BMW X3 Power Loss & Stalling: Throttle Valve Woes?

Hey there! I had very similar issues with my 2011 BMW X5 35i last year. The symptoms you're describing match exactly what I experienced, sluggish acceleration, high idle, and that annoying check engine light. In my case, it turned out to be a faulty electronic accelerator pedal module. The sensors inside were giving incorrect readings to the ECU, causing all those symptoms. It wasn't just a simple throttle body issue as I initially thought. Had it diagnosed at a certified shop with their diagnostic computer. The repair involved replacing the entire pedal module assembly. It was a serious issue that needed immediate attention since it affects vehicle control and safety. The fix wasn't too complicated though, took them about 2 hours to complete the work. The car's been running perfectly since then, like new actually. I'd recommend getting it checked soon, as driving with these symptoms could potentially lead to more problems. Just my two cents based on mechanical experience.

Thanks for sharing your experience! This really helps since I was worried about the throttle body, but now I'm thinking it could be the pedal module as well. Quick question, do you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the whole repair? Also, has everything stayed good with the car since the fix, or have you noticed any other related issues popping up? My mechanic quoted me a pretty high price, so I'm trying to figure out if it's reasonable.

Hey again! Happy to give you an update on my situation. You'll be glad to know I got my X5 sorted out at the shop last week, and they confirmed it was actually both issues, the throttle valve and the accelerator pedal module were acting up. Total bill came to 265€ for fixing the pedal module electronics, which honestly wasn't as bad as I expected. Since the repair, my car's been running like a dream, no more sluggish response, no check engine light, and the idle is perfect now. It's like driving a completely different car! Zero issues since then, and I've been putting quite a few miles on it. If your mechanic is quoting way higher, might be worth getting a second opinion. These repairs shouldn't break the bank, and based on my experience, it's a pretty straightforward fix for a qualified tech. Just make sure they're using proper diagnostic equipment to pinpoint the exact problem, that's really key with these BMW electronics. Trust me, once it's fixed properly, you'll notice the difference right away. Let me know how it goes!

Thanks so much for the detailed follow-up! Just wanted to update you, I bit the bullet and took my X3 to a certified mechanic yesterday. Turns out you were spot on about getting a second opinion! The new shop did a thorough diagnostic and found it was just the throttle valve, much simpler than my first mechanic suggested. The repair was done in about three hours, and the final cost was way more reasonable than the initial quote I got. The car's running perfectly now, that annoying hesitation is gone, and the engine feels smooth again. Should've done this weeks ago instead of worrying about it! Really grateful for your advice about finding a shop with proper diagnostic tools. They actually showed me the problem on their computer, which made me feel much better about the whole thing. No more check engine light, and the idle is back to normal. Thanks again for helping me avoid getting overcharged. It's such a relief to have this sorted out!