sound similar to what I'm dealing with. Good to know it wasn't something catastrophic in your case. Do you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the repair? Also, has everything been running smoothly since then, or have you noticed any other issues pop up?

Hey again! Happy to give you an update! I just got my X5 back from the mechanic last week, where they fixed that exact issue we were discussing. The total came to 95 €, honestly not as bad as I was expecting for a BMW repair! Turned out it was just a dodgy cable connection to the water sensor that needed sorting out. Since getting it fixed, my car's been running like a dream, no more check engine light, no rough running, nothing. It's amazing how something as simple as a faulty connection can cause such a headache! I was pretty relieved it wasn't anything more serious. And nope, haven't had any other issues pop up since then. The car's been perfect actually, smooth as the day I bought it. Just goes to show sometimes these problems aren't as scary as they first seem. Sure glad I got it sorted though, definitely worth every penny for the peace of mind! Let me know how you get on with yours, hopefully it's the same straightforward fix!

Thanks so much for the detailed follow-up! I actually just got my X3 back from the shop yesterday. You were spot on, it was a similar sensor issue. Ended up paying a bit more than you did because they found some corrosion that needed cleaning up, but still way less than I was dreading. The mechanic I found was really thorough. He showed me exactly what was wrong and explained everything clearly, such a relief after my previous bad experiences. The car's running perfectly now, super smooth with no warning lights. Really appreciate your help, it gave me the confidence to get it checked out sooner rather than later. Sometimes these car problems seem way scarier than they actually are. Guess I was stressing over nothing! Anyway, thanks again for sharing your experience. It really helped me make the right decision!